Paul: John the Baptist—Jesus

By John Mench

Paul was born in Tarsus about 4 BCE. His father was a faithful Jew, a Roman, and a successful tent manufacturer. This book focuses on three families and their relationship with birth, love, travel, religion, and death. The first family is that of Omar and his wife, Ruth. They have four children: Aaron, their oldest son; his brother, Hezekiah; Yona, the only daughter; and Paul, the youngest child. The second family is Zacharias; his wife, Elizabeth; and son, John. The third family is that of Joseph and his wife, Mary. They have a large family. Jesus was their firstborn, then James, twins Salome and Thomas, Simon, and finally, Judah. My story reveals how these three families were involved in the formation and dissemination of the Christian religion. It is a story loosely based on the stories of the Bible. My intent is to entertain you and, hopefully, to stimulate your thought process about Bible stories by providing the human interactions concerning these three families.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Dec 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781973647379

John Mench

The author served in the U.S. Navy and then went to college. After graduating with an engineering degree, he enjoyed careers (50+ yrs.) as an engineer, businessman, and professor. He is now retired but writes novels. While reading the New Testament for over sixty years and teaching Sunday School Bible classes for twenty years, Fellow, John Mench, Ph.D., has been conflicted by the lack of personality within the testament. He endeavors to add perspective to the message of the testament by creating lives for those who wrote and developed Jesus’ message. My series of books – The First Four Hundred Years includes: Story One - Paul - (The Unique Trio - John the Baptist,Jesus, and Paul) Story Two - John Mark – (Born in Africa – Martyred in Africa) Story Three - John - (John the Youngest – John the Oldest) Story Four - Polycarp – (A Student of John) Story Five – Irenaeus – (A Student of Polycarp) Story Six - Hippolytus – (The First Antipope) Story Seven – Lucian – (Excommunicated – Reconciled – Commemorated as a Saint) Story Eight - Constantine – (Helena – Nicaea – Dead Sea Scrolls) Story Nine – Augustine – (Student of Ambrose – The City of God – Bishop of Hippo)

Book preview

Copyright © 2019 John Mench.

Interior Graphics/Art Credit: Trina Jang

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress om

1 [phone]

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-9736-4736-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-4735-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-4737-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018914261

WestBow Press rev. date: 12/07/2018

DEDICATION

Dedicated to my wife, Rose, who for thirty-four years, focused our lives around Jesus’ message and to my second wife, Ann, who encouraged me for the last twenty years. Her illness provided me with the time to write and her love of life encouraged me to tell my stories. God’s grace to both of you.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

To my friends who after reading my book gave me critical guidance and loving care.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1   In The Beginning

Chapter 2   Preparing for a Birth

Chapter 3   The Families Unite

Chapter 4   Omar and Joseph

Chapter 5   Omar and the Big Order

Chapter 6   The Children Mature

Chapter 7   Coming of Age

Chapter 8   Getting Settled in Jerusalem

Chapter 9   Yona’s Wedding

Chapter 10   Paul’s Friends

Chapter 11   Paul in Jerusalem

Chapter 12   Paul’s Ministries - Barnabas

Chapter 13   Paul’s Ministries - Silas

Chapter 14   Paul’s Ministries – Aquila & Priscilla

Chapter 15   Paul & Salome in Ephesus

Chapter 16   Paul’s Ministries - Rome & Trial

Image1.jpg

INTRODUCTION

The Foundation of Christianity

In an effort to stimulate your imagination, I have written a series of books concerning the formation of the Christian Church.

Our understanding of Christianity was probably formed when we attended Sunday school. Hopefully, what we learned was based on the principles of the Bible. The Bible’s New Testament provides us with a disjointed series of stories about Jesus. The stories are incomplete and have caused me to be concerned about the incidents not preserved in history. Some will say they are a figment of my imagination.

After reading the books, I encourage you to form and record your imagination about the unrecorded events.

