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I really love Randy Singer’s books. So much thought goes into each plot and his legal thrillers are page turners that usually make you question your own beliefs, values and convictions; why you believe what you believe.
The Advocate combines a great legal thriller with some fascinating information about what was going on in the first century right after the death and resurrection of Christ. The book opens and introduces the character Theophilus. It’s not really known if he is a real person, but using him as a character in the book provides a great vehicle for some extensive explanations about events that occurred.
A good part of the book is written in first person, which I tend to really enjoy. It makes me feel as though I know better what the character is thinking and feeling. You know exactly what Theophilus is feeling in Rome and Jerusalem.
The first half of the book follows the story of Theophilus; his training in the best school in Rome. A major emphasis in the school is debate, and being able to defend a position. Theophilus’ ability to do this becomes crucial later in the story.
Another thing that I really enjoy is learning about actual first century life. These people were real and earthy and gritty. They had real life problems, committed real life sins, loved, hated, worked and simply lived their lives. Singer does a wonderful job of showing us that these first century people are just like us. The way of life may be different, but the thoughts, feelings and emotions are the same shared through the ages.
There were a lot of things explained through the story that I had never thought about. You’ll see how horrible Caligula really was. Most of the people mentioned and who had a part in the story actually existed and were mentioned in the Bible, so it’s really cool to see how they all fit into the overall story.
The second part of the book was simply fascinating. Theophilus is now an adult and a very successful ‘advocate’ (lawyer). Through a series of events, he is called upon to represent Paul, who is in prison and close to being sentenced to death. The story gives a plausible reason why Luke wrote Paul’s story and how the story lived on. Several characters in the Bible had a part in what happened. I won’t disclose the outcome of the trial, but trust me, you will find yourself unable to put the book down.
This book ticked all of the boxes for me: I love learning about legal stuff, I love learning about things that happened in biblical time, and Singer masterfully combined both.
Here’s the copy from the book jacket:
At the trial of Christ, Theophilus, brilliant young assessore raised in the Roman aristocracy, stands behind Pontius Pilate and whispers, “Offer to release Barabbas.” The strategy backfires, and Theophilus never forgets the sight of an innocent man unjustly suffering the worst of all possible deaths—Roman crucifixion. Three decades later, Theophilus has proven himself in the legal ranks of the Roman Empire. He has survived the insane rule of Caligula and has weathered the cruel tyrant’s quest to control the woman he loves. He has endured the mindless violence of the gladiator games and the backstabbing intrigue of the treason trials.
Now he must face another evil Caesar, defending the man Paul in Nero’s deranged court. Can Theophilus mount a defense that will keep another innocent man from execution?
The advocate’s first trial altered the course of history. His last will change the fate of an empire.
How would you like a copy for yourself? I’m giving one away! And it’s also available at Family Christian Stores here.
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