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Pontius Pilate
The true story of how and why the crucifixion took place, from the perspective of the Roman politician who changed history! In a world full of DVD extras, behind-the-scenes commentary, and social media, people are used to getting the story behind the story. Readers want to understand not just what happened but why. This historical novel of the man who washed his hands of the crucifixion does just that!
Award-winning historian and best-selling author Paul L. Maier has created a compelling style of documentary fiction. He uses what is historically known of Pilate's life and rise to power, adds in the known political climate of first-century Judea, and unveils the colorful, untold story that changed history for all time. He provides intriguing answers to questions such as: What really happened at that most famous of trials?Were the proceedings against Jesus legal?Did cowardice or necessity motivate Pilate's judgment?What became of this successful Roman politician after his verdict?
Filling in the details of Pilate's early career in Rome, Maier captures the drama of imperial Rome under the all-powerful Tiberius Caesar, the plottings of his political allies and enemies, and his relationship with his beloved but ambitious wife, Procula. His great moment arrives as he exchanges the intrigues of Rome for the bewildering environment of Judea, navigating new and dangerous waters. In Pontius Pilate, Maier paints a picture for modern readers to help them understand the behind-the-scenes complexities, political and religious realities, and ultimately, the humanity of the people we know from Scripture.
Award-winning historian and best-selling author Paul L. Maier has created a compelling style of documentary fiction. He uses what is historically known of Pilate's life and rise to power, adds in the known political climate of first-century Judea, and unveils the colorful, untold story that changed history for all time. He provides intriguing answers to questions such as: What really happened at that most famous of trials?Were the proceedings against Jesus legal?Did cowardice or necessity motivate Pilate's judgment?What became of this successful Roman politician after his verdict?
Filling in the details of Pilate's early career in Rome, Maier captures the drama of imperial Rome under the all-powerful Tiberius Caesar, the plottings of his political allies and enemies, and his relationship with his beloved but ambitious wife, Procula. His great moment arrives as he exchanges the intrigues of Rome for the bewildering environment of Judea, navigating new and dangerous waters. In Pontius Pilate, Maier paints a picture for modern readers to help them understand the behind-the-scenes complexities, political and religious realities, and ultimately, the humanity of the people we know from Scripture.
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 1967
123 people are currently reading
1774 people want to read
About the author
Paul L. Maier
61 books134 followersPaul L. Maier was an American historian and novelist. He wrote several works of scholarly and popular non-fiction about Christianity and novels about Christian historians. He was the Russell H. Seibert Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University, from which he retired in 2011, retaining the title of professor emeritus in the Department of History. He previously served as Third Vice President of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
February 3, 2011
Fantastic book. The only fiction he added was dialog. Every character is historically verified and everything they do has also been verified. We just don't always know what they said behind closed doors. This gives such an important glimpse into the politics behind Pilate's decision.
February 22, 2024
I really, really enjoyed this book. Maier does a great job of making connections between the New Testament and the Roman political world.
Full review to follow when I have the time.
Full review to follow when I have the time.
June 9, 2014
Dr. Maier, a conservative Lutheran, has given us an enthralling history and fictional biography of Pontius Pilate. I've always been fascinated by Pilate because of his historical importance coupled with so few written sources. There's been much speculation on this controversial figure. I think Pilate would be surprised that today his name, that of a simple equestrian ex-prefect, is arguably the Roman name people remember the most, except possibly Julius Caesar or Nero. Dr. Maier has done a creditable job in taking the paucity of available material and constructing a plausible book. His writing style is not outstanding--rather pedestrian--but his use of historical material is impeccable.
This 'documentary novel' traces Pilate's background, marriage to Procula, posting to Judaea as prefect, then his tenure there and subsequent recall to Rome. His administration includes: besides presiding at Jesus' trial and Pilate's sentence of crucifixion; the uproars against military standards, the golden shields in the praetorium, both of which offend the Jewish prohibition against graven images; building projects such as the Jerusalem aqueduct and the Tiberiéum basilica; and lastly, a violent confrontation with Samaritans. I give this book a 3.5. The writing style pulls it down.
