Grow in Grace

By Susan M B Preston

Struggling with his emotions
Benjamin is determined to follow through
on his commitment to work as a grape-picker.

He knows he is running away. Deep inside, he is questioning his faith.

Life in Ephesus continues. The Cypriot brethren bombard the Apostle John with questions as he continues writing his memories which would become the Gospel of John.
Grieved and despairing, Deborah discovers she has no choice but to accept her parents’ plans.
The grape-picking season over, it is twelve weeks later when Benjamin returns.
Anxious about his reception by his mother and great-grandfather, his anxiety increases when he finds his father’s booth is now the booth of a cloth seller.
Fear and guilt assail him. Has his whole family been taken by the Romans?
A lot has happened in his twelve weeks away, and much more will happen.
Alexander has to deal with painful news at the same time as the Apostle John is arrested again.
John is refused food or water unless he makes the ‘act of worship’ to the Roman Emperor, Domitian and the brethren fear for the apostle’s safety as the days go on.
But God has a task for John which is not yet complete.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan M B Preston
• Release date: Aug 22, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301386031

Susan M B Preston

The Apostle John series has won five-star reviews and Finalist Awards from Readers’ Favorite and from the Independent Author Network. Now a widow, Preston’s main interest is her writing, Skyping with friends and family, and running the occasional beginner’s computer course. Having suffered the loss, of a husband and a teenager, brings an element of understanding of the emotions of the characters in her books. Born in a historical town in the Scottish borders it is hardly a surprise to discover that history has always fascinated Preston. Living in Perth, Western Australia could hardly be more different. The climate in Perth is as hot as her hometown was cold and the variety of insect life, including large spiders, is one of the least-liked aspects of life in Australia. She does like the fact she can hang out her washing and have it dry within an hour. Although she has written other types of books in the past, The Apostle John series of books is Preston’s first foray into the world of Christian, historical fiction. Another series is planned, Biblical fiction this time, set much farther back in time. And by the way... the fact Susan M B Preston has a Microsoft Office 2007 Master’s qualification has helped her format her work, make trailers, and publicity material – an enjoyable pastime to her. In fact, she will stop and write an illustrated help guide for beginners who are ‘stuck’ trying to figure out a computer function. Quote from a Readers' Favorite review... " Susan M.B. Preston doesn’t only demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the Bible and the life of the earliest followers of Jesus, but an equally strong gift for compelling writing." Writing history... We are Divorced. A book for children. Also used in training sessions with the leaders of children's clubs, to help them better understand the needs of some children in their groups. Co-founded a programme called Koinonia for the Western Australian Anglican Diocese, the purpose of which was to prepare children for communion. (With another leader, ran weekend camps for the children in the programme.) Co-authored several books on 'Children in the Church'. Hold the Faith - Part 1 in the Apostle John series (Feb 2013) Grow in Grace - Part 2 in the Apostle John series (August 2013) The LIght of Truth - Part 3 in the Apostle John series (July 2015) Keep the Flame Part 4 in the Apostle John series (October 2016) Hell Shall Not Prevail - Part 5 (and final) in the Apostle John series (December 2017) Novellas on some of the characters - coming in 2018 Of course, there were also the help guides... Susan is a Certified computer trainer who saw the need for learners to have clearer manuals, Susan painstakingly compiled 'How to Books' for her clients. One of the larger manuals was used for several years by the Registered Training Centre where she worked as a contract trainer. Master qualifications in Microsoft Office 2007 Several Certificate IV Business qualifications Small business owner And from all these - many experiences... all of which make Susan who she is today and brings life to her characters.

Book preview

Prologue

The Apostle John’s family home

94 AD

Why did you agree to this, Samuel? Hands extended, chin trembling, Naomi turned to her husband. "You are his father, you could have stopped him. You should have stopped him!"

Tired at the end of the day and wishing he could alleviate his wife's hurt, Samuel reached for her, but she pulled away, angry with him. He closed his eyes briefly and silently prayed for her. They had been over this time and time again since Benjamin had come home and had given her his news.

When he suddenly left earlier today, I knew he was angry and upset, but what could have possessed him to hire himself out as a grape picker? Naomi asked wretchedly.

