Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Tyndale House Publishers (2014), 496 pages
Description
Fiction. Suspense. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. HTML:2015 Christy Award finalist! 2015 ECPA Christian Book Award Winner! 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 empi… (more)
Awards
Christian Book Award (Winner — Fiction — 2015)
Christy Awards (Finalist — 2015)
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
496 p.; 8.8 inches
ISBN
1414348606 / 9781414348605
UPC
031809148600
User reviews
LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
Randy Singer has long been a favorite author of mine, writing the legal suspense novels that I love. In his latest book, The Advocate, Singer takes on the culture and politics of 1st Century Rome while supplying the same excellent writing his fans have come to expect. The Advocate may be a
The novel follows the life and career of Theophilus a Roman citizen who aspires to be the greatest advocate Rome has ever seen. Born during a time of change and upheaval, trained by the great teacher Seneca, and witness to life-changing history, Theophilus is ever searching for the truth. His journey takes him from Rome to Greece to Judea and back as he takes on political foes that include emperors.
Little is known about the historical Theophilus. Mentioned only by Luke in his Gospel and the Acts of The Apostles, Singer creates a well-developed fictional character a reader can identify with and cheer for. In fact all of the characters in The Advocate are well-drawn. Complex with flaws and faults, doubts and fears, and triumphs and griefs, these ancient Romans come to life for the reader. Singer’s historical research is excellent as well, including the political intrigues and culture of the day. This book made me want to know more, and I found myself googling Nero, Caligula and other historical figures described. The brutality of the Roman system is never sugar-coated and there are some cringe-inducing scenes in the book — necessary to fully represent the historical background of the novel.
Theophilus is a true Roman. He is a product of his day and time, yet has a sense of justice and truth that devolved from the days of the Republic to the time of the Emperors. Singer has him present at the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, an event that puts Theophilus on a faith journey to discover just what truth is. Theophilus grows throughout the novel, and his thoughts resonate with the reader.
I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a wonderful job of bringing Theophilus to life. If you are looking for a rich listening experience, this audiobook is for you.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
Great for Book Clubs.
Show More
departure from his standard fare, but it is a book I would highly recommend to anyone — fans of history, suspense, politics, or those looking for their next great read.The novel follows the life and career of Theophilus a Roman citizen who aspires to be the greatest advocate Rome has ever seen. Born during a time of change and upheaval, trained by the great teacher Seneca, and witness to life-changing history, Theophilus is ever searching for the truth. His journey takes him from Rome to Greece to Judea and back as he takes on political foes that include emperors.
Little is known about the historical Theophilus. Mentioned only by Luke in his Gospel and the Acts of The Apostles, Singer creates a well-developed fictional character a reader can identify with and cheer for. In fact all of the characters in The Advocate are well-drawn. Complex with flaws and faults, doubts and fears, and triumphs and griefs, these ancient Romans come to life for the reader. Singer’s historical research is excellent as well, including the political intrigues and culture of the day. This book made me want to know more, and I found myself googling Nero, Caligula and other historical figures described. The brutality of the Roman system is never sugar-coated and there are some cringe-inducing scenes in the book — necessary to fully represent the historical background of the novel.
Theophilus is a true Roman. He is a product of his day and time, yet has a sense of justice and truth that devolved from the days of the Republic to the time of the Emperors. Singer has him present at the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, an event that puts Theophilus on a faith journey to discover just what truth is. Theophilus grows throughout the novel, and his thoughts resonate with the reader.
