Keep the Flame

By Susan M B Preston

Finalist Award winner in the Readers' Favorite International Book Awards, 2017
In this the fourth book in the Apostle John series of books we meet a new character... one only mentioned before. 'Old Simon's' grandson from Egypt. Will he come to Ephesus as arranged, or will events in his home prevent him keeping the arrangement his father made with his grandfather?
Will Rachel convert to Christianity?
What effect will this have on her mother?
Does Benjamin's marriage take place, or does the return of Meshua throw a spanner in the works?
Are the Apostle John's predictions true - will he be arrested and taken to Rome?
Who is murdered?
What changes Esther?
These and many other dramatic events make Keep the Flame the most action-packed book in the series so far.
Any more detail and it would constitute 'spoilers'.
Instead, come and live in the 1st century AD, and experience their lives, hopes and hurts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan M B Preston
• Release date: Oct 4, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370960194

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

Pelusium, Nile Delta, Egypt

After Hanukah, 94 AD

Hamadi!

Abba, you know I am now using my Hebrew name, Judah, please call me that.

Hamadi, you know your mother chose your name for you.

You chose the name Judah at my circumcision.

For the sake of your grandfather. Remember, you have a Jewish family in Ephesus, but you live here in Egypt, and it pleased your mother that we use your Egyptian name. Even the rabbi has accepted you Jewish-Egyptian young men.

Raising his eyes to the sky, the stubborn young man gave in for the time being. What is it you want, Abba?

Come, walk with me. I want to talk with you about going to Ephesus.

‘Young Simon’ wanted to find out something else as well as share the news about his wife, Tii, but he started with the less threatening subject of the forthcoming journey to Ephesus.

Falling into step with his father, Judah waited to hear what he had to say.

You are my third son, Hamadi...

Judah stopped, and there was a long pause while they stared at each other, silently battling wills.

With a deep sigh ‘Young Simon’ shrugged in the Egyptian manner he had adopted over his long years in the country he now considered home. He conceded, Very well, son, I will call you Judah when we are alone.

Thank you, Abba, I think of myself by that name now.

Please honor Tii by answering to the name she gave you at birth.

Judah breathed out quietly. Finally, a victory.

Do not be so transparent, son. Your victory, as you seem to consider it, is also your loss. Tii will be resting with her ancestors by the time you leave. Please, make the last weeks of her life pleasant.

Preoccupied with his own concerns, the fact his father was referring to his wife of thirty years, and mother of his children by her name, Tii, not ‘your Mut’, was lost on Judah. He replied, I know Mut named me ‘praised’ in her language, and she has treated me as a well-beloved son. I discovered the name Judah also means ‘praise’ in the Hebrew tongue.

‘Young Simon’ smiled; because it was never used in their home, he had forgotten the meaning of the Hebrew name Judah. He remembered now, he had done it deliberately, to match his wife’s choice of name. He reminisced, You were the first son she was able to name. Your oldest brother, in keeping with my family tradition, had to be called Simon.

Seeing his son’s amused glance, ‘Young Simon’ went on, It was not a problem. When he was old enough to make my name sound foolish, he had gone to live with his mother’s family in Buto, and to take charge of the papyrus growing and cutting there. Now he is married and settled, it is unlikely he will want to come back here to Pelusium.

Elazar?

Yes, I departed from tradition there when naming him. You might as well know, I do not like my brother Meshua. He did not want to tell his son that Meshua married the young girl he had wanted for his wife. Oh, he remembered the arguments with his father. Even now, he could not deny that his father had been correct. Meshua would bring shame on the family if he were not settled, and ‘Old Simon’ had no intention of allowing Meshua the task of setting up the supply of parchment here in Egypt. ‘Young Simon sighed and said almost to himself, Although I am the older son, he always tried to come first. He expects to inherit your grandfather’s business, of that I am sure.

So what are you sending me to? Judah asked, raising his arms and eyes heavenward.

My father asked me to send one of my sons, so I suppose all is well there. He thought privately that his brother Meshua would not have liked the news. Especially as he had a son a little older than Elazar, the same age as Kawit. Word had come that Timon had since married and his wife was going to have a child. With only one live son, he supposed Meshua wanted male heirs. He wondered what would have happened if... No. He refused the thought. He must leave the past where it belonged. He had been content with Tii as his wife.

Abba?