Alexander, who had arrived home late, after visiting his mother had been puzzled by the maelström of emotions in the normally peaceful household. The cause of it, Benjamin, had retired for the night, emotionally drained after spending hours trying to placate his mother and explain his reasons. Naomi, uncharacteristically overwrought, refused to accept her son's decision.

John sighed and prayed for his beloved granddaughter. He knew the hurt his great-grandson had suffered at the hand of Silas of Antioch, and he knew the anxiety Naomi had gone through waiting, wondering, and worrying after Benjamin had rushed off earlier in the day. He exchanged a troubled glance with Samuel. The other news that Samuel had confided in him when Naomi and Lois were setting out the dinner might help her to accept his leaving, but not at the moment. With her fear of the Romans, she would immediately think of the worst possible outcome. No, Samuel would tell her that Benjamin had been reported to the soldiers for causing trouble later, in the privacy of their chamber when they retired for the night.

Hurt and angry by her husband's lack of response, Naomi's eyes showed her anguish as she looked to the others in the peristyle, seeking support. Finding none, she turned a pleading gaze back to her husband. Please, Samuel, go up to his room and tell him...

Naomi, our son is twenty-seven years old, Samuel interrupted.

He is unmarried and lives in our home! she snapped. You could have refused to allow him to leave. He has his work here, scribing for Saba, she gestured at her grandfather seated on his bench, before rushing on like the Cayster River in full flood, and you could have said you needed him at the market booth as well! It is almost as though you want him to leave. Why did you not talk him out of this foolish notion on the way home? Unusually, her voice became shrill and, as she stood before her husband, grandfather and Alexander, she stamped her foot in frustration, raised her voice and cried out sharply, Why are you letting him do this, Samuel?

Alarmed, Lois, servant and friend, hurried out from the house. In all the years she had lived as part of this family, she had never heard Naomi distressed like this, not even when she was delirious with the fever that had almost killed her.

Samuel caught Naomi's arm and gently pulled her down beside him on the bench, opposite John. This time she did not pull away, but she did not give up hope. I cannot believe that none of you can see how wrong this is, she protested.

Lois pulled up the little stool they used when cooking outdoors and seated herself a little behind her mistress, looking for an opportunity to help.

Naomi looked again for support from her beloved grandfather, and seeing none, addressed her husband once more. Samuel, please, there must be something you can do to stop Benjamin leaving in the morning.

Raising his bandaged arm, John intervened. Naomi, Naomi, my dearest granddaughter, be at peace. You are wrong to try to stop your son from this course he has chosen.

But Saba, you know he has never done anything like this in his life. The heaviest physical labour he has done has been helping with the boughs when building the booths at the Feast of Tabernacles.

Naomi, we discussed all this with Benjamin before he went to bed.

Pulling her gaze from her grandfather, Naomi's eyes filled with tears as she turned to look at her husband, then at Alexander, standing silently behind John's bench. There was no support in their eyes, only sorrow for her suffering.

Fidgeting, Alexander glanced down at John and across at Lois, Samuel, and Naomi. This family had always treated him more like a son than Samuel’s apprentice, then assistant. He loved them. Naomi supported his mother during her long illness; she supplied her with herbs for the pain, and Samuel paid the wages of the women hired to care for her. He did not want to hurt Naomi by seeming to support Benjamin, but he had promised to wake him so that he could make it to the pick-up point by dawn. It was time he also retired for the night.

Samuel, seeing his discomfort and guessing the reason, said, Perhaps you should go to bed Alexander; tomorrow you have an earlier start than normal.

Alexander acknowledged the suggestion with a grateful nod and excused himself.

Distracted by her thoughts, Naomi responded automatically to Alexander's departure, Sleep well, Alexander, then tried once more to gain support to prevent her son leaving in the morning to join the grape-picking team. Turning to John, she appealed, Saba, surely you could say something to stop him leaving. You are writing your memories of your cousin, the Messiah, and your arm will not be healed for some time. You need Benjamin to write for you.

Oh, child, John said with a deep sigh, you know he has made arrangements for Giannis to scribe for me, and he has proved he is capable.