I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a wonderful job of bringing Theophilus to life. If you are looking for a rich listening experience, this audiobook is for you.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
Great for Book Clubs.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Virginia51
This was a wonderful biblical story. It is about Theophilus who was similar to today's lawyers. He was a great orator. He lived in Rome and then was sent to be with Pilate as his secretary. He tries to keep Pilate from prosecuting Christ to death but it didn't work. Later he is sent back to Rome
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where he ends up trying to help people live through many Caesars reigns. He meets Paul and saves his life and becomes a Christian. This may not be a true story but it is so well done that you don't remember that it isn't true. I received this book from the bookfun.org for a fair and honest opinion. Show Less
LibraryThing member janerawoof
It was fascinating how the author has used the theory that the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts were actually intended as legal briefs, written to a man named Theophilus about whom we know not much more than his name. Singer has created a full-fledged, believable sympathetic character for this
I was captivated from the very first sentence where Theophilus as a schoolboy learning law and rhetoric from Seneca along with his classmates. They, including the odious Caligula, are guinea pigs for acting out crucifixions--no, they are not not carried out completely, but the boy gets a taste of what it might be like. The story of the passage of Theophilus's years and experiences sprang to life immediately for me. It kept me enthralled, though I'd call the writing pedestrian. I felt the last part involving Paul and then the killing of Christians in the arena as human torches was too preachy for my taste. I did see the author's earnestness and sincerity. I caught three "okay"'s and the author used our system of dates and time, rather than that used in those days, for example: Sept. 9, days of the week. I learned something about the Roman judicial system. That first part is seared into my mind.
Recommended.
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man. In the author's conception he was a lawyer back in the reigns of Tiberius through Nero. He is sent to Judaea to act as legal advisor to Pontius Pilate and in spite of his best defense efforts at the trial of Jesus, fails. Returning to Rome, we see different trials at which he always defends a "lost cause" where he feels the defendants are wrongly accused and difficult cases: a senator accused of treason, a Vestal accused of breaking her vows of chastity with a gladiator.... He finally takes the case of the Apostle Paul with its shattering effect on his life.I was captivated from the very first sentence where Theophilus as a schoolboy learning law and rhetoric from Seneca along with his classmates. They, including the odious Caligula, are guinea pigs for acting out crucifixions--no, they are not not carried out completely, but the boy gets a taste of what it might be like. The story of the passage of Theophilus's years and experiences sprang to life immediately for me. It kept me enthralled, though I'd call the writing pedestrian. I felt the last part involving Paul and then the killing of Christians in the arena as human torches was too preachy for my taste. I did see the author's earnestness and sincerity. I caught three "okay"'s and the author used our system of dates and time, rather than that used in those days, for example: Sept. 9, days of the week. I learned something about the Roman judicial system. That first part is seared into my mind.
Recommended.
Show Less
LibraryThing member sparkleandchico
This is the third Randy Singer book that I have tried to get into although slightly different from the other two due to the historical element.
Singer has created a story around the events of Jesus' death and resurrection. It reminded me a little of Ben Hur with the descriptions of gladiators and
In the author's note, Singer states that it took him five years to write this book due to the research required. He wrote other books in his normal crime/legal genre alongside this one.
Unfortunately, I didn't get on with this book either so it must be Singer's writing style that I struggle with. I found the book very long and lost interest after just a few chapters although I forced myself to read to the end. The Jesus storyline felt like it had just been tagged onto the rest of the narrative because the author wanted it to be there. I didn't feel Singer did a good job of merging the characters to immerse the reader in the events of the day. He also glossed over the resurrection and the Gospel message was a little vague in places.
The events surrounding Jesus and the Apostles had been lifted straight from the Bible even to the extent of having Luke and others appear in the story. This was a difficult area because I appreciate that Singer tried to be faithful to the biblical text which many Christian writers fail to do but I felt that it would have been more interesting to include other fictional perspectives of the events in question. Any writer can copy huge chunks of the Bible but making the story come alive in a fictional narrative is tricky and I don't think the writer has succeeded here.
There is a lot of graphic violence and torture--I have found this in all of Singer's books. Indeed, I abandoned the first one I tried to read as the violence sickened me. I have read other Christian books recently that manage to include violent scenes to make the story realistic without being graphic. Singer includes too much for my tastes. As far as I can recall there were no sexual scenes and no bad language.