The book posits possible reasons for Pilate's recall to Rome after ten years in Judaea, and gives us some of his subsequent life. I feel in the Creed "suffered under Pontius Pilate" means not the man's guilt, but an attempt to fit Pilate into the chronology of events. I ended up with complete sympathy for Pilate; in troublesome situations I felt he wanted to do what was what he considered best and to follow Roman law but was caught between the vagaries of Roman politics back home and the sensibilities of his Jewish subjects in Judaea. He had to walk a thin line. How could he avoid displeasing one side or the other? I did like the speculation about Procula's horrific dream--the content--and message to Pilate, also that the Gospel accounts were viewed from a Roman perspective. There was a certain amount of Christian apologetics. There were extensive Chapter Notes and a Historical Note.
This 'documentary novel' traces Pilate's background, marriage to Procula, posting to Judaea as prefect, then his tenure there and subsequent recall to Rome. His administration includes: besides presiding at Jesus' trial and Pilate's sentence of crucifixion; the uproars against military standards, the golden shields in the praetorium, both of which offend the Jewish prohibition against graven images; building projects such as the Jerusalem aqueduct and the Tiberiéum basilica; and lastly, a violent confrontation with Samaritans. I give this book a 3.5. The writing style pulls it down.
The book posits possible reasons for Pilate's recall to Rome after ten years in Judaea, and gives us some of his subsequent life. I feel in the Creed "suffered under Pontius Pilate" means not the man's guilt, but an attempt to fit Pilate into the chronology of events. I ended up with complete sympathy for Pilate; in troublesome situations I felt he wanted to do what was what he considered best and to follow Roman law but was caught between the vagaries of Roman politics back home and the sensibilities of his Jewish subjects in Judaea. He had to walk a thin line. How could he avoid displeasing one side or the other? I did like the speculation about Procula's horrific dream--the content--and message to Pilate, also that the Gospel accounts were viewed from a Roman perspective. There was a certain amount of Christian apologetics. There were extensive Chapter Notes and a Historical Note.
December 3, 2013
Historical fiction brings history to life in a way that many other historical writings simply fail to do. The reader is able to enter into another world and live in it for a time, experiencing it rather than merely being told about it. That, it seems to me, is the real value of works like this one. Though it necessarily includes some things that cannot be proven historically (such as specific dialogue, whether a particular character may have been present at a certain event, etc.), it also communicates more than can be told in a dictionary or encyclopedia article (such as the feel of life in that world, how characters would have interacted, etc.).
This particular book was written very well and was quite engaging. It covers essentially the whole life of Pontius Pilate and fills in much of the background of Pilate's life that we simply are not made aware of in Scripture. And though some of what the author suggests about Pilate's life after Judea is surely speculative, it still gives the basic idea of what Pilate's later life may have looked like.
The author makes clear in the book that no character named in the novel is invented but is historically identifiable. Many Roman characters play their parts (such as Tiberius, Caligula, etc.) as do biblical ones (Cornelius, Herod Antipas, Herod Agrippa, etc.). Historical notes are included at the end to indicate the source material for the events and information presented in the book.
My one real complaint is that the elaboration of Herodias' appearance before Herod was unneccesary and more than I wanted to read, and there may have been one other similarly unnecessary but sketchy event. Other than that, I have no real qualms with the book and would have no trouble recommending it. It even made me want to go back and read some Roman history for myself!
*note: my copy is a different edition than the one pictured.
This particular book was written very well and was quite engaging. It covers essentially the whole life of Pontius Pilate and fills in much of the background of Pilate's life that we simply are not made aware of in Scripture. And though some of what the author suggests about Pilate's life after Judea is surely speculative, it still gives the basic idea of what Pilate's later life may have looked like.
The author makes clear in the book that no character named in the novel is invented but is historically identifiable. Many Roman characters play their parts (such as Tiberius, Caligula, etc.) as do biblical ones (Cornelius, Herod Antipas, Herod Agrippa, etc.). Historical notes are included at the end to indicate the source material for the events and information presented in the book.