Lois blushed and looked at the ground. Giannis' interest in her was apparent. He had come with the brethren from Cyprus wanting to learn from the apostle John. Now, going by what she had heard this evening, he was to be John's scribe in place of Benjamin. Her mind wandered. She was over thirty years of age, had never wanted to marry... but there was something about this man. She stopped the thought. He was only here for a short time. He and the other men from Cyprus would be returning home in time to celebrate the Feast of Trumpets, only twelve weeks away.

But Saba, he and the others are going home to Cyprus... Overwrought, Naomi sought support that was not there.

John said firmly, They will leave the week before the Feast of Trumpets. That is a long time from now, and my hand might be healed by then. Seeing Naomi's crestfallen face, he realised that pointing out how long it was till then was not the most prudent statement he could have made.

Samuel tried to rescue the situation, Benjamin said he will be home by the start of the Festival season.

Naomi, upset, fearful, and aware that her reaction was out of character, chafed inwardly. She had not prayed about the situation, just responded to the news... but, she asked herself defensively, when had she had the time to pray for help... help to accept the fact her only child was hurt, angry and running away? There had not been time! She had worried about him for most of the day. He had left hurt and angry, ignoring her attempt to call him back. Then he had come home with his father hours later and made the announcement that he was leaving before dawn to go grape-picking for the season. Worse still, his father was supporting him. She was confused, upset, and overwhelmed by the happenings of the day, which had culminated in this news. She had not even had the opportunity to talk to Samuel privately and find out why he was supporting Benjamin. Exhausted emotionally, tears welling in her eyes she said softly, I do not understand...

Seeing Naomi's torrent of feelings dissipate, Lois, who had been desperately thinking of how she could help, stood up, and held out her hand to her mistress, Come Naomi, we can make him some of that bread of yours he loves. He can take it with him.

It is dark out here.

Ah, Naomi, no excuses, you know it does not need to be cooked on the outdoor hearth, we can light the lamps in the indoor kitchen and cook it there.

Crushed, Naomi rose and looked forlornly at the two men she loved dearly, her husband and her grandfather, and protested, It is wrong! He is leaving for the wrong reason. Running away will not change anything. He should be home with us where we can comfort him.

Naomi, he needs to leave, Lois said softly.

Lois! How could you say such a thing? Naomi rounded on her angrily.

Because I needed the same thing, Lois responded gently. You took me in and helped me heal from the hurts I suffered. I understood what Benjamin said earlier. He needs to be away from the people who know him, who will talk about what Silas has done in marrying his daughter off to a false teacher. In your heart, you know that.

But not with grape pickers!

Perhaps that is for the best Naomi. He will be away from all reminders.

John watched, pleased with the young woman's sensitivity.

Alright, Lois, I will come and make some bread for him to take, Naomi conceded, defeated, and with that, she followed the younger woman indoors.

Samuel was grateful to Lois. He knew how difficult their son's decision was for his wife to cope with, and guessed that tonight she would cry herself to sleep in his arms.

As the women left, making their way to the indoor kitchen, he sighed deeply, and said to John, I do not like this any more than Naomi, but I cannot help thinking that it is for the best. I was alarmed when Publius came... he paused. Not even John knew that the Roman second-in-command kept him informed of facts that would help their fellowship. I was alarmed when he came looking for Benjamin. I know we worked out that it must have been Silas of Antioch who complained, but given the situation and Benjamin's hurt...

A time away might be in God's plan for him, John finished.

I will miss him too. His interest in our family business is erratic, but...

I know. But he is your only child, and eventually, when I die, he will be free to be more involved.

It is more than that. The last time he helped out at the booth, Benjamin was more adept with the tasks... but he is still awkward in his dealings with many of the customers.

He has always been a shy person, John observed. I know you and Naomi thought it was because he worked so much on his own, copying scriptures or in scribing for me, but not all young men are demonstrative. You have a natural way with people; your son is not like you.

Since his tour of the fellowships with you, he has been a little more relaxed.

Given the opportunity to remind Samuel that Benjamin had been gone before, John gently pointed out, He was gone much longer then, and went a lot farther.

Yes, it is true that he was, but he was with you and amongst brethren. We know nothing about these men he will be working with. They could be... he paused, seeking a word. Unsuccessful, he continued, These men will be quite different from anyone he knows.