Sorry, son, I was thinking of... family. He reached out and rested his hand on his son’s shoulder. Although agents handle many of our dealings now, you met your cousin Timon. Remember, a few years ago he came to see the growing and production we do. This will be your opportunity to see what happens after you pack and ship the parchment and scrolls.

Judah did not have any interest in seeing how they were sold but did not want to hurt his father, so he replied to the reference to Timon. My cousin seemed pleasant enough.

Yes, he must have taken after his mother’s side because he was not at all like Meshua.

It is a long time since you last saw your brother, perhaps he has changed.

‘Young Simon’ seriously doubted that but did not want his son to be anxious about the trip. It would be difficult enough for him. Nodding his head noncommittally, he said, Let us continue walking.

When his father turned onto one of the Roman roads going towards the caves, Judah wondered why. Did his father know the followers of the new truth met secretly in one of them?

‘Young Simon’ said nothing about the direction they were taking. Instead, he said, Your grandfather…‘Saba’ in the Jewish tongue…please call him that, sent a message with the last order. He reminded me of our agreement that I would send one of my sons to him in Ephesus, and learn his business.

Sighing, Judah pointed out, You have told the family this before. He heard his father’s sharp intake of breath, so he added. But you have never said why you have chosen me.

‘Young Simon’ stared at the ground as he walked. One reason, one he would not reveal, was because Hamadi was his mother’s favorite. It would be painful for him when she died. The reminder from his father in Ephesus seemed to provide an answer to prayer. There were, though, a few matters to deal with first.

Why me, Abba, and not one of my older brothers?

Your brother Simon is a necessary part in the production of good quality papyrus, and the parchment that he and Elazar make is what makes this family wealthy. More to the point, he is married.

I suppose his name being the same as your father would have been… a challenge. What would they have called him? Youngest Simon? Judah chuckled.

‘Young Simon’ gave a distracted smile in acknowledgment and followed his own thoughts. Elazar, meaning ‘God has helped’ was also my choice of name. Your mother was too sick to object when I took him for his covenant of circumcision where he was named, ‘Young Simon’ smiled, almost as if he was looking down the years. With a shrug, he added, I chose his name because your mother almost died delivering him, but God mercifully intervened. He shook his head, She recovered well and gave birth to you and your younger sister, Ahura, after Elazar. Sadly, he is dull. Your two sisters are well, so perhaps his complicated birth damaged him. All the same, he works well with his older brother.

Judah’s forehead furrowed in concentration. It sounded like his father was rambling. He knew his sisters were fine, one was married and had three children already, and his younger sister was betrothed. Abba, why are you telling me all this now?

He and Tii had discussed which son to send, and she was the one who wanted her favorite son to go. She knew it would be harder for him than his brothers would when she died. He did not share that information, saying, I thought it was fair that you know that I have chosen you because you are the best person to learn this aspect of the business.

You mean, learn about selling the product we supply and ship to your father and brother?

Yes. Behind ‘Young Simon’s’ simple reply was the thought… ‘and to be considered as an heir to my father.’ Seeing his son’s puzzled look, he said, As you know, your uncle sells the ordinary grade parchment. However, your grandfather sells, very profitably I think, the best quality parchment. He said in the message he sent that his customers are wealthy businessmen and the rabbi. He chose not to say that his father had also mentioned that Meshua had two unmarried daughters as well as his son, who was now married and his wife was with child. It seems the rabbi is an important customer, and what he does, encourages others to copy.

Then I already see a problem. I have chosen the new faith. It does not matter here because there are so many faiths. Three in our family.

Two! Our true Jewish faith, and yours.

No, Abba. Mut holds to your traditions, but secretly she worships the goddess Wadjet.

‘Young Simon’ did not dispute it. Because she kept all the Jewish laws, he thought his children did not know their mother’s secret. It appeared he was wrong.

Perhaps, in Ephesus, you would be able to attend the synagogue with your uncle and grandfather.

You know that is not possible. It is why I cannot attend with you here, why I meet in secret with other believers.

You are referring to the ‘blessing’ on the heretics?

Judah shrugged derisively. Have you listened to the words, actually listened? The Birkat HaMinim is more of a curse on those who forsake the Jewish faith. It is worded in such a way that none of us could say it. Therefore, we cannot attend any synagogue."

I wanted to talk to you about this new faith you profess.

Please do not tell me that you disapprove like the fathers of some of my friends.

No. I am not saying I disapprove. To be honest, I would like to know about it.

Judah stopped in his tracks.

