The Scribe: Silas

Sons of Encouragement #5

by Francine Rivers

Behind the men who shaped history are the heroes who forever changed it. The Scribe, the fifth and final book in the Sons of Encouragement series, beloved author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Silas. Like the other Sons of Encouragement, this book tells the story of a lesser-known biblical character who made an impact on eternity. The Scribe tells the story of Silas, the man behind the spotlight who recorded most of the New Testament Scriptures we read today. In classic Francine Rivers style the story lets readers grasp the Scriptures in a whole new light—from a perspective never before imagined. Along the way readers will be captivated by the growth of the early church and the trials Paul suffers before he is martyred for the cause of Christ.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook

240 pages, Hardcover

First published July 6, 2007

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

www.francinerivers.com
www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers
Twitter: @FrancineRivers

Reviews

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I have read about Silas several times in the Bible, I never truly realized what an important role he played in Peter and Paul's lives. Not only did he see Jesus during the 40 days after the resurrection and become a believer, but he was an intelligent, well educated scribe. He also spoke several languages. These traits made him an important player in the beginning of Christianity. He became the scribe for both Peter and Paul as well as a prophet who could share what he had learned in those days before Jesus ascended.

Rivers brings to life the travels and time of Silas as he assisted both Peter and Paul and also spent hours writing their words. Her vivid descriptions as well as wonderful plot line brought the beginnings of Christianity and the struggles that the beginning believers and their teachers were all handling even leading to death for many to life. This book definitely will lead me back to the Bible to read those verses that included Silas.

This series has brought to life many of the Biblical characters, and I highly recommend it.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, although fictional, helps the reader understand and learn about the beginnings of Christianity. It made me want to be an early Christian, facing persecution and all. Very poweful read. Made me think and reach for my Bible.

[Marlene Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Shannon The Co-Captain · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I haven’t read a book by Francine Rivers that I didn’t like. Redeeming Love is one of my favorite books. This is the first book of this series I’ve read and I love that it was about a character you don’t hear a lot from in the scriptures. It really does a good job of giving insight to what Paul and Peter suffered through during their ministry. It truly brought it to life. While I enjoyed the timeline and the way she layed out Silas’s story, I did find it just a tad difficult at times to reconcile when certain things transpired from knowing what I know from the Bible. While I know she took liberties with the ending concerning the rich young ruler, I absolutely LOVED that part of it.

[Donna Pfeiffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this novel about Silas, the Scribe, reminded me of the characterization of the disciples in The Chosen. We read about these Biblical characters in scripture, but don't always think of their humanity and individual personalities. The scripture doesn't tell us much about Silas except that he was a religious leader and he did travel with Luke. A lot of Scripture is incorporated into the story, but there is also an incorporation of historical leaders who opposed the spread of the Gospel and what it was like for believers at that time.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up for 10cents and it looked interesting...krb 3/18/19

I really enjoyed this historical fiction and would read more from this author...krb 3/25/19

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY REVIEW:

The Scribe is an amazing book that looks into the life of Silas and the apostles as the church began after Christ died and rose again. This book, the fifth in the Sons of Encouragement series, has a different feel to it. It is more personal versus a complete third person story.

I enjoyed the careful mix of fiction with biblical fact that creates a close up look at the experiences of well known Bible heroes like Paul and Peter and some not-so-well-known ones like Silas, Luke, and John Mark. There were many moments while listening to this audio version that I was in tears as I heard and thought about what the first Christians endured. This book brings the Bible accounts to life in your imagination in a way that will make the Bible so much more real to anyone.