My series of books are written as fiction related to history. In my opinion, history concerning any specific topic in ancient times is fiction. The amount of written history that is accurate is pure speculation. The amount of fiction that is contained in written history is based on several items:

1. elapsed time (from event to now)

2. government influence (the winners of war write history)

3. greed (writing to make money)

4. erspective (being human)

When you read a history book, you are reading a written perspective that has been deemed acceptable by your generation and your environment. Most history books are the perspective of well-paid victors.

PAUL

This story begins in Tarsus about 4 B.C.E. It involves three families and their joys and struggles with birth, love, travel, religion, and death. The first family is that of Omar and his wife Ruth. They have four children, Aaron; their oldest son was followed by his brother, Hezekiah. Yona was their only daughter, and Paul was the youngest child. The second family is Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth. They have one son, John. The third family is that of Joseph and his wife Mary. They have a large family. Jesus was their first born. James was their second son, and then twins Salome and Thomas. The twins were followed by Simon, and finally Judah. My story reveals how these three families were involved in the formation and dissemination of the Christian religion. It is a story loosely based on the stories of the Bible. My intent is to entertain you and hopefully stimulate your thought process, about Bible stories, by providing the human interactions among these three families.

CHAPTER ONE

IN THE BEGINNING

It was a very good year and was recorded in history because of a comprehensive Roman census and a great astrological event. Although many were frightened, the educated were filled with curiosity, and the religious were filled with hope. The event was witnessed throughout the Roman world. It was recorded by many writers. The Roman army, under the command of Octavian, defeated Antony and Cleopatra, and Egypt became part of the Roman Empire. Octavian, now called Augustus by the Roman senate, was emperor.

Omar and Ruth lived in Tarsus, and she was with child.

This child is going to be different, Ruth said. It seems like he knows what is happening.

I am glad you agree that it will be a he, Omar said. We have one girl.

He is very active, she said. When I talk to him, he stops moving around and stops kicking me. It is like he understands.

I would ensure he knows what is happening, he said. That way we both can sleep.

I explained to him that Tarsus is a city almost as great as Alexandria, and I told him about the university, she said. He remained active until I told him that he could be a professor.

Omar stared at Ruth and smirked.

Tarsus was the home to great Greek wisdom. Philosophers gathered daily on the square to discuss current and historical events. The city was controlled by Rome; therefore, a military presence was always visible. Tarsus was home to a university, a mint, harbor, and a passage to the sea. Ships from all over the Roman Empire docked in the harbor. It was the center of the lumber and linen industry.

Omar and his son, Aaron, sat on the porch of the house and enjoyed a warm breeze.

Aaron, I started my business here because Tarsus provides everything required for making tents, Omar said. The goat hair and skins in this area are the best. The local people provide a good supply of semi-skilled workers and a large supply of laborers and servants.

It was in Tarsus, where Paul’s father and mother witnessed the great light in the sky.

Omar stood up, stretched his legs, and went indoors.

It is a great evening to star gaze, he said to Ruth. I am getting hungry. When will dinner be served?

I don’t know, Ruth replied. I will check with the servants. It shouldn’t be long.

Ruth, look at that beautiful star, he said, standing at the window. It is difficult to see, because it is almost straight overhead. It is very bright.

She didn’t respond.

Ruth, you must come and look at this star, Omar said. It might not be here next week. I wonder where they go.

I will be there in a moment, Ruth said. I am busy checking on dinner.

Let the servant check dinner, he said. Come look at the star.

Ruth didn’t hear his second request. She was with the servants in the kitchen.

Dinner is going along fine, she said, walking back into the room. Ok, what was it you wanted me to look at?

I want you to look at the star, look at the star, he said. Come here, I will show it to you.

Ruth went to the window, grasped Omar’s hand, and looked at the night sky.

That star is quite spectacular, she said. I have never seen anything quite like it. It is so bright that it exhibits a royal quality. It is inspiring and really lifts my spirits.