Stopping also, ‘Young Simon’ looked steadfastly into his son’s eyes. You have never talked about why you turned from our Jewish faith, but still keep the Sabbath.

Avoiding the question in his father’s voice, Judah replied, It did not seem to be a problem at the time. I did not think you cared and you did not say there was a complaint from anyone in the synagogue, not even Rabbi Gershom.

True, there were no formal complaints, but some were concerned.

Judah started walking again, and his father matched steps with him.

Glancing at his father, Judah said, You have never wanted to know anything about my beliefs. You never mentioned that you were concerned when I stopped attending the synagogue, why ask about what I believe now?

‘Young Simon’ thought for a moment. His son was correct. He had thought if he asked his son about these new beliefs, it might encourage him in them. He had hoped that Hamadi would tire of them and return to the faith of his fathers.

Abba?

When I last went to Buto to see how matters were there, your brother told me some strange things about someone with this new faith.

‘Aha! Now the reason for the walk,' Judah thought. It was not to tell him what he already knew. He was being sent to Ephesus. What had his brother said to his father? Was there some connection between the ‘strange things’ and himself? He turned his head and looked at the older man, the father that he loved. What was it my brother told you? I thought they did not know about my change of faith.

No, neither of them know anything about your... new beliefs. Your brother Simon spoke of a man in the synagogue he and his brother attend.

Do I know this man or his son?

No, I do not believe so. The man is Abraham ben Zacharias, and I doubt that his son Daniel would be able to come all the way from Buto on a Sabbath to meet with you and your friends.

No, I do not know the name, so I doubt I would know the family.

Your brother was laughing about the son and his change of beliefs. Elazar would not have understood.

Well then, what did my brother have to tell you?

To be honest, I do not think he was trying to tell me anything. Elazar was packing a load of parchment after Simon and I rated the quality. As we worked, Simon was laughing as he related the strange beliefs of Daniel, son of Abraham ben Zacharias. He said it was strange and he could not understand how an intelligent young man could be so foolish.

So, what was odd about his beliefs?

Enough to concern the young man’s father, so much that he sought out a member of that group of the followers of that... man when he was in Philippi.

Forehead creased, Judah asked, And my brother told you this?

No, what your brother said concerned me, and I decided to talk to the father. Let me explain. ‘Young Simon’ searched for a way to find out what he wanted to know without his son taking offense, or turning around and walking off. He started with the story, Abraham ben Zacharias had already arranged to go to Philippi. He wanted to study the large-scale drainage system there and bring back ideas that he could use for the family property. It is near one of the many tributaries of the Nile. So, although he was concerned about his son, he had to make the journey as he had arranged.

Judah was about to ask why his father was telling him this when his father said… While he was in Philippi, Abraham made inquiries about this... he pulled himself up. He had been going to say ‘heresy’ but changed it to, this new faith you talk about. It seems there are several different beliefs, and I wondered if what you believed was the same as Abraham’s son.

Judah did not know what this Abraham’s son believed. Nor did he know how much his own father had heard about the new faith, only that it might be the cause of a dispute between them. His father was not a ‘strict’ Jew. He would not have married an Egyptian woman if he had been, but otherwise, he was a believer in the teachings of Judaism. Stalling, he asked, Why did the man go to learn about drainage systems? The Nile is always here.

It only floods once a year, and Abraham is extending his flax fields, so he needs water to reach those fields all year round. He realized he was taking this in a direction that would not help, only confuse. Enough about a man you are not likely to meet. Tell me what your beliefs are, son.

What have you heard?

No, son, you will not trick me that way. I have asked you to tell me what you believe. Is it so bad that you are afraid to share it?

No, Abba, I am not afraid to share it, just concerned that we will quarrel about it.

Please speak. I will listen.

I believe that God sent His Son as our Messiah...

The Messiah has not yet come.

I did not think you would listen.

Sorry, I asked you what you believe.

I believe He did come and was crucified by the Jews in Jerusalem. I also believe, he rushed on, ‘that His followers did amazing signs and wonders. People were healed, demons were tamed..."

No one can tame a demon.

"Well, one of His leading followers did. An apostle called Simon Peter went to Rome during the reign of Claudius Caesar, and did what people said were magical acts. He could raise himself from the ground, make objects move, command demons, so… that counts as taming them. Many people followed him and worshiped him as God.

Did he not correct them?

No. What Simon Peter did was miraculous, magical.

Does this not tell you something, my son?

It tells me the Messiah gave His followers the power to do marvelous signs so all might know and worship Him.