While you can read this book in print or by listening to this audio version published by Oasis Audio, I must say I really enjoyed the wonderful narration in this audio format. Listening to this incredible story makes your housework go faster and makes family traveling become a riveting ride rather than a boring journey.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Behind the men who shaped history are the heroes who forever changed it. The Scribe, the fifth and final audiobook in the Sons of Encouragement series, beloved author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Silas. Like the other Sons of Encouragement, this audiobook tells the story of a lesser-known biblical character who made an impact on eternity. The Scribe tells the story of Silas, the man behind the spotlight who recorded most of the New Testament Scriptures we read today. In classic Francine Rivers style the story lets listeners grasp the Scriptures in a whole new light - from a perspective never before imagined. Along the way listeners will be captivated by the growth of the early church and the trials Paul suffers before he is martyred for the cause of Christ.

* * * * *

This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio and the thoughts expressed are my own.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francine Rivers has a way of taking the reader into the lives of Biblical men & women who lived & breathed and held for all times in the pages of history as told in the Bible. Silas is a person we know little about. So, by taking the little we do know, or rather gave much attention to, and bringing that which is known into a readable format, Francine Rivers has done him justice. I loved how he became a living person, one I could identify with in his struggles of faith & living a life of faith when persecution was the common denominator in the historical period of the day. I've learned that God's will for us isn't as dogmatic or written in stone as we probably want it to be. Isn't it easier to hold onto something we have believed to be His will than to be flexible to seeking His will during different seasons of our lives? It's not easy to change course, but it is needful for our continuing spiritual growth.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This last book in the five book series follows Silas. The narrative switches between the present for Silas and his memories as he writes a scroll.

The author here conjectures that Silas was the rich young ruler and the second man on the way to Emmaus. It is also assumed that Silas wrote the book of Hebrews, under orders from Paul.

Silas is "recuperating" from being near Paul and Peter just being martyred under Nero. Epanetus suggested that Silas write his memoirs while he stayed there. Hence the memories and back to the present. In Silas' memories, some of the statements in various epistles were reminders of statements that had been made in conversations. In the present, Silas taught and remembered fell in love with a widow named Diana and her son, Curiatus. When he left Puteolii, that is when the marriage took place, at the end of the book, before he and his new family set out for Iberia to take the message of Jesus there and beyond.

[Madelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an extremely enjoyable version of the story of Silas, scribe to Paul and Peter. She made connections throughout the gospels of stories that could have possibly been about Silas, such as the rich young ruler (in Luke it gives more detail of the account, and she presumes it refers to him).
I love how she fits the pieces together and wove an in-depth story of how he saw things, and how she presents a picture of the harsh persecution and what it was like to go through that. She displays the biblical-time period very well. It's given me a new image of what it was like to live then.
She expertly incorporates scriptures in dialog and throughout the book, and teaches many lessons of the Bible through the lives of the characters. Very well done and I would recommend it to anyone!

[Kim♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scribe follows the journeys of Silas, the scribe who traveled with Paul and Peter. Along the way, it gives amazing insight into the lives and faith of early church believers and brings the New Testament to life.

This book is incredibly relevant to our lives today and made such an impact on me. So inspiring! I was in tears by page seven. It's easily one my favorites in this series (along with The Prophet) and from Francine Rivers in general. I didn't want the story to end, and I’m sure I will read it again. It made me eager to read the New Testament from beginning to end, and to live for Christ no matter the cost- a true mark of a great Christian book!

[librarian4Him02 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend of mine is a fan of Francine Rivers books and I've ben meaning to pick one up for some time now. When I saw this on my library's shelf I decided to give it a try. In addition, I like historical fiction set during the days of the early church. So, I looked forward to listening to this during my daily commute.

I wasn't disappointed. Rivers' use of scripture and thorough research brought the book to life for me. I came away wanting to know more about the real life Silas who served as fellow minister and scribe with Paul and Peter. I'm looking forward to reading others in this Sons of Encouragement series.

[Art · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting look at the man who travelled w/Apostles Paul and Peter and the persecution that took place to the christians of the day.
Went well w/seeing the movie, "Paul, Apostle of Christ"

The things that we don't realize what it took to bring the Message of good news to all of us throughout the ages.