My one real complaint is that the elaboration of Herodias' appearance before Herod was unneccesary and more than I wanted to read, and there may have been one other similarly unnecessary but sketchy event. Other than that, I have no real qualms with the book and would have no trouble recommending it. It even made me want to go back and read some Roman history for myself!
*note: my copy is a different edition than the one pictured.
January 30, 2025
This curious mix of historical chronicle and novel makes for a pretty shallow and bland version of either literal type, but it does not diminish from the intriguing idea that every 'event' in the book is historically tracable (dialogue is a free interpretation based on the ancient sources, but imagined nonetheless). These dialogues, however, are pretty clunky and mechanically written, claryfing that Maier is a far better historian than novelist. The other side of the book is light on historical depth, sometimes giving the feeling that the author is summing up Wikipedia facts. To summarize, the book hardly works as either a novel or chronicle, but possesses enough charm and intrigue in its underlying premise that is remains an easy read, warranting a positive grade (albeit a meagre one).
2,75/5
2,75/5
January 17, 2021
Great book that fills in the background surrounding the crucifixion, namely Pilate's personal and political life. Though it is historical fiction, there are hundreds of end notes showing where the author gained his information. The only negative is that the author is too sympathetic to Pilate and does not always bring out Pilate's own sinfulness as the reason for his decisions.
December 7, 2021
Very compelling and valuable overall.
Some parts made me cringe a little, like the way the author expands on Pontius Pilate saying "what is truth." Or when you know it's setting up for this perfect moment that we already know is going to happen, you can almost imagine the characters staring off into the middle distance as they rehearse the familiar scene, kind of like some of the scenes in Rogue One.
Some parts made me cringe a little, like the way the author expands on Pontius Pilate saying "what is truth." Or when you know it's setting up for this perfect moment that we already know is going to happen, you can almost imagine the characters staring off into the middle distance as they rehearse the familiar scene, kind of like some of the scenes in Rogue One.
July 24, 2024
The story behind this is really interesting and well researched. The writing is often a little clunky and dated which unfortunately brings the novel down.
October 1, 2018
This book had a tendency to get bogged down in some of the peripheral dates and events. Overall it is a unique and helpful way to help you understand the Roman influence and hellenization of the culture in Judea at the time of Jesus. It gives you good insight into the political tension surrounding the events of Jesus life. It gives you an empathy for Pilate by humanizing him and letting you see his rationalistic process by which he governed his life. Most importantly you get a cool window into just how significant the death and resurrection of Jesus was. This is the most important event in human history. Even Pilate a secular Roman prefect had to admit there was something different about this man.
June 26, 2021
An excellent book. Well researched. Well written.
April 7, 2023
Wow this was a good book. It offered a lot of insight into the time period and culture. This really helped see the other side of the story and offered explanations as to why things happened the way they did.
January 10, 2024
Mooi om de bekende geschiedenis vanuit een anders perspectief te lezen.
October 1, 2014
The year is A. D. 26, and Pontius Pilatus, has been summoned to a meeting with L. Aelius Sejanus, the prefect, the commander of the Roman Praetorian Guard. Sejanus is recommending Pilatus to Tiberius Caesar, to become the new prefect of Judea. Pilatus or Pilate, has dreamed of an advancement in his equestrian career. A governorship in Judea, brings him a step closer to honor and glory. Pilate is a man of average built and looks, he is not a person who stands out; however, his ambitions bring him into an arena of people who manipulate, control, and commit murder for their own advancement. Pilate and his wife Procula, relocate to Jerusalem for his new job as prefect. Their first impressions are of a city which, “seemed more like a mirage shimmering upward in the heat, a glistening sight quite painful to the eye. Its lime-white walls and buildings formed too stark a contrast in reflecting the afternoon sun against a background of brown hills and azure sky.” They are intrigued by the strange exotic city, and it is not long before Procula learns firsthand of Jewish laws. Pilate sought to “Romanize” Jerusalem, but not long after he arrives there is talk of a Jew named Jesus “the Christos.” His reputation is of being a “faith healer.” Stories are shared with Pilate about Jesus' activity, and of the Jewish leaders hatred of him. Pilate is wary of upsetting the Jews, and more importantly of not having a positive reputation with Rome.