Only God is worthy of worship!

I knew we would argue!

Sensing his son was about to turn and leave, ‘Young Simon’ said, Let me tell you what I found out, and then let me ask you a simple question. Will you listen?

I will listen, Judah replied, a stubborn set to his jaw.

It seems this young man that your brother was laughing about might believe something similar to what you told me. After we had finished our work, as I have already said, I went to find this Abraham ben Zacharias...

Now my brother will be laughing at me too! Judah interrupted.

I did not tell Simon what I was doing, I told him I had business to attend to and would see him another time. I found Abraham ben Zacharias who had returned the week before. I told him why I had come to see him. He and I have discussed all he discovered at great length.

Closing his eyes in frustration, Judah marched on, forcing his father to trot to catch up with him. With his eyes closed, Judah did not see when he wandered over the edge of the road and tripped.

‘Young Simon’ ran forward, caught his son by the arm, and saved him from falling.

Thank you, Abba.

Taking a deep breath and hoping he would not alienate his son, ‘Young Simon’ said, It is the same with spiritual matters. You need to keep your eyes open so you can see that you are not wandering off the road.

Stepping back, Judah asked. Well, Abba, did you find out if this man’s son believes the same as I do?

It would seem so, only his father gave me more information than you have mentioned. This man you appear to be talking about was a Samaritan who claimed to be an apostle. Yet he did what you have said… allowed people to honor him as a god, encouraged sexual license, and things I cannot name.

How do you know all this?

Abraham talked with the people there in Philippi.

They would have been Jews and their views prejudiced.

It might surprise you to know there are few Jews in Philippi. It is a Roman outpost populated by veterans of the Roman army, Greeks, and other pagans. No, Abraham talked with a man who followed the teachings of this man you believe is a messiah.

You do surprise me.

Your scorn is unwarranted.

I apologize, Abba. But from what you have said about Daniel’s father, a Jewish father, it surprises me that he would associate with someone he clearly considers a heretic.

Abraham ben Zacharias is a man trying to save his son from danger.

Alright, Abba, please tell me. What did Abraham discover?

First, Abraham spoke with the son of a man who had heard the teachings of someone called Paul. He also said that this ‘Paul’ was an apostle of this man you think is a messiah.

Judah clenched his teeth, stared at the ground, and continued walking.

This person, Paul, with two other men of the same beliefs, visited Philippi many years ago. He had many followers throughout the province… and beyond, Jews who left their former beliefs and formed a group. The man Abraham spoke with was a son of one of those who left the faith of our fathers.

‘Young Simon’ felt as if he was wading in the marshy ground at the edge of a main tributary of the Nile, hoping not to disturb a crocodile in search of a meal. Sighing, he continued, Abraham spoke to someone about Daniel’s age; a young man who was part of that group of followers of this Paul and his friends… a group which is still in existence there. They say this Paul was an apostle.

Then what makes you think that what I believe is wrong, Abba?

This man, this Paul, who used to be... never mind, that is not important here. This man called Paul did not stay in Philippi. He went Thessalonica and some years later, went back to Jerusalem and then to Rome. He was imprisoned there, but in a home, not a prison.

Frowning in concentration, Judah tried to piece this information with what he had previously been told. The man who taught his friend Elan had mentioned nothing of an Apostle Paul, only Simon Peter. I do not think that this Paul could have been an apostle of the Messiah.

I agree with you, his father said while thinking, ‘But not for the same reason.’ The man who founded the group in Philippi did go to Rome, he was a prisoner, and although he was imprisoned, he wrote to the group. I was told they still had his letters.

Did this man do any of those signs, those magical things while he was in Rome?

Seemingly there were healings attributed to the man, but magical acts, no.

So he was not an Apostle of the Messiah. The one who went to Rome was the Apostle Simon Peter, not Paul. You had me confused there for a moment.

There are many confusing tales and beliefs. Abraham, who worried about his son Daniel, soon detected that what the young man in Philippi told him was not the same as his son’s beliefs. A leader of the group talked with Abraham. He listened, and concluded the new faith Abraham said his son belonged to, was one formed by a false apostle. Someone named Simon Magus.

No, Abba. That is not true. I follow no false apostle.

I do not remember all that Abraham said, and my explanation probably lacks much of what Abraham explained. However, it seems clear to me the person you talked about working signs and wonders in Rome is that Simon Magus, whom some called Simon Pator... Simon ‘father,’ not Simon Peter.