Yes, they will be different, that is certain. On the other hand, Benjamin coped well with the farmer's family after the bear attack. They were not brethren... at least, not at first, he recalled with a smile.

"Thank you for that Saba. I am trying to think of all the things Naomi will need reassurance about, he said, exhaling deeply. Sometimes it was difficult to be the head of the household.

Although John was the patriarch, being 'head of the house' was something he had delegated to his grandson-in-law a long time ago. It had left him free to travel and to be 'Saba' to the flock.

Rising, John walked over to his grandson-in-law and put his unbandaged hand on Samuel's head. Be at peace. You know God is in charge. He will watch over your son.

Samuel hastily wiped away the moisture from his eyes that John's tender gesture had evoked.

Smiling at John, he replied, I know Saba, I know. I just wish the circumstances had been different.

It is a pity Benjamin had not confided in you when he knew his interest in Deborah was growing. You could have spoken to Silas about a match between them before Silas became involved with the false teacher from Corinth.

You had gone back to finish your tour of the fellowships, Naomi was still struggling to overcome the fever that very nearly killed her, and I was distracted, worrying about her, as well as trying to keep the business working as usual. Benjamin was grief-stricken and dejected. He did not want to leave our home in case his mother's condition worsened.

Naomi thought it must have been then that his interest in the girl developed.

At that time there would have been no one for him to approach, Samuel said sadly.

There is no point going over what could have been done, or might have been done... Silas may well have had the same reaction then. Remember, none of us knew that he had been in contact with this false minister from Corinth. His plans could have been laid a long time before we knew anything about his intentions. All you can do is trust God with your son.

Thank you, Saba.

You should go to bed.

Samuel nodded his agreement. He had yet to tell Naomi about the complaint that had been made to the Roman soldiery and hoped that would help her accept the situation.

* * *

‘What have I done?’ Benjamin asked himself. For the tenth - or was it eleventh – time Benjamin untangled his long legs from his bed covering. He calculated that, at most, he had managed to sleep between the second and third watch of the night. Since then, he had tossed restlessly, asking himself time and again the questions that had haunted him throughout these waking hours.

‘Have I been too hasty, signing on as a grape picker? How will I cope?" Doubts swirled through his mind, keeping him from going back to sleep.

As his mother had pointed out, he had never done anything more physical than help set up the temporary booths for the Feast of Tabernacles.

‘Was his mother's observation correct... that it is my pride that is hurt?’ He had denied it when she had asked, but now, sleepless and agitated, the question came back. He considered it briefly, before angrily dismissing it again.

How he wished it was all a nightmare and Deborah was not betrothed to someone else! She was the first young woman he had looked at and wanted for a wife. He loved her! And she was given as wife to another. To a false teacher at that!

His mind went back over the evening before when, weeping, his mother had pointed out that he had hidden his feelings and intentions well. No one will know how you feel, she had tried to assure him as part of her attempt to persuade him to stay.

That was not true. His friend Stephen knew. It was he who had arranged for him to meet the foreman of the work teams. Deborah knew. Her maidservant, Rhoda, knew. She had delivered a note he had written to her mistress.

He knuckled tears away, threw his cover to the floor, and sat, disheartened, on the edge of his bed, facing the wall. Going over the actions of his early morning visit to Silas of Antioch, he relived the experience. Anger built again as he remembered Silas' malicious rejection of his approach. The man he had hoped would be his father-in-law had shown such antipathy it had left him stunned.

Giving up on sleep, he fought to suppress his feelings; it was time to put them aside and look ahead. He rose quietly and lit his oil lamp. He splashed his face with the water in the bowl and ran his damp hands through his short, thick auburn hair to smooth it. After pulling on his oldest robe, he gathered his things as quietly as he could. Then he paused. Should he pray? Would God even listen? Out of habit, he dropped to his knees beside his bed, Father... then stopped. He could not think of anything else to say. A thought surfaced as he struggled to find words; he needed to find out if he really was 'called of God' or had merely followed the family beliefs. Why would God have punished him so if...? He cut the thought off abruptly. He did not want to stir up the hurt and anger again. He prayed for his family… then sat back on his bed, thinking. It was undeniable that he had never done the hard, manual work that would be required, but he needed to leave. He had to find peace, work off the hurt and rage that churned so close to the surface of his emotions, forget Deborah... try to forget Deborah. The last thing he wanted was his family's sympathy, no matter how well-intentioned it was... but of course, he could never say that to them.