Pontius Pilate, is written in the third person, it is a “documentary novel”. Paul L. Maier, states he has not taken “liberties” in the historical facts. His aim is accuracy. His explanations about the book are written in the historical note section. The documents used in the writing of the book are from Flavius Josephus , Philo, and the New Testament Gospels.
The story Pontius Pilate, cannot be told without sharing the story of Jesus' arrest, trial, flogging, crucifixion, and resurrection. Pilate's question in John 18:38, “What is truth?” is not only a foreshadowing of Jesus as the Truth, but is a dismal view into Pilate's psyche. Pilate had a conversation in the beginning of the book about truth, in regards to Roman religion and beliefs, Pilate was unwilling to commit. He is not a man who wants to rock-the-boat with anyone or any ideology, he is indifferent.
Pilate was a key character in the story of Jesus Christ. He was though Roman, and his viewpoint gave the story both an advantage, and yet an awkward atmosphere. The Roman view of Jews was one of quandary. Romans did not understand why Jews did not submit to them, and why they were not able to Romanize them. The Jews worship One God; Romans worshiped many. For a Jew their entire life was lived in reference to their belief in God. Whereas Romans were secular, fleshly, carnal. To “see” the story of Jesus, the city of Jerusalem, and the historical events which unfolded during Pilate's tenure, is fascinating and demure. There is also an awkward feel to the story, because Jesus is not the main character, the story of Jesus is apart of Pontius Pilate, but not the subject.
The marriage of Pilate and Procula are portrayed, their opposing beliefs which led to arguments, as well as their devotion to one another. Through them I saw Roman culture in a marriage, and it showed another contrast against the Jewish religion.
Pilate is an enigma. He represents all those humans who have met Jesus, whether it was in person, or by a Gospel message; but they walk away, neither committing, nor showing any kind of response. Apathy, reflecting a dead spirit.
It has been several days since I read Pontius Pilate, and I have continued to think about the story. There are strong messages, both for Christians, and for unbelievers.
Pontius Pilate, is written in the third person, it is a “documentary novel”. Paul L. Maier, states he has not taken “liberties” in the historical facts. His aim is accuracy. His explanations about the book are written in the historical note section. The documents used in the writing of the book are from Flavius Josephus , Philo, and the New Testament Gospels.
The story Pontius Pilate, cannot be told without sharing the story of Jesus' arrest, trial, flogging, crucifixion, and resurrection. Pilate's question in John 18:38, “What is truth?” is not only a foreshadowing of Jesus as the Truth, but is a dismal view into Pilate's psyche. Pilate had a conversation in the beginning of the book about truth, in regards to Roman religion and beliefs, Pilate was unwilling to commit. He is not a man who wants to rock-the-boat with anyone or any ideology, he is indifferent.
Pilate was a key character in the story of Jesus Christ. He was though Roman, and his viewpoint gave the story both an advantage, and yet an awkward atmosphere. The Roman view of Jews was one of quandary. Romans did not understand why Jews did not submit to them, and why they were not able to Romanize them. The Jews worship One God; Romans worshiped many. For a Jew their entire life was lived in reference to their belief in God. Whereas Romans were secular, fleshly, carnal. To “see” the story of Jesus, the city of Jerusalem, and the historical events which unfolded during Pilate's tenure, is fascinating and demure. There is also an awkward feel to the story, because Jesus is not the main character, the story of Jesus is apart of Pontius Pilate, but not the subject.
The marriage of Pilate and Procula are portrayed, their opposing beliefs which led to arguments, as well as their devotion to one another. Through them I saw Roman culture in a marriage, and it showed another contrast against the Jewish religion.
Pilate is an enigma. He represents all those humans who have met Jesus, whether it was in person, or by a Gospel message; but they walk away, neither committing, nor showing any kind of response. Apathy, reflecting a dead spirit.
It has been several days since I read Pontius Pilate, and I have continued to think about the story. There are strong messages, both for Christians, and for unbelievers.