Her baby gave her a kick, and she let out a soft sigh.

What did you say? Omar asked. Is my son bothering you?

Our son kicked me, she said. I told him about the star. I explained to him how it was a source of spirit.

He can’t hear you, he said. But I guess anything that makes you feel better is a good thing.

Omar and Ruth held hands as they walked to the dinner table. The servants served the meal and sensed the love between Omar and Ruth. They enjoyed dinner and then went into the living area to relax. They continued their discussion about stars.

Omar, I am certain that the star was a great sign of good hope for our baby, Ruth said. When they see the star, all expectant mothers should rejoice.

If you think being born under a great star is a good thing, it is good to me, Omar said. I am looking forward to our new baby. We will have a lot of good times raising him.

Ruth’s perspective of the star was a lot different than Omar’s perspective.

You are a very important man, Ruth said. When you were born, the stars must have been aligned.

Maybe it was all that hard work, sweat, and tears, Omar said. That might have helped.

Your business provides good pay and working conditions for many men she said. It also provides shelter and a reasonable life for many servants and attendants.

I do it all for you and the children. Omar said. Now I will have another one for which to provide. I hope my business will grow thirty-three percent this year!

Twenty-five percent, she said. Remember to count the girl. Don’t forget Yona, and I count, don’t I?

Yes, dear you count, he said. But most girls aren’t smart like you.

Omar realized he had misspoken and attempted to please Ruth.

If that was supposed to be a compliment, forget it. she said. Just don’t forget Yona.

I will remember Yona, he said. She is our only daughter. I will give her a chance to learn how to manage, and then she can prove herself. Just like our sons.

I am going to hold you to that, she said. I know she can do anything she wants to do.

Omar was creative and had developed a special method of folding the tent materials before they were sown together that make his tents much more water repellant than his competitors. The competitors saw how he folded the material and many copied his method, but none could provide the same amount of water resistance. Omar also developed a method of stitching where the thread material was soaked overnight in a solution of wine and tar. After the materials were stitched, the wine would evaporate and the tar would seal the holes. He never revealed his technique to anyone, not even to his family members. Omar liked his wine and had a very imaginative mind.

After breakfast the next morning, Aaron and Ruth talked.

Mother, I think I know one of father’s secrets. I watched as he created his secret mixture, Aaron said. He carefully applies it to the tent materials before and after they are sown.

Not too loud, Ruth said. It is a secret.

As I watched he got out the red wine and, after taking a swallow, he poured the pan half full of the wine and added tar, he said. The small scratch on the inside of the pan indicated how much wine to add. He then took another swallow, after which he returned the wine to his own personal cabinet.

You shouldn’t be spying on your father, she said. He will teach you everything you need to know. Don’t tell anyone what you witnessed. Father would be very disappointed.

He told me he has instructed the tent sewers to use bee’s wax on the thread, he said. When they attach the two pieces, he requires silk thread to be used.

It is a diversion, she said. It has worked for years.

Most workers think the bee’s wax is his secret because he insists on one particular source for the bee’s wax, he said. As I watched the tent assembly process, I understood the bee’s wax has very little to do with the water proofing, but it is a great diversion. Father is smart.

You are correct; your father is a very smart man, she said. That is one reason he is so successful and has a business he plans to give to you. You must not reveal anything. Your future and our future may depend on it.

Aaron was surprised by his mother’s comment.

You do know it is much safer to drink wine than the water in Tarsus, she said. Father consumes wine with every meal and keeps a supply handy at the plant. That does not surprise me. If he drank water all the time, that would surprise me

The thought of how much Omar would expect of Paul was already in his head. He sensed what Omar had done for his brothers and sister. As they matured, they all learned the tent making process. Omar was important and well respected within the community for his tent business. He was also a Roman citizen and a Pharisee. .Being both was somewhat of an oxymoron. Most of the Jewish people didn’t like the Roman rulers.