No, Abba. You must have mistaken what Abraham told you. The one who went to Rome with the message of God was the apostle, Simon Peter.

Son, I am simply saying what Abraham said. Controlling his tone, ‘Young Simon’ continued, This Simon Pator allowed people to worship him as a god. I think Abraham stated he claimed to be a god. Holding up his hand to hush a comment from his son, he went on. Simon Pator is accompanied by a woman whom he claims to have created. At least, that is what I think he said. This is the reason your brother was amused. Abraham’s son having been taken in by this heresy… A man who travels with a woman he says is the first thought he created. Son, it is foolishness.

Judah stopped, then noticing an old Roman mile-marker, sat down heavily on it.

His father stopped, and watching him sadly, asked, These people you meet with, has any of them met one of these followers of the man you believe to be the messiah?

No. None of us have met any of the Messiah’s followers personally.

Then on what did you base your ‘new belief’?

My friend Elan told us of it. When he was working at the harbor, helping load and unload the ships, a man, a traveler taught him.

Did Elan say who the traveler was, or what authority he had to spread such ‘news’?

The traveler had come from Rome. His father was a follower of the Apostle Peter.

Apostle Peter or this Simon Pator?

Judah sighed.

Abraham’s son also was fooled by someone telling tales of this man in Rome.

How do you know that he is not what we believe? We are followers of the new truth, followers of the Way.

Where did you hear that term? Was that what the traveler who taught Elan claimed to be?

No, Elan said the traveler stated that he was a truth-seeker.

So where did you hear the name ‘followers of the Way’?

When Elan told us, one of our other friends said he had heard of a group by that name. We thought the traveler was of that group. Usually, we only say we follow the new truth. None of us have met anyone who said he was from the Way, but we thought the traveler was of them, so we were part of that group. He bowed his head and cupped his forehead with his hand.

I think not, my son. The people Abraham ben Zacharias met and spoke with in Philippi call themselves followers of the Way, and they do not have the same beliefs at all.

‘Young Simon’ waited silently, watching the expressions on his youngest son’s face as he struggled with the truth.

Shaking his head, Judah admitted, I have been foolhardy.

‘Young Simon’ shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.

You must think me as dull as Elazar.

No, I do not.

Preoccupied with his own thoughts, Judah barely heard his father.

Sighing, Judah said, I am twenty-two years of age. I grew up attending the synagogue with my brothers. We were taught all that is written in the Law and the Prophets... yet I did not question these tales. None of us did.

Do not fret, son. Many have been fooled by tales over the years.

Be at peace about me. I am no longer interested in any ‘Way,’ Abba. I have been foolish once. I do not intend to be so again. You may call me Hamadi again. I apologize for my behavior over these past weeks.

Continue to answer to your Egyptian name; it will please your mother. However, when you are in Ephesus, use your Hebrew name. It will please my father.

Judah stood up.

Go home, son. Spend a little time with your mother. I will walk on up to the...

The what… Abba?

This was another reason I wanted to talk with you, but our conversation about your ‘new faith’ distracted me.

So what is the other reason, Abba?

I did wonder why you did not respond to my request to make your mother’s last few weeks pleasant. She will not live long now.

Abba, I know she has not been well, but I thought she would recover. She has been ill in the past and has recovered.

Not this time.

The sinw from Alexandria gave no hope, no solution? Egyptian physicians were well- renowned. If this one said there was no cure for his mother… Nothing can be done for her?

No, son. That is why I went to see your brothers. I told them first because they will have much to organize so they can take time away from our processing of the papyrus. His voice broke, knowing the time his sons needed would be to attend her funeral. Looking away and taking a few deep breaths, he controlled the tears that threatened, and then continued, You already have an assistant who can take over your work.

Judah covered his face with his hands and wept. Now he knew why his father had chosen to walk in that direction.

‘Young Simon’ put a comforting hand on his son’s shoulder.

I am sorry, Abba, Judah said, wiping his eyes and working hard to calm himself. His father needed to receive support, not to give it. His voice wavering, Judah asked, You are buying one of the small caves for a tomb?