There was a gentle tap at his chamber door. That would be Alexander. He had offered to walk most of the way to the pickup point with him. It was not safe for a follower of Christ to be walking in the streets before dawn. Because of Alexander's work at the market, any regular soldiers they met would recognise him, and leave both of them in peace.

Nervously running his fingers through his still-damp hair, Benjamin drew a deep breath to steady his nerves.

Picking up his travelling bag, he thought of the only other time he had left home, almost two years ago. Then he had been setting out to accompany his great-grandfather on his tour of the fellowships and he had left with excitement, as well as some apprehension. This time it was to what? He did not know, and refused to think about anything beyond leaving.

Securing his bag across his chest, he picked up the small oil lamp to light his way downstairs.

* * *

In spite of his hope to leave without fuss, his mother was up and working; the indoor kitchen was lit by the many oil lamps... and she had the bread she and Lois had made the previous evening, ready to put in his bag.

Aima, they will feed me, he protested as he snuffed his oil lamp and put it down, to reach for his usual morning meal of barley bread soaked in wine.

Tears filled his mother's eyes and she put the loaves back on the bench.

You should take it. It will be a long time before you reach your destination, Samuel said as he entered, supporting his wife’s decision to give him food for the journey.

Watching him eat his morning meal, Naomi moved to stand, tense and rigid, beside her husband.

Apprehensive about the future, Benjamin nodded in recognition of his father's comment but was too nervous to respond. He finished his food and placed his bowl carefully on the workbench. Picking up the bread cakes, he placed them carefully in his travel bag. Thank you, he said with a dismayed glance at his mother, not knowing how to break the constrained atmosphere between them.

Greetings, great-grandson.

Benjamin looked up to see John enter, and hung his head, still embarrassed at leaving him when he was unable to do his own writing. Glancing up, he said, more to ease his own conscience than to reassure his great-grandfather, Giannis writes a good clear hand, Saba.

We went through all of this last evening, John replied kindly. All will be well.

Benjamin wordlessly acknowledged Saba’s reassurance.

Samuel stepped forward. Son, if you are going to be at the pickup point in time, you should be leaving soon.

Alexander said he would walk with me part of the way.

He is waiting outside, giving us this short time alone.

Looking around the lamp-lit room, Benjamin struggled with a mixture of emotions he had no experience in dealing with. Thank you, he said, struggling as his jaw trembled. He knew it had not been easy for his family last evening, and he appreciated that they were here now. Seeing his mother standing so stiffly beside his father, he knew that no matter what his father had said to her last night, she still did not understand his need to leave.

Eyes bright with unshed tears and fighting to keep control of her emotions, Naomi moved toward him and handed him the skin of water.

Thank you, he said, looping the skin across his chest, distressed that she could not accept his decision.

Naomi watched him put the water skin in place and turned away.

Loaded up, Benjamin took a step forward, ready to leave.

Samuel hurried forward. Say farewell to your mother, he whispered urgently.

Benjamin stared at his mother's rigid back, unsure what to say. She looked so vulnerable, but he knew her appearance belied her inner strength. He reached a hand toward her but dropped it at the sight of her implacable stance. Farewell, Aima. I will be back, he comforted.

God be with you, she mumbled.

Turning to his father, he said, Please take care at the market Abba. Approaching his great-grandfather, he bowed his head and moved closer, reaching out to embrace the frail-looking old man with his hand still swathed in bandages.

You are in my prayers, John added his farewell as he looked solemnly at his great-grandson.

Alexander looked into the kitchen, We had better be off. The cart will not wait for you.

Naomi turned and reached out her hand, wanting to delay him so the cart would leave without him, but Samuel took her hand and drew her to him.

With a last look at his family, Benjamin turned, tucked his robe up into his girdle, and falling into step with Alexander, set off quickly into the pre-dawn darkness.