Made me want to re-read the Bible and go back to studying Biblical Time periods of History.

[Laura Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I get to know so much more about the people from the Bible from Francine's works. Silas is mentioned much in the New Testament but I couldn't have told you much about him before reading this. I don't take these books as 100% truth, there is some creative liberty added, but I can still get a good idea of his character and his role in what happened in history.

[The Jesus Fandom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me really emotional for some reason. It probably is the fact that I relate to Silas (in a very moderate way, as in I feel him, but haven't experienced anything of all the drama you'll hear in this book) and that church history gives me hope. Everybody hated them, and yet here we are.

I didn't feel the romance, it was kinda tacked on.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

AS usual Francine Rivers writes a book that makes you look at events you thought you knew in a new light. Written through the eyes of Silas, it can teach ALL of us how to forgive ourselves for being less that we wanted to be in a situation.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so, so sad to see this series end. 'The Scribe' was another intensely moving installment. Despite having a slightly different feeling from the other books, this book was still excellent and opened my eyes to aspects of my faith I had never considered before.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of Francine Rivers' "Sons of Encouragement" novellas. She has done a masterful job of presenting the Gospel. Great writing! Very biblical (within the limits of fiction).

[Anna Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This told Silas's story. I love reading historical fiction about the early church, and Silas, who spent time with both Peter and Paul, did not disappoint! This story was so encouraging!

[Bettina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Warrig en rommelig verhaal, en het is knap hoe iemand in staat is om het superinteressante en meeslepende Handelingen van de Apostelen zo ongelofelijk saai en on-inspirerend te maken. Ik werd geen moment meegenomen en eigenlijk interesseerde het me geen moment hoe het verder zou gaan.
Ik heb een boek van Francine Rivers gelezen dat ik mooi vond, maar drie die ik echt slecht vond, ik kom tot de conclusie dat Francine Rivers geen schrijfster voor mij is.

[Pickie Loo · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐

[Jaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting Christian historical fiction about Silas, the Scribe to Peter and Paul. It was interesting to read his point of view of the events in the New Testament. Silas recorded the events of the early church after Christ's crucifixion. He was able to give a different perspective as a participant, but not one of the main apostles. The story was an interesting mix of Silas's present and past. I'm going to check out the rest in this "Sons of Encouragement" series.

[Alex Richmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel compelled to make clear, that three stars does not mean a book is bad. I did enjoy the book, however I feel it failed to deliver the expectations I had for it, based on the other books in the series.

For those who have not read the series, sons of encouragement is a book series of five books, five stories a man of faith who live for God in the shadows of his chosen leadership. I love the series for several reasons. The first, is that Christian fiction is so hard to come by, especially good Christian fiction. Not only do I enjoy the stories, but the author takes the stories from the Bible, and has even included Bible studies at the end of each book, so that the readers can study the word from the source itself. The stories also follow people who often do not get time in the light, and have their own lessons that we can learn from.

That said, my criticism of the book is not the book is bad, but I feel does not deliver it message, and that there are some errors in terms of the Biblical belief

The story switches between Silas after the death of Paul and Peter, dealing with the loss of his friends, and the struggling at this faith, and his testimony of his life after death of Jesus, when Silas became a believer and worked as the scribe for several of gods leaders of the early church. I feel the story struggles greatly in the fact that so little of Silas is mentioned in the Bible, especially compared to the others that the books have followed, such as Aaron in the first book, who we watch regularly in the Bible while he is not directly in the light. The story mention several other minor prophets and leaders of the early church, and I feel that this part of the book, creates an actual character that we can follow.

However, the book barely followed Silas, most of the book with Silas talking of Paul and Peter, during their journeys. I didn’t feel that this book was about the man the book was supposed to be about.

There was also biblical differences between myself and the author. The author mentions that Unclean meat is now acceptable, and that disciples all believe that when they died they would go directly to heaven, something that is not biblical. I know other people feel differently, so this will be a moot point to them, however it bothered me greatly.