I am, son, it is the least I can do for her. He remembered his reason for marrying her. He was angry with his father; angry with God... and had turned aside from Him. Tii was a gentle person. She was pretty but not ravishing. Her quiet, peaceful nature was what had attracted him. Over the years, she had been a faithful and loyal wife. He knew she had suspected his reason for wanting to marry her was because of something that had gone wrong in his past. Nevertheless, she had accepted him, loved him... and he had grown to love her. He knew she had not fully accepted his faith, but she had tried to keep all the rules of that faith. As he stood beside his contrite son, he tried to see down the years ahead. How would he manage without his wife of thirty years? Staring at the sandy road, ‘Young Simon’ declared, I will not let my cherished wife be placed in the sand like a common laborer. She shall have a tomb.

I had hoped it was like those other times she was not well...

So did I. But your mother knew differently. She only agreed to have this physician examine her because he was part of your sister’s husband’s family.

How long?

A few weeks at most. Your Mut is quite settled about her fate.

Abba... how? How can we live with Mut, talk to her… knowing she is dying?

By loving her as we always have.

But Abba, she will die, and we will go on living. How can we live as if all is normal? What can I say to her? How should I treat her? How can I look at her, knowing she is dying?

I have no answer for you. I can only tell you what I have purposed to do. I will do all I can to ensure your mother’s comfort and peace.

I don’t know what to say to her.

You could tell her that.

Judah looked doubtfully at his father.

She knows I was going to tell you today.

Although his mother had regularly been unwell in recent years, Judah had never thought that this time it would... he drew in a shuddering breath. He had heard the word ‘stunned’ before but never understood what it meant. Now he did.

His father looked at the position of the sun in the sky and moved restlessly. He had promised he would arrange the tomb today.

Recovering enough to speak, Judah voiced his thought, Perhaps it would be better if I did not go to Ephesus.

Your grandfather wants...

Surely he would understand that you will need comfort, family around you.

I have two other sons, your sisters, and my three grandchildren. Remember, my father is aged, and he is not well.

But the mourning period.

I am fairly sure the Shloshim, the thirty days mourning period, will be over by the time you need to travel. Anyway, the laws allow for matters already planned. It will be no problem that you keep the agreement and go to Ephesus during the Shneim asar Chodesh – the twelve months. I realize you will still grieve in that time, and so you should. She is your mother, she gave life to you, but she wants you to go to your family in Ephesus. If you are still in Ephesus at the end of the twelve months, you can recite the mourner’s prayer there, as we will here.

So there were three reasons for this walk with you.

I wanted to talk about your journey to Ephesus, and I did need to discuss with you about your beliefs. Ephesus has many of these followers of the Way, I am told.

As I said earlier, I am not interested in any ‘Way.' I will attend the synagogue in Ephesus, and will do my duty as a mourner of a parent. A new thought struck him. Are you well, Abba? Is something wrong? Is that why you want me to go to Ephesus?

No, my son. I have no feeling of anything wrong in my body. Tears pooled in his eyes as he thought, ‘only something wrong in my heart. I will miss my wife.’ Wiping the tears away, he said, Now I must go. After I have arranged for your mother’s resting place, I have to prepare for your sister’s wedding. It will comfort your Mut to see her second daughter married, and the family of her betrothed has hurried to make sure the formal marriage can take place quickly.

Judah moved close to his father and embraced him. The time ahead was going to be difficult for all of them, most of all for his father. As his wife lay dying, he had to arrange the festivities for his younger daughter’s wedding.

Guessing his son’s thoughts, ‘Young Simon’ edged away. I will cope. I will do all I can to comfort your mother and ease her passing.

Judah stared at the ground. He did not even want to think about the pain that his Mut and Abba were going through, knowing she was dying but each on a separate journey. He looked up into his father’s tear-glazed eyes as he realized his parents’ lives were already parting.

I will visit Mut on my way to the warehouse, Judah said on a sob.

In Ephesus, you will have to refer to her as Aima, or they will not know who you are talking about. However, we will talk about this another time.

She kept many of her Egyptian ways...

And she has asked that her sisters are the ones who wash and prepare her for burial.

Judah raised his eyebrows. His aunts were Egyptian, pagan. He shook his head. Did it matter anyway? God, if He existed, would know that Tii did not worship Him. Then he comforted himself. If He knew that, He would also know that she had kept all His rules in running her home and raising her children.

Son! You must go if you want to see your mother on the way to the warehouse. There is a lot of work for you to do. Your brothers sent another shipment to be sorted for the various customers and to get ready to ship to Ephesus. You cannot allow yourself to fall behind here. Everything must be organized for the first ship to sail.

‘A ship I will be on,’ Judah thought. He hoped that his father was correct and he would be welcomed in the home of his grandfather. Saba. He must accustom himself to the words now. It would be something less to be anxious about. Yes, he knew Greek and Hebrew, but his first language was his mother’s tongue, Egyptian.