March 4, 2025
Have you given any thought to which books will make your Best of 2020 list? I've read more books (fiction and nonfiction) this year than in any other year which will make narrowing it down to a top 10 all that more difficult. You can be sure PONTIUS PILATE: A NOVEL by Paul L. Maier will be on my final list.
Pontius Pilate is an older novel. The edition I borrowed from the library includes a preface for each reprint so it's at least in its third printing. The book opens right before Pilate is awarded the governorship of Judea and closes during his retirement under the reign of Claudius. I found this book to be fascinating! Not so much for any connection I felt with the characters, but for all the history.
I highly recommend it!
Roman History and Pilate's Governorship
• Pilate's family history.
• Tiberius - his family, rule, and how he suppressed would-be usurpers.
• Sejanus's scheming and subsequent fall
• Descriptions of the Roman classes, laws, taxation, rituals, superstitions, marriage rites, and more.
• Lessons Pilate learned while governing the Jews as well as a history of those who proceeded him.
• The incident of the golden shields.
• The construction of the aqueduct.
• Tensions between Pilate and Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee and Perea.• Pilate's recall to Rome
• The madness of Caligula
• The rise of Herod Agrippa
• The beginning of the rule of Claudius.
Readers will also encounter the following biblical people and events through the eyes of Pilate and Procula:
• The death of John the Baptist
• Zacchaeus, the tax collector, changes his ways
• Palm Sunday
• The betrayal of Judas Iscariot
• Procula's dream
• The trial, death, and resurrection of Jesus
• The spread of a new Jewish sect
• News of the stoning of Stephen
• Conversion of Paul• Peter's escape from prison
• Conversion of Cornelius
• A brief mention of Priscilla and Aquilla's home church
Pontius Pilate is an older novel. The edition I borrowed from the library includes a preface for each reprint so it's at least in its third printing. The book opens right before Pilate is awarded the governorship of Judea and closes during his retirement under the reign of Claudius. I found this book to be fascinating! Not so much for any connection I felt with the characters, but for all the history.
I highly recommend it!
Roman History and Pilate's Governorship
• Pilate's family history.
• Tiberius - his family, rule, and how he suppressed would-be usurpers.
• Sejanus's scheming and subsequent fall
• Descriptions of the Roman classes, laws, taxation, rituals, superstitions, marriage rites, and more.
• Lessons Pilate learned while governing the Jews as well as a history of those who proceeded him.
• The incident of the golden shields.
• The construction of the aqueduct.
• Tensions between Pilate and Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee and Perea.• Pilate's recall to Rome
• The madness of Caligula
• The rise of Herod Agrippa
• The beginning of the rule of Claudius.
Readers will also encounter the following biblical people and events through the eyes of Pilate and Procula:
• The death of John the Baptist
• Zacchaeus, the tax collector, changes his ways
• Palm Sunday
• The betrayal of Judas Iscariot
• Procula's dream
• The trial, death, and resurrection of Jesus
• The spread of a new Jewish sect
• News of the stoning of Stephen
• Conversion of Paul• Peter's escape from prison
• Conversion of Cornelius
• A brief mention of Priscilla and Aquilla's home church
April 11, 2022
This was a fascinating read! In short, if you're interested in a fictional (though driven by fact-based research) account of how the Romans viewed Jesus' rise to power, you should check out this book!
As one of the conversations between Pilate and a Roman official went, “Every so-called Messiah who has turned up so far has been a fake, a rabble rouser, or self-appointed revolutionary who succeeds only in getting himself and his followers executed” (71). Reading this from the perspective that Jesus was not just a “so-called” Messiah was interesting because it normalizes the socio-religio-political context of 1st century Palestine. There were likely many who claimed to be Israel’s Messiah or who claimed to be different types of prophets or religious figures, so when Jesus appeared, it would not have been surprising that others would have viewed him as just another one of these “so-called” Messiahs. Yet, at some point, the Romans realized that Jesus was not about political or military change but about personal changes in the hearts of his followers (163). It seems that once Pilate realized that Jesus was not after political power (199) but after a kingship of truth, he (and other Roman leaders) was relatively unconcerned with his influence. After all, a kingship of truth would not threaten the Roman monarchy. Even though Pontius Pilate is historical fiction, it helpfully gave me color in seeing how the Romans viewed the Jews, the Jewish religion, the emergence of Jesus, and the politics associated with the Jewish leaders.
