In this poignant capstone to The Barabbas Trilogy, the man called Barabbas—infamous former thief, murderer and prisoner turned Christian—and his wife Chanah continue their mission of spreading the gospel across the known world as cauldrons of political and military chaos boil across the Roman Empire.
Nero is increasingly erratic, and it’s only a matter of time before the sharp knives of imperial politics finish him off. Various successors vie for position. Who will strike first, and who will come out on top?
Meanwhile, the rebellion in Judea has intensified, the Jewish zealots exerting great influence over the minds of the people. General Vespasian and his son Titus aim to put a permanent end to the insurrection. How many lives will ultimately be sacrificed on the great altar of Jerusalem? Can the Jewish nation survive the fulfillment of Jesus’s prophecy? 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?
The Barabbas Legacy once again brings the early years of the church into vivid detail, concluding the journey of those first saints who sacrificed everything to bring Christ’s message to the world.
Excerpt
From Chapter 14, the perspective of a Roman soldier
Josephus settled himself underneath the narrow window with the view of the city, Corun leaning against the perpendicular outer wall on the south side. “You are not a coward,” the strangely influential Jew began, perceptively. He looked to be about thirty, but acted older.
Corun shook his head. It had been a long day. “No. I am a … conscientious objector.” There was another term for it, but his mind was fuzzy.
“Hmmm …” Josephus nodded sagely. He had clearly seen a great many things in his life, including horrific events. Corun could tell from his eyes. He wondered if his own eyes now reflected the same thinly suppressed horror at the cruelty of mankind. “You realize that won’t matter to Titus.”
Corun shrugged. “I suppose not. But we all die someday.”
“Indeed, we do. But why hasten it? I believe there is an opportunity for you to redeem yourself. You are a good soldier, and a valuable asset, unless …” He paused, and Corun finished his sentence.
“Unless my mind isn’t right. Or my heart.”
“Yes. You have many skills. I have questioned several of your comrades. You are from a noble family?”
Corun shrugged again. “Minor nobles, north of Italy.”
Josephus scratched his chin with a fleshy finger. He was certainly well fed. “Still. You have value. Titus and his father appreciate value.”
Corun grunted. “What value do you provide?” He was curious.
“Well, as I said, I’m a former leader among the Jewish zealots. I know many of the other leaders. I understand their training regimen and tactics. I’m also a skilled observer and recorder. I would like to be known as a great historian someday, recording the events playing out before us for future generations. As a lesson.” He flashed Corun a broad smile, eyes glistening. “Titus has recently given me permission to gather all the Jewish records from the temple once the city is taken, which makes God’s purpose for me even clearer.”
“I’m not as useful as you,” said Corun. “At best, sparing me would only bring Vespasian a minor ally in my family. Besides, I am studying to be a Christian.”
He wasn’t sure why he had admitted that. Was it true? Josephus cocked his head, looking intensely curious.
“A Christian, you say?”
Corun lifted his chin slightly. “Yes. I met a girl in Britannia who is Christian, and I spent some time in Rome at their temple, and in their library. All that doesn’t matter much now. Well, I guess on the other side it might. I don’t really know yet.”
“The other side …” Josephus pondered that, his eyes wandering for a moment until they settled again on Corun. “I’ve interviewed several Christians regarding their views on salvation, about what happens after this life, and how they know it. They seem quite convinced of how it will work. I should make a visit to their library. I’m not sure why I haven’t done so yet. By the way, do you know almost all the Christians left Jerusalem many months ago? It’s been nearly two years, I think. Their leader … what is his name? … ah, yes, Philip. He led them out. They went many places, but especially Pella. A few Jews followed their example, recognizing as the Christians did that something like this was coming.”
Corun felt a strange, joyful surge in his heart. The Christians had left? Was that why he had been so revolted by the nature of the siege, because so many Christians would die? But no, he felt for the innocent Jews as well. God did, too; he was sure of it. The surge retreated, and the glumness returned.
“Why are you here again?”
Josephus gave him a considering look. “You care for my countrymen. So do I. It was foolish of me to become part of the rebel forces. I’ve seen nothing but death and destruction among my people. I’m seeking to heal the rifts.”
“How did you gain the favor of Vespasian?”
Josephus shrugged. “I’m not quite sure. But he is a smart man, and generally not a wasteful one. He finds, develops, and leverages advantages. That’s why he’s emperor now. If I can serve him well, I can create advantages for myself and my people in the future.”
“But not here,” said Corun, shaking his head sadly. “Your people will be slaughtered here. They are being slaughtered. Every day it’s worse. Why doesn’t Titus just attack? He has four legions.”
Josephus’s lips had drawn into a tight line. He was clearly pained. After a moment, he replied, “He will, soon. I must be careful what advice I give him, though. Otherwise, he will throw me over the walls in a catapult. I say that only partly in jest.”
Corun stared at him blankly. So, Josephus was protecting himself. It was still odd he had come to visit Corun. Was he bored?
“Well, thank you for coming. It was good to talk to someone before I die. I don’t care if you’re Jew or Roman, or something in between.”
Josephus studied him for long moments. “You are brave and wise. And you are studying to be a Christian. Titus has a favorable view of the Christians. His father, too. The Jewish Christians were among the few in Judea to show true appreciation for Roman law, properly administered. They did not rebel. They didn’t spy much for the Romans, either, but they didn’t rebel. There is hope for you. I will speak with Titus when the siege is over. Perhaps he will let you accompany me in recovering the records from the temple. I could use the help, from a sincerely God-fearing man.”
Corun wasn’t sure what to think about the invitation, or Josephus’s compliment. Was he truly a ‘God-fearing man’ now? Would it make any difference in the end? It was too difficult to comprehend, especially in his current state, so he would continue doing the small tasks assigned him, eat his remaining few meals, and die bravely. It was the best he could do.
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