How did he get to be a Roman citizen? Aaron asked. Was your father a Roman citizen?

No, father is a Roman citizen because, three generations ago, his great-grandmother married a Roman soldier, Ruth said. Their children were all raised in the Jewish tradition by their very proper Jewish mother, and all future marriages were within the Jewish faith.

He became a Roman citizen by marriage, he said. That is interesting.

Being a Roman citizen is a pleasing thought, she said. The Roman Empire is powerful and expanding its territory in many places. I am sure you and our other children will all benefit from being Roman citizens.

Being a Roman citizen would prove to be a very valuable aspect of Paul’s life. In fact, it would save his life on at least two occasions. He was raised by a faithful mother, and he was given every opportunity to study Jewish traditions and laws.

Omar returned home from the plant and found Ruth in a melancholy mood. She hoped Omar would lift her spirits.

Omar, are you glad we are going to have another child? Ruth asked. We already have three children, two boys and a girl.

Yes, Omar said. Another boy will be fine.

We have carefully planned our family and are raising the children with great care, she said. I thought our child rearing years were over. But now I am pregnant with another ‘blessed event’.

I am the happiest man in Tarsus, maybe the world, he said. I love you, and I will love the baby.

Ruth groaned, thud, she felt the baby kick.

I know you love me, she said while looking down at her belly. It is not time for you to be born.

Thud, she felt another kick.

I know you are anxious to be born, Ruth said. ‘But you must wait."

Ruth’s communication with Paul was medicinal. It helped her understand his love. She was certain they would always share a great love.

Ruth sensed Omar was having a busy day at the plant, so she took him a fresh lunch. Omar worked teaching Aaron how to manage the tent manufacturing business. She was certain their baby was smiling as he watched his father micro-manage the managerial process.

You have to keep an eye on them, Omar said. They are good employees, but sometimes they forget or are distracted and miss an important step in the process. Then we have to take the tent apart and start over. That costs a lot of time and money. We don’t want to do that.

Aaron was not comfortable in the role of the boss’ son and felt empathy for the employees. The baby kicked, and Ruth was certain he was indicating he didn’t want to work all his life in the tent manufacturing business. She held her stomach and looked at Omar.

I wish Aaron was a bit older, Omar said. Sometimes he seems a little timid. If he is going to manage, he will need to mature.

You are setting a good example, Ruth said. He is coming along fine. He is still a young man. You must have more patience. It won’t be long before Aaron will be ready to manage your business in Tarsus.

I suppose you are right again, he said. I am really looking forward to establishing another tent making business closer to Jerusalem.

That would be nice, she said. I am sure he will help you.

The additional business would provide more income for the family, a location for family gatherings, and a place to live that is much closer to the great temple, he said. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Yes dear, she said. Jerusalem is fine. I am certain we will like Jerusalem.

Ruth sensed Omar was daydreaming. She tried to visualize them being closer to Jerusalem or actually in Jerusalem.

Omar’s daydreams and plans were an important part of his being. He visualized things over and over and seemed to be able to eliminate obstacles before they happened. He thought it was one of his secrets to success.

Ruth, Jerusalem is the center of our religion and will provide many opportunities for me, Omar said. My long range plans include a tent manufacturing facilities and/or outlets in Tyre, and someday an outlet in Jerusalem.

Yes, I hope all the children will like making tents as much as you do. Maybe this one won’t want to make tents, she said as she held her stomach.

It would be several years before Omar would come to the realization that Ruth was prophetic; their soon-to-be-born baby wasn’t going to follow in Omar’s footsteps.

Maybe one of our sons will want to be a Rabbi or a professor at the university, Ruth said. He might be a great writer.

A Rabbi? We are tent makers, Omar said. But we are also Jewish. ‘I would like you to meet my son the Rabbi.’ It doesn’t sound too bad. Let’s hope he wants to make tents.

