... new revision, as of 12 December 2001, for better reading
... now in two volumes for easier downloading

 

...suspense ...adventure ...from the Bible


And just what's a 'midrash,' you ask?

A 'Midrash' is an ancient Jewish way of teaching, often by making heavy use of the gift of story-telling. Little bits from the story-teller's own imagination were added for the extra effect, and to hammer the point home. THE EMISSARY is a 'midrash' of Acts 16 - 18.

The Emissary, Rabbi Shaul (Apostle Paul to some), newly out from under the shadow of his mentor, Bar-Naba, sets off with his partner Sila, and 13-year-old pupil Timotheos. Things don't go the way they're supposed to. Did he make a fatal mistake by parting ways with Bar-Naba? Not only must he steer a course between doubt and certain disaster, with only the tiny voice inside to guide him, but he must do what he is convinced must be done, but has never been done before -- communicate the message of Messiah to non-Jews, without making Jews out of them.

Somehow entangled with theirs, is the life of a young tramp/beggar/thief, Onestos, master of self deceit, who makes one harrowing escape after another from the potentially fatal consequences of his mischief. Timotheos learns first hand, that service to Messiah is not a life of clear cut tasks, staying out of the rain, and guaranteed results. Indeed, as they all find, the only way forward to life is through death.

The author began writing this in 1991, little realising what adventure lay in store -- new avenues of research, rich discoveries yet being made into the first century world of the followers of Yeshua, the rabbis, and rich traditions familiar to Jews and believers then, to Torah students now, but largely forgotten by the Christian community.

Lots of suspense and surprises, even for those who know the Bible account.

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Exerpts of the Frst Few Chapters and a Synopsis of What Comes After That

Volume I:
  • Prologue: The Tramp
    Onestos, a first century child of the streets proves his ability to survive while deceiving himself.

  • Part 1: 'The Wandering Merchants'
    All the other exerts are from this section:

    • Chapter 1
      Our first introduction to Paul (Shaul - his Jewish name), Timothy and the rest. A little background on Timothy.

    • Chapter 2
      A bit of update on Onestos; Background on Shaul's life, and a bit on Lucas (St. Luke)

    • Chapter 3
      While the others are having a siesta, Timothy takes a dip in the stream, and saves Onestos's life.
    In the rest of this section, Onestos proves a disappointment, as he runs off with the money bag. They arrive in Troas, and Shaul has a dream indicating that Macedonia is to be their next destination.

  • Part 2: 'The Banker'
    The team meets the banker, Festus, and his slave boy, Carpos, who becomes Timothy's friend for life. More encounters with Onestos. Festus provides passage to Macedonia. He accepts salvation, and adopts Carpos as his son, having also granted him his freedom.

  • Part 3: 'The Stronghold'
    We are introduced to Lydia, an entrepreneur in purple fabrics, and her husband Clement. Onestos stows away on a boat to Macedonia. Philippi proves to be a spiritual battle ground as Shaul and Silas take on the major stronghold over the area. The spiritual warfare climaxes in the city jail.
Volume II:

  • Part 4: 'The Door'
    Onestos having become converted in Philippi, has joined Shaul's team as they go to Thessalonica. Things start out well, but suddenly the door of ministry slams shut. Shaul, Silas and Timothy flee the city before they are confident that the believers are sufficiently grounded to be left on their own. Onestos also becomes separated from the team.

  • Part 5: 'Elijah's Bird'
    After a time in Berea, Shaul must flee yet again, and this time he is pursued until his only option is to take a boat for Athens - despite his heart's desire to check on the new believers in Thessalonica. Timothy is the only one who can go, but Onestos is the one who figures in the climax.

  • Epilogue: 'The Scribe'
    Carpos, who with his father, cross the Agaean sea on a business trip and happens to be present at the climax, supplies us with the finishing touches to our story by writing a journal of his experiences.

  • Glossary

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