After the wedding of Ahura

I am grateful that I was spared until I saw my younger daughter married, Tii whispered as her husband sat beside her sleeping couch.

Has it been…? ‘Young Simon’ had been about to ask, ‘too much of a strain’ but realized that would have been a foolish question. Of course it had. But it was one she was glad to have been able to cope with.

You will have to arrange a marriage for Elazar to some strong, sensible woman of your faith, she whispered.

You know he has never shown any interest in marrying.

But, husband, although you are well now, you too will die, and there will be no one to direct him.

I suppose he is of marriageable age. But dearest Tii, do not fret about him…

She wanted to close her eyes, to sleep, to trust that all would be well with her family but needed one last reassurance. Rohi, my soul, I have one last… fear, that I need to ask you about. Will our youngest son be welcome in your father’s home? She closed her eyes and drifted into a brief doze, something she had been doing more often lately.

‘Young Simon’ smiled at her, then looking away, stared into space as he looked down the long years of his absence from his family. Her question was one that had concerned him also. He had resolved it in his mind, sure that neither Elizabeth nor his father would let Meshua hurt Hamadi. He turned back to look at this wife of his, a shadow of what she had been. Her eyes were open, watching him think. Tii, his reply was tender, who would not love our boy? He is the gentlest of all our sons.

That does not mean your father... or brother will like him.

You liked my nephew, Timon when he was here. He is the son of my brother.

Timon, yes, he was a considerate young man.

So, stop fretting about Hamadi.

I know he has been using his Jewish name. Tii smiled weakly at her husband. I do not mind. He will fare better with your father’s family without an Egyptian name.

‘Young Simon’ looked tenderly at his wife. How he wished he could ease her suffering, make the illness go away, but all he could do was to let her see how much he appreciated her. He discovered that name means the same as his Egyptian name.

Her eyes filled with tears. Thank you for telling me. I had thought our son was rejecting the Egyptian part of his heritage.

He was not the one who told you then? I thought he was going to explain…

No one told me. I heard his friend call out to him when he came on your Sabbath.

Then you should tell him you know, and allow him to tell you about his Jewish name.

Tii gazed at him, love and peace in her eyes; she knew she would not be asking her youngest son anything. Thank you for being so good to me, for all your love and support over the years, but especially now. Tii reached up and clasped his hand, and repeated, Thank you.

Her hand lost its grip and ‘Young Simon’ stared at her, his reply unsaid on his lips. She was gone. He stroked the hair back from her face, You didn’t wait for me to thank you for your love all these years, he whispered, and bowed his head and wept.

Chapter 1

A village outside Ephesus

Late February 95 AD

Rachel stared thoughtfully into space. Bartholomew had left some time ago. Although he had not refused to baptize her, he had told her he should prayerfully consider her reasons for asking. Now she asked herself the same questions.

Did she believe that this Jesus they taught about was HaMassiach? She had told Rhea and Mary she did. However, something Bartholomew had said made her question… ‘Am I rejecting my Jewish faith because of my hurt over what my father did to me?’

There were times she was clear in her mind, but others when she could not see past her hurt. With the easing of the physical pains and healing of her body, had come the emotional pain. She had loved her father; perhaps under all the hurt, she still did, but how could she forgive him? This was something Bartholomew said she must look at.

She replayed their conversation in her mind.

Do you know what he did? she asked Bartholomew.

He smiled. I know what you have told me.

There was still a trace of anger in her voice when she replied. My father attacked me, beat me, and walked away.

Bartholomew had looked at her, his eyes sad. Phillip had told him how near to death the girl had been.

And why? Rachel asked after a pause. Her glance flickered towards Rhea who stood near the door and had already heard what she was about to say. Looking back at Bartholomew, she continued, Because I obeyed my grandfather’s instruction to help Doran in the shop. My Saba was in too much pain to remain there. I had been afraid to obey, and said, No when he first asked, but when I saw the pain he was in… I went into the shop, into the storeroom.

Are you angry with your grandfather? Bartholomew had asked quietly.

No, she could answer truthfully. I saw how hard it was for my Saba to walk. I watched Seth support him and knew I could not have helped him back to the house.

After a pause, Bartholomew said, Yet I detect some anger in your voice.

Yes, but not with my Saba, Rachel sighed. When the overwhelming pain started to ease, but I still could not move without hurting myself, I lay thinking about what he did… my father.