Noah, a foreman, appeared and spoke quietly with Omar. He excused himself, and Ruth returned home.

When Omar returned home, Ruth was busy with her attendant and the servants.

Ruth, I have good news, Omar said. I have just signed another agreement with the local Roman legion to supply their tents. That means a lot of steady work at the plant.

That is nice, dear, Ruth said. Working at the plant keeps you busy. When you are busy, you are happy. When you are happy, we are all happy. It is a very good thing.

What? O yes, he said. We are also developing a series of tents of various sizes to be used for different military functions. They would really like large portable tents.

It sounds like your dreams are coming true, she said. Hard work usually pays off.

The Roman military is not our only client, but they are an important part of our business, he said. I know the location of every Roman legion from Rome to Jerusalem and most of the legion commanders by name. Keeping in touch with the military leaders and having parties for them is an important part of doing business with them.

Yes dear, that is nice, she said. I think I must have met most of them.

Omar enjoyed being a successful business man and enjoyed the interaction with the political and military officials.

Ruth, we are going to have a great party for the local military leaders, Omar suddenly decided. They will spend Thursday with us here in Tarsus. Tell the servants that everything must be just right. Make sure they serve the best wine and purchase the best lamb available.

Yes dear, you know I can’t do much myself, but I will make sure that everything is prepared as you wish, Ruth said. I will review what you want with my attendant, and I am sure everything will be fine.

The political situation was somewhat steady, and the religion was financially solid. Business life was very different from the time Omar spent with his Jewish friends at the synagogue. The other Pharisees and Rabbis respected Omar for his successful business venture, but they also respected him for his work with and donations to the local synagogue.

Some of the Pharisees were a little jealous of Omar’s success and his lifestyle. They never said anything critical of him because their wellbeing depended on his generosity. Ruth sensed the Pharisees were trying to work with Omar, and she found it very entertaining. Understanding their strategies would serve them well.

One evening after the Pharisees departed, Omar and Ruth sat down to rest. They each had their own favorite chair in the living area of the house. When Ruth reiterated they were going to have another son, Omar smiled. That fit perfectly into his plans.

It has been a long time since I have had a little boy to show my friends, Omar said. How much longer will it be?

I don’t know, Ruth said. We will all just have to wait. It will give you time to think up names and buy toys.

Today, I stopped by a little shop; he said. You should see all the new toys they have for boys. I saw a very nice little wooden boat.

That is nice, dear, she said. I am sure he would like the boat. He might sail all over the world.

I think I might buy one tomorrow and bring it home so you can see what I am talking about, he said. Someone spent a lot of time making it. I wonder if it will float.

Ruth realized Omar’s comment was rhetorical, but she humored him by answering.

That is nice, dear, she said. I am sure the boat will float.

Saul, he said. I like the name Saul.

A week or two passed when Omar began to wonder how Ruth knew she was going to give birth to a son. One evening after the evening meal, everyone rested and read the Bible. Omar turned to his wife.

Ruth, how do you know that our child will be a son? Omar asked. I hope you are correct. A son is more fun for me.

Sit down, and I will tell you, Ruth said. She paused for a moment. Remember the star?

Yes, I remember, he said. It was beautiful.

I like stars, she said. But recently, I have been doing a lot of praying. Praying makes me feel better; I feel more in tune with God. God told me that our child will be a boy.

Ruth noted Omar was speechless, and she waited for his response. He got up and went outside for a short walk. She thought, ‘Omar walks when he wants to make sure his questions have answers with which he agrees. Sometimes agreement is very important. When he has answered his own questions, he is usually satisfied’.

Stop kicking, and be a good boy, Ruth said to her belly. It will not be long now. I hope you are ready. I am doing fine.

Omar returned from his walk and gave Ruth a kiss. They smiled as they sat in their chairs and slowly fell asleep.

