Malchus

by W.G. Griffiths

The assignment was simple. Accompany the Roman soldiers and traitor, identify the blasphemer, detain him for trial and, undoubtedly, execution. None of the soldiers in his company had seen the desciple's hand inch into his tunic until the sword was flashing toward his head. He ducked but was not quick enough. Excrutiating pain assualted his senses as blod began to flow from the gaping wound where his left ear had been severed. Then something incredulous occurred, The man to be arrested quickly retrieved the mangled flesh that was once his ear. While the soldiers stood frozen, the man reached toward him and then ...well, the pain was no more and the blood stopped flowing. Was it a dream? No one wanted to acknowledge it ever happened. In fact Caiphus commanded that his account never be revealed at risk of death. But, Malchus' life will never be the same and his story will be told.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Novels, Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Historical Fiction

382 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2002

About the author

W. G. Griffiths was born and raised on Long Island and currently resides there and on a horse farm in New Hampshire. He has written several books, including Malchus, Driven, The Road to Forgiveness, Takedown (the sequel to Driiven) and Stingers, optioned for film. He has recently completed the novel version of Talons, a mystery thriller, and is currently working on Angel of Death, an action thriller.

Reviews

[Lorraine Borum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book under the title, "The Witness." The cover, alone, caught my attention; but, the story between the covers brought the betrayal, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to LIFE! Great read...highly recommended!

[Abraham Dishan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first novel and I am so glad I got to read this. The writing and the story was so beautifully written. The language was simple, easy to follow and attractive. I could not stop reading it and had to read on. A definite page turner and a must read. I am truly a fan of the author

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. One from my Dad’s collection and led right into the idea of watching The Chosen! Excellent. Kept me turning the pages right through the end!

[Dan Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fictional perspective on what could be a true story. Loved how it got me thinking about the perspective of a forgotten character of the Jesus narrative.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings life to an unnamed soldier present in the Garden of Gethsemane at the arrest of Jesus. In the scriptural account, he is simply the victim of Peter's impulsive sword, losing an ear in the process. Malchus was a Roman soldier. A military man with a family to support, just doing the job day in, day out. Like all of Jerusalem, he had heard accounts of the man called Jesus - of the unrest following in his wake. Rumors of political uprisings, rumors of miracles. None of this concerned Malchus until his personal encounter with Jesus. The day that Jesus healed the very man sent to arrest him, wounded by Jesus' own disciple, was the day that changed Malchus's life forever. The imagination behind this story and fitting it with the Biblical account of Jesus' ministry and crucifixion is wonderful. W.G. Griffiths truly brings life to a man barely a foot note in the Bible, and truly brings perspective to Jesus' ministry and the people he impacted. When you have read and re-read the crucifixion story, it is easy to forget that everyone involved was a real person with a full life, and though the Bible doesn't tell us what ever became of the men who arrested Jesus, or the men who nailed him to the cross, this book prompts us to re-examine things we have glossed over time and again, and to consider the implications of the life and death of Christ on a more personal scale.

[Elsabe van der Merwe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book personally deeply meaningful, which probably adds the extra star to it for me - otherwise I would've rated it 3 stars. I really enjoyed the story and got drawn into the lives of the characters. I loved the way it took a while to start referring to glimpses of Biblical events, and how it gave me a completely different perspective on some of the parts of Jesus' life I know so well from the Bible... I loved how fresh it made those parts from the Bible to me, and found it even more meaningful while having read it during the time leading up to Easter. There were one or two short parts which I found slightly soppy and over the top, and I found it interesting that the back of the book and the content of the book weren't in agreement over whether it was Malchus' right or left ear that got cut off, but I found that completely forgivable seeing that I enjoyed the rest of the book so much. Would definitely like to get myself a copy & read it again! :)

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this book more than the book itself. It is historical fiction about Malchus, the slave to the high priest in biblical Jerusalem who came to help take Jesus captive when he was betrayed by Judas, and who had his ear cut off by Peter.

The idea of exploring this man's story was fascinating to me. The book started out well, but ended up dwelling too much upon his fictional romance with another slave. What I did enjoy was his back story and an outsider's perspective of Christ and his ministry. I was particularly intrigued by the author's description of the climactic scene in the Garden of Gethsemane.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so interesting that it told the story of Jesus through the eyes of the slave, Malchus. The text is very historical, yet presented in a way that captures the reader. I really enjoyed the city details of Jerusalem and I really believed this book was written in the past. It was so cool to read about that time period and but connect with with the main characters Malchus and Zara. Following their love developing was exciting and I tensed up when they were in difficult situations. Very entrancing.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good on historical context. I really got interested in Malchus' characterization as someone too valuable to lose for Caiaphas the scheming High Priest - and yet - Malchus got away with an awful lot. Also, beyond the slave girl's obvious attractions, I really wasn't sure why she and Malchus were attracted to each other - so the love story was a bit improbable. If you read it quickly and don't look for too much depth, the plot carries the day.

[G.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a terrific book to read during Holy week. It was the story of Jesus coming into Jerusalem and to the cross. It is told from the vantage point of a servant who was involved in capturing Jesus in the garden. I did not remember that Malchus was actually named in that incident.

[Casse NaRome · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when it was titled The Witness. I found it deeply personal and made me think of a little known character in the Bible. He experienced Jesus healing and mercy first hand. The story goes on to tell Malchus' story and how the life of Jesus effected him first hand.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The story was wonderful and I'd love to read more like it. However, some of the writing was poorly done (particularly the dialogue) and the many typos were distracting. Despite that, I would still recommend the book as a good Christian fiction read.

[Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. Easy reading.

Fiction but the following is true - Malchus was a servant of high priest, Caiaphas. His ear was cut off by St. Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus touched Malchus' ear and it was healed.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Malchus is a great story. It is about the slave that got his ear cut off in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus was arrested. I could hardly put the book down. The story is well written and holds your attention.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good novel based upon the reference in the Bible to Malchus in the New Testament. Very enjoyable and well written.

[Sharon Cate · Rating 2 out of 5]

If the love story between Malchus and Zara had been left out the book would have earned three stars. I hate that this became the focus of the book.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

The copy I have is titled ' The Witness' has it been changed? Copyright 2000

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Christian fiction. Would have liked less of the love story, but all in all, a really good read.