* * *

Will he be alright? Naomi sobbed, her head burrowing into her husband's chest. The tears she had restrained before her son left, now flowed.

This is why Alexander is accompanying him most of the way. He has his walking pole, and two fit young men should not attract robbers. He did not want to turn her thoughts to the possibility of him being arrested by the soldiers.

I meant will he be alright doing this grape-picking? He has never done such work in his life. And what about all those men he will be working with?

Naomi, we went all through this last night, we can only trust him to God.

Lois slipped quietly into the kitchen. Like Alexander, she had left the family to say their goodbyes privately. Her soft brown eyes took in Naomi's distress, and exchanging looks with Samuel, she moved forward to comfort her mistress and friend.

Excuse me, I shall go and pray, John excused himself.

And I should prepare for work. I will come back and have something to eat shortly, Samuel added.

When the men had left, Lois touched Naomi's arm gently.

Sobbing, Naomi leant her head on the younger woman's shoulder, Lois soothing her like a child.

As the minutes passed, Naomi's tears slowed, and she raised her head. Lois, last night after we retired, Samuel told me that a Roman officer had been looking for Benjamin. That was why he permitted him to leave. He thought it might be wise for him to leave the city for a time. If it had not been for that, I would have found some way to change his mind, to stop him going.

I know, Lois agreed, aware of Naomi's determination, whilst also knowing nothing would have prevented Benjamin from leaving.

Naomi continued, Samuel told me that someone had made a complaint against Benjamin. We agreed it must have been Silas of Antioch.

How cruel! I find it hard to believe that someone who fellowshipped with us all those years, could turn away and do such a thing...

It was probably only Benjamin he wanted to hurt, but he has hurt all of us. He has nearly destroyed our family by his pitiless handling of Benjamin's request.

Naomi, no one can destroy your family if you refuse to permit it.

It was he who drove my son to this irrational decision. Samuel told me what happened when Benjamin went to ask to call on him. He was going to ask… Like storm clouds rolling in from the sea, enmity towards Silas threatened to overwhelm her.

As Naomi moved away, Lois tried to distract her from fretting over her son. Do you suppose Silas will inform on our entire group?

With a lopsided smile, Naomi challenged Lois. So you think to stop me worrying about my son by giving me something else to fret over?

The two women stared thoughtfully at each other.

Samuel will probably call on him, Naomi admitted, drawn back from her animosity towards the man who had caused so much hurt.

Even if Silas does nothing more, does not report anyone else, you are correct, he has succeeded in hurting all of us, Lois whispered crossly.

Words hung unspoken between them.

First to regain her peace of mind, Lois said, We had better start putting out the meal for the men.

Pushing down her anger against Silas, Naomi started the preparations, filling the jug with watered wine, while Lois set bread in the bowls. It would be a difficult task, but one she knew would be necessary… forgive the man for the hurt he had inflicted on her son. As for what he was doing to his daughter, marrying her off to a... a… to one of those false believers... Naomi shook her head sadly.

Deborah was such a kind, beautiful girl. Naomi's tears ran afresh. How different things would have been if Silas of Antioch had never turned aside from the faith. Benjamin would probably have been betrothed to Deborah, and she and Hannah would have been planning the marriage of their children.

* * *

On the way to the pickup point

The street lamps of Ephesus did not reach this street, which was some distance from the main road. Neither did the Roman patrols, normally. Nervous, not knowing what to expect, Benjamin listened to the sound of their sandals on the tiled street as they made their way on the first part of their route to the pick-up point. Each step bringing him closer to... what? With a deep sigh, he reminded himself he was going away from hurt, embarrassment, and anger.

In the darkness of the pre-dawn morning, it was easier for Alexander to share his own hurt. Benjamin, I do have some understanding of how you feel.

His stomach tensing, Benjamin did not know what to say. He had been a toddling child when Alexander had come to live with the family. In all that time, Benjamin could not remember hearing once that Alexander had shown any interest in a girl. Rather than refute the statement, something that he was sure was intended to comfort him, Benjamin made a non-committal sound and kept on walking.

Alexander asked, Do you remember hearing your mother talk about Iris?

After a few moments thought, Benjamin replied, The neighbour's daughter, the girl who looked after your mother?