CHAPTER TWO

PREPARING FOR A BIRTH

Tarsus was a fine place to live and had much to offer Omar’s family. The temple was small, but it had many meeting places. Omar, Ruth, Aaron, Hezekiah and Yona were excited about having a new addition to the family. Ruth sensed the baby’s birth was imminent. Omar spent too much time at home. His micromanaging style was missed at work. The foremen were forced to make decisions.

The family relaxed in the living area of the house.

How do you feel? Omar asked. Is everything ok? Do you want some water? Is there anything we can do to make you more comfortable?

I am fine, Ruth said. Don’t worry. I have been through this three times. We have never had any problems.

I want to make sure we don’t have any this time, he said. Are you warm enough?

Relax, everything will be fine, she said. I am surprised you are so concerned.

Ruth was a little agitated that Omar was so excited. She worried his anxiety would adversely influence his health.

You are right, Omar said. The thought of you having a baby causes me to worry.

We have had two healthy boys and one healthy girl, and now we are going to have another boy, she said. Think about telling everyone at the plant about your new son.

Being concerned the first time was understandable; because a change from one’s normal routine can be generally troublesome.

It doesn’t matter how many children you have had, it is perfectly normal to be a little anxious, Ruth said. If you weren’t a little anxious, I would be alarmed. I am sure everything will be fine.

Yes, dear, Omar said. I believe you. Everything will be fine. I hope he is a big boy, so he will turn out to be a big man. Remember how big Hezekiah was when he was born.

Yes, Omar, I remember, she said. I am hoping he won’t be quite that large.

They discussed how things would be different during this birth.

My friend Elizabeth, the one who has been with me for all three of my prior births, is also pregnant, Ruth said. I am sure she won’t be available to come and comfort me.

We will miss her, Omar said. I thought she was an old lady?

Elizabeth has prayed for a child for many years, I am happy for her, she said. She has never been able to give birth, but I am sad because we can’t be together.

Elizabeth’s husband, Zacharias, was overwhelmed with joy. He and Elizabeth sought help with their first born. They were both quite old and had no personal experience in childbirth. It was difficult to locate help in Nazareth.

I wish, somehow, I could comfort and help Elizabeth during her childbirth, Ruth said. I will miss her, but I realize I won’t be able to attend to her.

Write to her and tell her how you feel, Omar said. That will make both of you feel better.

Our baby is moving, she said. He caused me to make a mistake, and I have to start a second message. Be still; stop moving.

Ruth wrote a message to Elizabeth explaining that she was pregnant and wouldn’t be able to visit.

Elizabeth was relaxing when she read the letter to Zacharias.

Elizabeth

May God bless you. I pray for you during your time. I will pray that someone will be available to help you with your new baby and Zacharias. If you can’t find someone locally, send me a message and I will send an attendant to you. I am also going to have a child.

Your Friend, Ruth

I guess Omar and Ruth must have decided they wanted another child, Zacharias said. They already have three. Maybe our children will play together when they visit.

I am sure they will play together, Elizabeth said. I wish I could help her.

Ruth was very well educated for a woman. She read and wrote in two languages. Sometimes in the evening, she relaxed by reading one of Omar’s scrolls. Omar, Ruth, and Yona were seated in the living area of the house.

I am really glad that you took the time to learn how to read and write, Omar said. It is a big help. I am sure our children like the poems you write.

I am glad it was important to you that I mastered writing, Ruth said. Not every husband would spend money for a tutor to make sure his wife learned how to write. I feel much better about myself, and I feel like I can be of more help with the family and servants.

At the moment, it is important to me that a friend or relative can be with you during your time, Omar said. I will do whatever is needed to insure your comfort. The servants will take care of the big house and the preparation of the meals, but I know it will take a friend to provide you comfort and give you a feeling of wellbeing.

One of the servants brought Ruth a cup tea. He poured the cup so full that she couldn’t pick it up without spilling the tea. She poured a little tea into the saucer and handed it to the servant. He carefully took it from her.

It was too full, Ruth said.