As one of the conversations between Pilate and a Roman official went, “Every so-called Messiah who has turned up so far has been a fake, a rabble rouser, or self-appointed revolutionary who succeeds only in getting himself and his followers executed” (71). Reading this from the perspective that Jesus was not just a “so-called” Messiah was interesting because it normalizes the socio-religio-political context of 1st century Palestine. There were likely many who claimed to be Israel’s Messiah or who claimed to be different types of prophets or religious figures, so when Jesus appeared, it would not have been surprising that others would have viewed him as just another one of these “so-called” Messiahs. Yet, at some point, the Romans realized that Jesus was not about political or military change but about personal changes in the hearts of his followers (163). It seems that once Pilate realized that Jesus was not after political power (199) but after a kingship of truth, he (and other Roman leaders) was relatively unconcerned with his influence. After all, a kingship of truth would not threaten the Roman monarchy. Even though Pontius Pilate is historical fiction, it helpfully gave me color in seeing how the Romans viewed the Jews, the Jewish religion, the emergence of Jesus, and the politics associated with the Jewish leaders.
December 3, 2013
Paul L. Maier’s Pontius Pilate may be described as documented historical fiction. Unlike most works of this genre, the reader is able to check notes at the end of the book to see where the information came from. “Only where all evidence is lacking,” Dr. Maier states, “is ‘constructed history,’ based on probabilities, used to fill in the gaps. Even here, as much use as possible is made of authentic historical data as ballast.” Also Dr. Maier points out: “All persons named in this book are historical characters; no proper name has been invented.” The one exception is Procula, Pilate’s wife, derived from the so-called Gospel of Nicodemus, a fourth century work of dubious authenticity.
Dr. Paul L. Maier, who is a Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University, is well suited to add authentic details regarding the customs of Romans and Jews as well as the geography of their lands. The journey by Pilate to Palestine, for example, included descriptions of the Pharos Lighthouse, Alexandria, Caesarea and Jerusalem.
Surprisingly, Maier’s book does not portray Pilate as an arch villain. It’s a somewhat sympathetic account showing how pressure from both Rome and the Jewish Sanhedrin brought about his acquiescing to demands for the execution of Jesus of Nazareth who remained silent even when given the opportunity to defend himself.
Dr. Paul L. Maier, who is a Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University, is well suited to add authentic details regarding the customs of Romans and Jews as well as the geography of their lands. The journey by Pilate to Palestine, for example, included descriptions of the Pharos Lighthouse, Alexandria, Caesarea and Jerusalem.
Surprisingly, Maier’s book does not portray Pilate as an arch villain. It’s a somewhat sympathetic account showing how pressure from both Rome and the Jewish Sanhedrin brought about his acquiescing to demands for the execution of Jesus of Nazareth who remained silent even when given the opportunity to defend himself.
April 21, 2011
I read this book back when I was thirteen, but at Pastor Klat's urging decided to re-read it for Lent. I'm so glad I did! My vague memories of the book involved a Jewish uprising about shields, a sweet romance between Pilate and his wife, and a centurion named Cornelius.
Pontius Pilate is, shock of all shocks, a novel about the live of Pontius Pilate. Well researched, it paints a fascinating picture without getting to preachy, I'd recommend it to anyone, from curious Christians to skeptic atheists. It is a unique and insightful look into the life of a man who played a huge role in history, never to be forgotten. The fictitious form removes the tedium of a normal biography.
I think I will take Pasotr Klat's advice and re-read it every Lent, I can't explain it much better. Maybe next year.
