primitive and early church, ca. 30-600

"Offers a history of the rise of Christianity in the classical world that focuses on its . . . cost, in terms of violence and . . . intolerance, that helped bring upon the dark ages"--OCLC.

Examines the public and private lives of early Christians in the context of ancient Rome from the death of Jesus to Emperor Constantine's legalization of Christianity in 354 C.E.

"Explores the mysterious and often paradoxical lives and legacies of the Twelve Apostles."--Dust jacket.

Tensions rise between the female and male followers of Jesus, including Ester, Mary Magdalene, John, and Simon Peter, from his crucifixion through his resurrection as Ester accuses the men of cowardliness in the face of their master's persecution and the men regard the women's favor in the eyes of the Lord with jealousy.

Atretes, a revered gladiator, has won his freedom and vows to find the son he believed had died, but retrieving the baby from Rizpah, the young widow who has raised the child from birth, proves more difficult than he thought it would be, and Atretes is moved to take Rizpah into his household and into his heart.

Explores the social history of ancient Palestine and the emergence of major faiths during the time of Christ.