The Testament of Theophilus: A Novel of Christ and Caesar - Hardcover

Wibberley, Leonard

3.86

28 ratings by Goodreads

9780688001490: The Testament of Theophilus: A Novel of Christ and Caesar

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0688001491 ISBN 13: 9780688001490

Publisher: William Morrow, 1973

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***Now Available on Kindle under a new title--Body of Proof: The Investigation by Theophilus into the Resurrection of Jesus Christ***

One part Dashiell Hammett, one part Dan Brown--

When Theophilus, a Roman merchant, is tasked by King Herod to find the body of Christ and prove he didn't rise from the dead, Theophilus goes down a road that will change everything he ever believed in.

From the author of The Mouse that Roared.

Also previously published under the titles Testament of Theophilus, The Seven Hills, and Merchant of Rome.

"Mr. Wibberley has woven several important and widely neglected truths about nascent Christianity into an absorbing story."--New York Times Book Review

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Review:

"In this moving and beautiful novel is a heady mix of religion and philosophy and history. Wibberley the scholar and teacher is at the same time Wibberley the entertainer, and the reader benefits accordingly."--Grand Rapids Press

"The main character around whom Wibberley has spun his tale is obviously that shadowy Theophilus... His 'Testament' is both autobiography and 'apologia' for his life of many encounters with the power and Person of Christ and his eventual conversion to the new creed."--Bestsellers

"The author of The Centurion has come up with another intriguing novel of the time of Christ."--Charleston News & Courier

★★★★★ "The story of Theophilus, a Greek who sees an apparition of Jesus not long after the Crucifixion. This brings him ever closer to the new faith and its teachings of universal brotherly love and heaven, much to the clash of his very worldly commercial upbringing. A strange novel where Theophilus never quite gives way to what we would expect him to - nascent Christianity. Reluctant towards the end, but willing to give this new Son of God the benefit of the doubt, it makes Theophilus more than your average two-dimensional character."--Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "Have you ever read a book so good that for weeks afterward you rummage around looking for something to equal it? A book so good that it forces you to crossword puzzles when you're done, because there just isn't anything worthy enough for your eyes? This is one of those books, and, frankly, I never suspected The Mouse That Roared man had it in him. Theophilus is a world-weary, "modern" character living in ancient Rome. (One starts to suspect that other historical icons were really much more like us than we believe.) He reacts to rumors of Christ's resurrection with an X-Files-ish mix of skepticism and hope. Think religion isn't relevant anymore? Think again."--Amazon Review

★★★★★ "I once had a long and pleasant conversation with Leonard Wibberley. We were trapped together in the attic of a Southern Californa public library. He was a worldly-wise, wise and very kind man a year or two away from his death. I did not read The Testament to Theophilus until long after it was too late for me to tell Leonard how good it is. This book takes the reader through the Gospels at the side of a canny and very reluctant Christian. As with Mel's movie, the horror and the drama of the Passion are there. The messages of love and redemption, however, are also amply and intelligently explored. This book deserves a wide readership. I hope you'll spread the word."--Amazon Review

"Mr. Wibberley has woven several important and widely neglected truths about nascent Christianity into an absorbing story."--New York Times Book Review