Barabbas Trilogy

We know precious little of the man called Barabbas, a contemporary of Jesus of Nazareth. He is variously described in the historical record as thief, murderer, rebel, and notable Roman prisoner. His release by the Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate was part of the supernal plan for the Christ to offer himself as the ultimate blood sacrifice, but it's doubtful Barabbas understood any of that at the time. Many have wondered what became of him, or rather, who he became after that fateful day. Someday we will know the answer, but in the meantime we can imagine that, like all of us, he too sought a path of personal redemption, imperfectly.

The man they called Barabbas has come a long way from the wretched prisoner released by Pontius Pilate in lieu of Jesus of Nazareth. He and his wife Chanah are growing in regard among the leadership of Christ's fledgling church, which is expanding and thriving. But increasing Christian influence breeds jealousy among several Roman governors and senators. How will Emperor Nero react? Can the apostle Paul soothe the moody young ruler and help the valiant Roman saints continue to spread the Word? The Parthian Empire also poses threats, including in Eastern Africa, where the former centurion Cornelius has become a prominent Christian leader. Will the Christians need to flee, or must they fight both the Romans and the Parthians?

As the family of Barabbas and Chanah continue to spread across the known world, cauldrons of political and military chaos are beginning to boil across the Roman Empire. Nero has become increasingly erratic, and it's only a matter of time before the sharp knives of Roman politics finish him. Various successors begin to prepare. Who will strike first, and who will come out on top? Meanwhile, the rebellion in Judea has intensified, the Jewish zealots having gained great influence over the minds of the people. Vespasian and his son Titus aim to put a permanent end to the insurrection. How many lives will be sacrificed on the great altar of Jerusalem? What will become of the Jewish Christians and the apostles and sisters who lead them? And where will Barabbas and his family find lasting peace?