This book is a sequel to my previous book, SIX BIBLE STORIES THAT NEVER HAPPENED...but maybe could have. It takes additional minor characters of the New Testament—a pagan woman, two blind men, the father of the apostles Matthew and James, and others--and presents fictional stories about them woven into the actual Biblical narrative. Justa, a pagan woman, is presented with a back story of true faith, genuine love, debilitating tragedy and miraculous healing. She is introduced as a house slave who longs to be respected and loved. Her story follows her as she learns resilience from Mary and Joseph, how to love and be loved from her beloved husband Danel, and her true worth from Jesus. Micah and Asher’s story begins with them as thieves partnering with Eli, an unrepentant ne’er-do-well. Then, through the concern of the apostle Nathaniel, they are lifted up from blindness to sight, both physically and spiritually. The story of Alphaeus is about a man who is obstinate regarding his Jewish beliefs and traditions, even if his stubbornness means being estranged from his sons, Matthew and James, and creating heartache for his wife, Rebecca. Alphaeus’ adamant stand leads him to join Saul in persecuting the first Christians until he and Saul are ironically called to be ambassadors for Christ. These stories engage and inspire, for they not only speak to questions of faith in the context of the start of Christianity, but they also touch on challenges regarding faith and the meaning of life facing contemporary believers and unbelievers alike.

This book is a second sequel to my previous book, SIX BIBLE STORIES THAT NEVER HAPPENED...but maybe could have to complete the trilogy of BIBLE STORIES. It takes additional underdeveloped characters of the New Testament and presents imagined stories about them woven into the Biblical narrative. “Malchus and Photine” is a coming-to-faith story. Malchus’ loses his ear to Simon Peter’s sword and Photine meets Jesus at Jacob’s well. These are transformational moments leading to struggle and salvation. “Didymus” is the story of the Apostle Thomas and his identical twin brother,Tamir, who learn the meaning of sacrificial love through doubt and conflict. “Joanna” is a story about Jewish aristocrats who become disgusted with their rich and powerful lives and come to know that Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life.”

This book takes six minor characters of the New Testament—the rich young man, the widow and her mite, the centurion Cornelius, one of the ten healed lepers, the good thief, and Peter’s mother-in-law—and presents fictional stories woven into the actual Biblical narrative. Jacob’s story concerns choosing between God and money. Sarah’s story is about believing in Jesus’ power to heal. Cornelius’ story regards coming to faith even in the face of a questionable past. Miriam’s story chronicles her physical and moral restoration leading to a deep personal commitment to Christ. The Dismas story is about forgiveness and inner beauty in the face of disfigurement and confusion. And the Hannah story dramatizes the overcoming of doubt and resentment followed by the discovery of peace and genuine faith. These stories resonate with readers, for the challenges presented are not unlike those faced by contemporary believers and unbelievers alike.

Presented here are two volumes of apocryphal writings reflecting the life and time of the Old and New Testaments. Stories told by contemporary fiction writers of historical Bible times in fascinating and beautiful style.

Janine Fisher, a talented primary care physician, is whole-heartedly dedicated to the art of healing. But her life is dramatically changed when she is graced with the power to miraculously heal by touch. Skeptical at first, Janine realizes she in fact has the gift of healing touch. Now she is confronted by the struggle to know when she should use this power and how she can overcome the temptation to use this power for self-promotion. As her story unfolds, Janine is faced with many people who need miraculous healing. But then she is faced with the consequences, some negative, of performing miraculous healings on them. She faces doubt, rejection, abandonment, and the ever-present lure of using her healing power for personal enrichment. It is her attempt to stay honest and genuine in terms of this power that leads her to deploy with other medical personnel to worn-torn Sudan. Here her faithfulness to a genuine mission of natural and supernatural healing is severely tested and she is brought to a life-and-death circumstance that calls for heroic action. The story of Janine Fisher is one of personal struggle, faith and a passionate devotion to healing. It is a dramatic telling of one person’s odyssey to use her special gift of healing lovingly even in the face of significant challenges, hostility and the nagging appeal of self-promotion.

Experience the Bible as a singular, powerful story and prepare to be swept away by Scripture as never before! Wangerin's "Bible storybook for adults" features brilliant settings, dramatized scenes, and added dialogue—all gleaned from extensive research. The Book of God reads like a novel, dramatizing the sweep of biblical events, bringing to life the men and women of this ancient book in vivid detail and dialogue. From Abraham wandering in the desert to Jesus teaching the multitudes on a Judean hillside, this award-winning bestseller follows the biblical story from start to finish. Priests and kings, apostles and prophets, common folk and charismatic leaders—individual stories offer glimpses into an unfolding revelation that reaches across the centuries to touch us today. The Book of God: Follows the biblical story in chronological order Filled with carefully researched cultural and historical background Includes biblical events viewed through the eyes of minor characters Master storyteller Walter Wangerin Jr. shares the story of the Bible from beginning to end as you've never read it before, retold with exciting detail and passionate energy. Experience the Bible in a beautiful new way!