Then the distress began, Bartholomew prompted.

She nodded. My father refused to listen. He would not let me explain that Seth had taken my Saba into our home for his pain-killing medication. It was only a few steps, but he could barely walk, even with Seth’s help. Speaking to Bartholomew, she relived part of the scene. Sighing, she stood up, tears welling in her eyes. Although she did not say it, the fact the ‘heretic’ great-grandson of the apostle was in the shop had contributed to her father’s rage. She asked herself now… Had she been looking at the man in a way that showed her attraction to him? Perhaps. Since he had rescued her and her sister at their cousin’s wedding three years ago, he had occupied far too many of her unwary thoughts. Over the intervening years, that interest had not completely gone. She had heard him in the shop with his great-grandfather many times. When he had come back from wherever he had gone for some months, he was more handsome, colored by the sun, stronger, fitter looking. Her mind drifted off, farther back down the path of her memories. Perhaps Jonadab had seen some of her feelings that time when he had said she was making ‘sheep’s-eyes’ at Benjamin.

Seeing she was deep in thought, Bartholomew stood up and prepared to take his leave.

She looked up and apologized, I am sorry…

Do not be sorry. Continue to look at your memories, consider your thoughts and your attitudes. You have asked for baptism into our faith. It is not something you should take lightly. It is a commitment for life. As I explained earlier, you have to count the cost. He looked at her penetratingly, then continued, For you, it is not merely the cost of leaving your family, you need to ask yourself if you can forgive the father who hurt you.

Rachel had nodded and sighed, Thank you, Bartholomew.

When he neared the door of her chamber, Bartholomew turned and looked back. When you Naomi and Lois cared for you, did our apostle, John, talk to you about our Messiah?

Yes, we talked every morning.

He might have told you this. When the Messiah was on the cross… after the Romans flayed Him then nailed Him to that instrument of His death, while hanging there, He said, Father forgive them…"

Rachel nodded. Saba John had told her about the crucifixion. It had not been easy for him to speak of it, and she had asked him, Did you forgive them too, Saba John, or are you angry at what they did? His reply had surprised her. They did not do it to Him, He laid His life down. He had then quoted softly, what he had so recently recorded in his memories. ‘You could have no power against Me unless it had been given to you from above’… So said our Savior to the Roman governor. She smiled inwardly. That had been the start of many discussions on Jesus’ obedience to His Father, on Who He was, and how He lived and taught.

Bartholomew had nodded to Rhea, and the pair had left, but Rachel had barely noticed their departure. As she sat there, considering all they had talked about, she realized that remembering these things helped her to think of her life and her father’s behavior without anger.

As she reflected, she saw that to the best of their ability, these followers of the ‘Way’ as they called themselves, lived what they believed. It was not just Saba John and his family. Everyone she had met did. She had asked Bartholomew why they cared about people who were not part of their fellowship. His reply had been that they were called to live as Christ lived.

As Bartholomew had reminded her before he left, Christ had forgiven the people who whipped Him, reviled Him, and crucified him. Did she have it in her to forgive her father? She feared him still. And knew he would probably want to kill her for what she was doing… turning from her Jewish heritage. Bartholomew had said forgiving him did not mean she had to go back home and live under his rule.

It was some time later when she made her way to her sleeping couch, and carefully lowered herself to her knees. It was how they prayed. She had tried before, but was still unsure about ‘talking to God.’ What was it Bartholomew had said? Tell God that, and ask for His help. Speak to Him. Tell Him what you are thinking. Then Bartholomew had smiled and added, He already knows, but He wants you to ask Him for help. And it will help you winnow out the important from the less important.

Leaning her forearms on the couch, her hands clasped, Rachel spoke to a God she was yet to fully know. I do not know what to say to You. How do I know that You are there, that you are listening… that you care for me? Bowing her head onto her hands, she sobbed, It is hard to trust that You care. They call You Father, but look at what my own father did to me, why would You care about me? Tears of hurt, of fear, followed by all her feelings of rejection poured out. It was something she had shared with no one… how rejected, how abandoned she felt. The father she had loved had beaten her and walked away, not caring if she was alive… she had trusted him… She told it all to God. She was about to rise when a question came to her mind… what about forgiveness? I do not know how to… She waited. In the stillness, she asked, Help me to forgive him, please. As she knelt, she felt the stirrings of peace, and whispered, "I forgive him. I know that it is