With a sigh and sideways glance at Benjamin's outline, Alexander replied, Yes.

I thought she went back to work in Ephesus.

She could not accept my faith, Alexander said so softly Benjamin barely heard him.

You mean...?

Yes. We would have married. My mother dearly wished for it.

I never knew.

I did not tell anyone.

Not even my father?

No, but he might have guessed.

Benjamin did not know what to say. He was fully aware how privileged he was to have been trusted with this confidence.

So you are not alone in what you are going through, I do understand.

Benjamin did not agree, but wisely kept his thoughts to himself. Clearly, Alexander had chosen not to take a bride who was not a believer. In his own situation, the decision about Deborah's future had been snatched from him. In spite of that, he was grateful to Alexander for his attempt to comfort him. Reaching out he squeezed Alexander's arm and said, Thank you.

Look, Alexander said, pointing at the sliver of light starting on the horizon, we had better hurry.

With that, both men quickened their pace, stretching their long legs in easy strides. Skirting the market, lit by lamps that would be doused at dawn, the pair walked down the road, making for the place Benjamin was to meet the cart.

I will say goodbye here Benjamin. If I am not mistaken those shapes down the road there are your travelling companions.

Stopping briefly, Benjamin gripped Alexander's shoulders, Thank you...

I will watch over your family, Alexander assured him.

And take care of yourself.

Pushing him on, Alexander watched as Benjamin walked away.

* * *

Journey to the vineyard

When Benjamin reached the cart that would transport the workers to the vineyards, his heart sank. He had chosen his oldest robe, but he stood out among the others who were dressed in knee-length tunics. Some of them appeared to be wearing well-worn cloths around their necks. In all his thinking and all the questions from his family, the focus had been on how he would cope with the work, not the people he would be working with.

As he looked around at the men, he felt his chest tighten and his stomach roil. He had never met men like these. The customers at his father's booth were not rough like these men, nor had he met any like them on his tour of the fellowships with his great-grandfather. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he walked forward to join them.

Even in the half-light, Benjamin could see Milos look him up and down disparagingly, before gesturing with his thumb for all of them to climb into the cart.

Making sure his robe was firmly tucked into his girdle, Benjamin climbed up, the sounds of derision from the other men reverberating in his ears.

The men seemed to delight in the effect the comments had on Benjamin, and he realised he would have to toughen his senses.

Look at those white legs; he has never worked in the vineyards before.

I hope he is not assigned to my picking team.

Do not wish him on me! another exclaimed.

Tucking his long legs close to his body and seating himself on the hard floor of the cart, Benjamin now fully realised that what he was doing was beyond anything he had experienced before. How he would manage, he had no idea, but he would try. He was not giving up.

Milos climbed up on the front of the cart beside the driver. Move on, he instructed.

Wait, wait... Out of the dim light behind the cart, a figure came running after them.

Fenuku the Egyptian, one of the men on the cart jeered as the man clambered nimbly onto the cart, You live up to your name, 'born late.' You are still late for everything.

Never late when money is handed out! the man responded jovially.

Opening an old sack, Milos took out some hard seed loaves, turned, and threw them to the men in the cart. Here, you will need something in your stomachs. When we reach the vineyard, I will choose the teams, and you will start working.

Benjamin felt embarrassed about the bread his mother had given him and passed his hard loaf to the man next to him.

Keep it, there is millet in it, and ground grains, you will need it for energy, the man the others had called Fenuku grunted, then turned to join in the animated conversation with the other pickers.

Wondering how he was going to work with these men for the next twelve weeks, Benjamin copied what they did and broke the dense bread, washing it down with a long draught from his water skin. His clothes were all wrong, but at least the water skin was correct. All the men were wearing similar skins of water. Looking surreptitiously at his work companions, Benjamin suppressed a shudder. He reminded himself that when he had toured the churches with Saba... that also had been a venture into the unknown. Like this… strange to begin with. He pushed the thoughts of the differences between then and now out of his mind and determined to prove himself an able worker.

