Evangelists in Chains

by Elizabeth Wagler

1983 Rod and Staff Publishers, Inc. Crockett Kentucky. 338 pages plus Epilogue and Footnote reference. Instructive, Character Building, Biblical.

344 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1983

Reviews

[Liesl Back · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martyrs Mirror gives the facts surrounding the imprisonment of a group of Anabaptists by the Holy Roman Empire, who were forced, in chains, to march across Austria in the winter. This historical fiction fills in the details with characters and events that have kept me rapt time and time again. A classic story that will build your appreciation for saints in time past, and build your faith in God.

Content Considerations:

1. While this account covers some unsavory facts (public whipping, dungeon with no facilities) it is always presented in a carefully clean manner. I consider it appropriate for family reading.

2. While throughout the book the gospel is presented clearly (along with the teaching of salvation by grace through faith), take note that the doctrine of the 16th century Anabaptists did not include unconditional eternal security. While references to this are very few and vague, be aware and make sure any younger readers understand this difference.

[Sarah Brazytis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to death as a preteen/teen! The fact is, it was the only 'martyr' book I had ever found where - well, it has a happy ending. And that is amazing! If you have ever read any of my books, you will know that I am an author of light. I love to find the light at the end of the tunnel, the candle in the darkness, the silver lining to the cloud. And no, dying with a smile on your lips as you are burned to death or something is hardly what the soul craves! Jesus didn't stay in the tomb; He rose triumphant. As human beings, we need that triumphant ending to keep the flame of hope alive in our hearts. This book does it!

Note: There is one troubling aspect to the story line (for me, at least): The Christian community in the book lives in commune style, like the modern-day Hutterites - they have private homes, but eat, work, and live most of their lives together; when the authorities say they will let the men return to their families if they agree to break up into groups of no more than 2-3 families, the leadership decides that they cannot possibly remain faithful as Believers if they agree to that. Considering that the New Testament shows many believers who were on their own or sent home on their own (the healed maniac, the Syrophoenician woman, the eunuch, the jailer, Lydia, etc), this seems to be a cultural belief rather than a Biblical one. But I loved the book anyways!

[Dylan And · Rating 5 out of 5]

What great encouragement yet great conviction this book brought. It is a fiction book based on the Anabaptists that were captured and walked miles in chains to become galley slaves. It talks of their great desire to reach the lost and to stay faithful to the Saviour who gave their life for them. They rejoiced "that they were counted worthy to shame for His name." Like the Christians in Acts, these faithful Christians knew a faith that few of us know.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

PROFOUND.