Pontius Pilate is, shock of all shocks, a novel about the live of Pontius Pilate. Well researched, it paints a fascinating picture without getting to preachy, I'd recommend it to anyone, from curious Christians to skeptic atheists. It is a unique and insightful look into the life of a man who played a huge role in history, never to be forgotten. The fictitious form removes the tedium of a normal biography.
I think I will take Pasotr Klat's advice and re-read it every Lent, I can't explain it much better. Maybe next year.
December 3, 2013
This was assigned reading for my studies of the history of Christianity. Maier clearly states from the beginning that although this is classified as a historical fiction novel, it's almost a biography in that all the events, and the people he meets who are named, all really existed. The writing wasn't always so good, but Pilate's story was absolutely fascinating. I almost grew to sympathize with him by the end. He was not always fairly treated, and he had to deal with a lot of pressure. 3 stars.
December 3, 2013
The politics of the crucifixion were fascinating. Maier does an excellent job of writing a Historical fiction that leans heavily on the side of the historical. Some of my friends and family found in dull. But my husband and I loved it, and chalk it up as one of our favorites. Guess it all depends on what interests you. It's not Gerald Lund but that's what I liked about it. It focused less on the fictional and the sensationalized and more on history.
May 22, 2008
Paul Maier is amazing at writing an interesting story around TRUE events and people - and making it easily readable for the general public! Seeing Jesus through Pilate's eyes is an unforgettable experience.
March 31, 2024
Prachtig!
September 17, 2020
This book is a part of my children's homeschooling curriculum so I read it along with them. I quite enjoyed it. It is not the best book I've ever read, but I think it gives really good insight and information, and I like that it is written from Pilate's point of view, as this is quite unusual. The author is an award winning historian, and there is a lot of documentation, and the major events and characters are portrayed as truthfully as possible. The "invented" parts are specific dialog, but I don't consider this an issue, because who really knows exactly what was said? Even if I related a true incident that actually happened to me, I would unlikely be able to quote exact dialogue. The essence of the event is the important thing, as is the essence of the characters.
The book begins in 26AD, before Pilate is appointed governor of Judea, before he is married to Procula. The story takes us to his appointment, his wedding, and his 10 gubernatorial years in Judea, plus afterwards. The "side story" which isn't a side story at all, is the story of Jesus and his ministry and influence. I enjoyed reading about Pilate, the Jews in Judea, and all the politics and happenings from Rome.
While this isn't the best read from a literary standpoint, it is not really meant to be a literary triumph. It is a very good historical retelling and I believe the author attempts to show readers how things looked from Pilate's side. It is not a whitewashing of his deeds or misdeeds, but does show his motivations and thoughts.
I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and enjoys reading about this time period. Christians would also find this a really good read.
4/5 stars.
The book begins in 26AD, before Pilate is appointed governor of Judea, before he is married to Procula. The story takes us to his appointment, his wedding, and his 10 gubernatorial years in Judea, plus afterwards. The "side story" which isn't a side story at all, is the story of Jesus and his ministry and influence. I enjoyed reading about Pilate, the Jews in Judea, and all the politics and happenings from Rome.
While this isn't the best read from a literary standpoint, it is not really meant to be a literary triumph. It is a very good historical retelling and I believe the author attempts to show readers how things looked from Pilate's side. It is not a whitewashing of his deeds or misdeeds, but does show his motivations and thoughts.
I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and enjoys reading about this time period. Christians would also find this a really good read.
4/5 stars.
June 11, 2020
I love this time period in history. Add to that the story of Pilate, a prominent figure in the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and you have a fascinating portrait of a man & family that intersects with Jesus at the cross.
Maier did a masterful job taking the known facts surrounding the administration of Pilate in Judea and weaving an historical novel.
I highly recommend this book if you like this time period!
Maier did a masterful job taking the known facts surrounding the administration of Pilate in Judea and weaving an historical novel.
I highly recommend this book if you like this time period!
March 26, 2020
If you're looking for a break from tough reading and want a solid novel, this is it. A historical novel that adds perspective to Pilate's life and 1st. C. Rome. Very glad I read this book.