I am rating this as "okay" due to the attempts by the author to bring the Gospel to people. However, I don't recommend it due to the violence.
Singer has created a story around the events of Jesus' death and resurrection. It reminded me a little of Ben Hur with the descriptions of gladiators and
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the types of violent entertainment provided by Emperors like the notorious Nero. In the author's note, Singer states that it took him five years to write this book due to the research required. He wrote other books in his normal crime/legal genre alongside this one.
Unfortunately, I didn't get on with this book either so it must be Singer's writing style that I struggle with. I found the book very long and lost interest after just a few chapters although I forced myself to read to the end. The Jesus storyline felt like it had just been tagged onto the rest of the narrative because the author wanted it to be there. I didn't feel Singer did a good job of merging the characters to immerse the reader in the events of the day. He also glossed over the resurrection and the Gospel message was a little vague in places.
The events surrounding Jesus and the Apostles had been lifted straight from the Bible even to the extent of having Luke and others appear in the story. This was a difficult area because I appreciate that Singer tried to be faithful to the biblical text which many Christian writers fail to do but I felt that it would have been more interesting to include other fictional perspectives of the events in question. Any writer can copy huge chunks of the Bible but making the story come alive in a fictional narrative is tricky and I don't think the writer has succeeded here.
There is a lot of graphic violence and torture--I have found this in all of Singer's books. Indeed, I abandoned the first one I tried to read as the violence sickened me. I have read other Christian books recently that manage to include violent scenes to make the story realistic without being graphic. Singer includes too much for my tastes. As far as I can recall there were no sexual scenes and no bad language.
I am rating this as "okay" due to the attempts by the author to bring the Gospel to people. However, I don't recommend it due to the violence.
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LibraryThing member Acevedo_Urzua
Randy Singer’s The Advocate can be regarded as an achievement for three reasons.
Firstly, like any good novel situated in an historical date and place, the reader can feel and smell the greatness and flawless of the Roman empire. A developed civilization in which flourish philosophers and artists,
Secondly, it shows the radicalism Christianity represented to the world. What it seemed just a deviation of the already weird Jewish religion, proved to be even more powerful than death itself. And the humiliating crucifixion on a cross turned to be a source of relief and hope for another life after the earthly one.
Finally, for lawyers, this book is a fresh inspiration about how to address difficult cases. Being faithful to the Truth does not mean being straightforwardly fool or predictable. The art of defending a client has always consisted in presenting the arguments in such a way that the judge can see reality the way the client did under the circumstances. And also, it requires addressing the judge in a way to force him to say what is just. From this viewpoint a good advocate not only presents the facts conveniently but also challenges the judicial system in order to achieve the always painful outcome of justice.
We are grateful for this entertaining novel from whom we learn about God, the human soul and history.
Santiago Acevedo
Firstly, like any good novel situated in an historical date and place, the reader can feel and smell the greatness and flawless of the Roman empire. A developed civilization in which flourish philosophers and artists,
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yet subject to the ruthlessness and vanity of his rulers. Order and majesty mingled with terror and injustice.Secondly, it shows the radicalism Christianity represented to the world. What it seemed just a deviation of the already weird Jewish religion, proved to be even more powerful than death itself. And the humiliating crucifixion on a cross turned to be a source of relief and hope for another life after the earthly one.
Finally, for lawyers, this book is a fresh inspiration about how to address difficult cases. Being faithful to the Truth does not mean being straightforwardly fool or predictable. The art of defending a client has always consisted in presenting the arguments in such a way that the judge can see reality the way the client did under the circumstances. And also, it requires addressing the judge in a way to force him to say what is just. From this viewpoint a good advocate not only presents the facts conveniently but also challenges the judicial system in order to achieve the always painful outcome of justice.
We are grateful for this entertaining novel from whom we learn about God, the human soul and history.
Santiago Acevedo
Show Less