As the cart bounced along the road, Benjamin's mind drifted back home. He hoped that the arrangement for Giannis to scribe for his great-grandfather would prove to be successful. He had been so angry and hurt when he had signed on to pick grapes; he had not considered Saba’s God-given commission to write an account of his time with his cousin, the Messiah. In fact, until all his hopes had gone awry, Benjamin had enjoyed acting as his great-grandfather's scribe, and he knew Saba still needed help. His hand and part of his arm were still bandaged; his fingers not yet healed from the damage inflicted by the Romans when they had last arrested him.

It had turned out to be timely that the men from Cyprus had arrived several weeks ago. They had made the long trip hoping to learn from John. Benjamin remembered his great-grandfather saying that nothing happens to the children of God by chance. It seemed that Saba was correct... Giannis was able to write common Greek. Although the man had been puzzled when Benjamin sought him out at the inn where they lodged, and without explanation, asked him to take on the task of scribe, Giannis had happily agreed to do it. Benjamin would not have asked had Saba not already tested the man’s ability, and found him competent. They had both seen that Giannis wrote with a clear hand. It was other brethren from Cyprus, especially the young ones, Benjamin was concerned about. He could not help wondering if they might be a problem to Saba. Of the young men, Philos was the quieter of the two, perhaps because he was travelling with his father, Zander. Lukas seemed to speak without thinking. His questions had interrupted in the past, and Benjamin hoped he would settle down and do as the men said they wanted to do, listen and learn from John. His ponderings led Benjamin to realise the extent of his thoughtlessness.

Raucous laughter brought him back to the present and seeing the way in which some of the men were staring at him, he knew he was the butt of their humour.

Looking at them, Benjamin realised that in order to survive amongst these men he had to push away his feelings of guilt, forget everything else, and remember why he had signed on in the first place. He would use the anger that so easily surfaced, to drive him to do the work he had committed himself to do.

Staring back at them, he imagined himself so efficient in his work, they would eat their words.

The cart drew to a halt, Milos stood up and shouted at them, Get out and line up. I want you working as soon as I choose the teams.

Benjamin pushed his thoughts of home, his parents, his great-grandfather aside, and suppressing a shudder, focussed on what would happen next.

Chapter 1

John’s family home

Five weeks later

Discomfited, John shook his head, his purpose again foiled by the seemingly continuous questions, especially from the young men. He had hoped to have progressed much further in documenting his memories of the Messiah. He had also hoped that his fingers would have healed by now, but Naomi declared he must be patient for a few more weeks. In the last week, she had started carefully massaging his fingers and hand with her healing oils and supervised him doing exercises to start to loosen and strengthen the muscles before re-bandaging each of his fingers, his hand and part of his arm.

As they had done in the last few weeks, the four brethren from Cyprus sat side by side on two of the dining couches in the upper room. As was their habit, the two young men had each been placed next to the two older ones.

They were all waiting for a reply to Lukas' question. Zander, father of Philos and, on this trip, guardian to Lukas, was beginning to feel uncomfortable. He glanced at Andreas to see if he had noticed the Apostle John's mood. Giannis, at the scribe's desk waited, his head down, looking at what he had just written.

John’s lips curved slightly in a smile. God still had lessons for him in patience, and one was sitting before him. Closing his eyes, he drew a calming breath before responding to Lukas' question.

"God would not rear His Son where He would not receive all the education He needed

Reviews for Grow in Grace

[Mariela Mojica Reiss · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In the second book in the Apostle John series, "Grow in Grace" brings us back to Ephesus in the first century A.D. We revisit old friends: the apostle John, his granddaughter Naomi, her husband Samuel and John's great-grandson Benjamin. As Christians in a pagan city, in the midst of the Roman Empire, they deal with trials of faith, opposition from the world around them, and the very real, ever-present danger of imprisonment and death for refusing to worship the Roman Emperor as a god. And while all this is going on, the last living apostle, John, works to set down his memories of walking with Christ, in what will later become the Gospel of John. I loved reading about young Benjamin as he grows in the faith, getting to know God better, and makes some important decisions about his life. This book made daily life for the early Christians seem very real to me, and I felt as if I was leaving old friends when I read the last page. And always, the question in the back of my mind, the question this book provokes: If you had been there, among the early Christians, what would you have done? How would you have handled the trials? Would you have grown in grace? This is even better than the first book, "Hold the Faith"! I am looking forward to Book 3...