January 24, 2025
Heel gaaf boek, echt historisch omschreven en geeft het verhaal en leven van Pontius Pilatus een gedetailleerde omschrijving
July 24, 2024
Very well researched historical fiction that reimagines Pilate as human instead of demonizing him. The author makes Pilate relatable - and redeemable - probably making this fiction closer to the true essence of Pilate than how he’s been painted in church tradition. Highly recommend this book!
December 22, 2022
A very interesting historical fiction account of Pontius Pilate. The story follows his life as he becomes Prefect in Judea, presides over the trial and execution of Jesus, returns to Rome to live under the terror of both Tiberius and Caligula, and ends with the rise of Claudius and the very beginnings of Christianity as a religion. Many of the events that happen in this book are taken from actual historical accounts of Rome and the empire. Would highly recommend if you are interested in a historical fiction novel on a figure that straddles the realm between history and religion.
March 11, 2015
This was such a useful book for me to read, because I know so little about Roman and Jewish culture in the 1st century. I don't like studying history. But Paul Maier presents a compelling historical fiction of Pontius Pilate, weaving his fiction in while staying true to actual facts known about Pilate. Reading the Bible, I've always known the list of bad guys: Herod, Pilate, Caiaphas, Judas.
Now that I've read this, I understand so much more of the political and social climate that these men lived in and what their motivations were behind this pivotal point in history. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know Jesus better; for me it was a reminder that Jesus was a real man that lived in the real world.
One personal note: I would NOT want to be in Caiaphas' shoes when he stands before the judgement throne!
Now that I've read this, I understand so much more of the political and social climate that these men lived in and what their motivations were behind this pivotal point in history. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know Jesus better; for me it was a reminder that Jesus was a real man that lived in the real world.
One personal note: I would NOT want to be in Caiaphas' shoes when he stands before the judgement throne!
March 22, 2015
Books Like This Are Hard To Fing
As a fellow Lover of Jesus Christ. A fellow Born Again, Genius to Revelation- Bible Believing Christian & a lover of Ancient & Biblical Historical Fiction....
And a lover of Historical Fiction from ancient Greece. Roman, Gaelic / Celtic to Early British... Then from Dark ages Britain, to Angelo-Saxon England to the Norman a Conquest of 1066 A.D. to the Plantaganet Dynasty of early Medieval Western Europe....
I've found an Author who Loves the LORD, & Keeps HIS TRUE WORD and knows History and writes the facts first then fills in the story after.
I'm going to read this Lover of JESUS'S every Historical Fiction Book he writes....
I give this book a 10 out of 10 and look forward to other books he writes...
PS... SORRY ABOUT SOME MISSPELLED WORDS. MY AUTO CORRECT IS ON AND
PLANTAGANET IS NOT IN MY KINDLE DICTIONARY...
JD
As a fellow Lover of Jesus Christ. A fellow Born Again, Genius to Revelation- Bible Believing Christian & a lover of Ancient & Biblical Historical Fiction....
And a lover of Historical Fiction from ancient Greece. Roman, Gaelic / Celtic to Early British... Then from Dark ages Britain, to Angelo-Saxon England to the Norman a Conquest of 1066 A.D. to the Plantaganet Dynasty of early Medieval Western Europe....
I've found an Author who Loves the LORD, & Keeps HIS TRUE WORD and knows History and writes the facts first then fills in the story after.
I'm going to read this Lover of JESUS'S every Historical Fiction Book he writes....
I give this book a 10 out of 10 and look forward to other books he writes...
PS... SORRY ABOUT SOME MISSPELLED WORDS. MY AUTO CORRECT IS ON AND
PLANTAGANET IS NOT IN MY KINDLE DICTIONARY...
JD
March 12, 2008
Reading at the bequest of my DH who scorns the novel in favor of The Oxford Classical Dictionary and Tacitus. Though it is technically not a novel, it reads like one, which is such a nice quality in a historical book, for me at least. Eye opening reading about the events surrounding Judea in AD 20s and 30s. The author has an amazing grasp of history and presents it as a silky smooth chain of meaningful events. Dry for a non-historian, juicy for anyone whose husband has the most arid collection of dust and bones he calls books. Bless him.
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