I believe Many will enjoy this book, even despite my feelings with the book that were negative, I was happy to read it.

[Victoria Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had no idea just how much Silas, Paul's and Peter's scribe, had so much responsibility. He had to carry the scrolls every where he went of course. The book is of course non-fiction story but with a fictional background because of course we don't know but what the Word teaches. He had to give up so much....Silas was a normal or like us person as was of course all those Jesus chose.

But the way River's writes it is like you know or can totally identify with his thoughts and down right open and honest feelings. Rivers got it right once again with the page -turner....I love how real Silas became to me as Rivers put him into conversations with characters. He writes to us as in letters that are totally understandable. The letters of Paul and Peter can be felt and embraced and applied to my life as I take my Bible along side and turn to the epistles and read what SILAS wrote. Silas brought glory to Jesus Christ as he obediently embraced the work Paul and Peter.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last of the series entitled Sons of Encouragement, the main character of this novella is Silas. Silac is a wealthy and well educated Jewish scholar who was a contemporary of Jesus and the Apostles. After accepting Jesus as the Messiah, Silas become involved in the formation of the Christian Church through his aid to both Paul and Peter. Most of his adult life was spent traveling either with Paul or Peter and recording their letters to be sent to beginning congregations.

As usual, Francine Rivers has written a compelling story of the life of a man of faith. With use of Biblical resources, she has composed a historical fiction that is dramatic and inspiring. Some of the roles that she assigns to Silas have no historical proof but are well within the possibility of the times. I have enjoyed this series and am a little lost to have finished the Sons of Encouragment.

[Elijah Abanto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew God has given Rivers an enormous writing prowess, having read several of her books through the years, and again I was not disappointed. Sometimes it is more difficult to write a novel about someone who is historical such as Silas, because if you are not careful you might contradict what the historical record (like the Bible) says. But she studied the Bible well, and written this novella very carefully, and the way she wove events is seamless. I have never so learned much about Silas than when I read this book. This book touched my heart, and challenged me to be a better Christian. A Christian who will serve selflessly, even if I have to be in the background, behind the curtains, even if no one recognizes me for what I did. Thank You Lord.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silas by Francine Rivers
The Book
The Scribe, the fifth book in the Sons of Encouragement series, Rivers tells the life of Silas. This man, a lesser-known biblical character but not lesser in eternity. The man behind the scenes recorded much of the New Testament. The early church and the trials of Paul, all portrayed in this book.

My Thoughts:
I listened to this book as I traveled to Wager, South Dakota, to conduct Kid’s Church. I saw through Silas’s eyes during a dangerous, yet exciting time. Francine was able to transport me to the first century. It was an excellent book, one that caused me to look at the Bible in a different and expanded way.

[nx74defiant · Rating 2 out of 5]

IT Took a bit to figure out what I didn't like about the story.
Than the saying - show don't tell - came to me.
Most of the book is Silas telling us what happened. He is depressed and doesn't think much of his contributions. The result is we get the narration of a passive observer.
Than there are big chunks where he is telling us about what other people told him about the things he didn't see.
The book feels rather flat in its story telling.
When it is better when we are in the "current" time. But since Silas has fallen apart after Peter & Paul's death it is the tale of someone who is depressed and feeling hopeless until the very end.

[Katrina Van Grouw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely the best book out of the Sons of Encouragement series, and I think it has to do with Francine River’s interests. This book was very reminiscent of the Mark of the lion series, as it’s set in the same time period. I think it’s really obvious how interested Rivers is i this time period through her lively and engaging writing. I really really like this book, and I think the way The truths of Christianity were displayed through Silas’s internal thoughts and reminiscing were masterfully done. Not giving it five stars because it didn’t completely wow me, but this is a very solid read and my favorite out of the whole series.

[Devin Vanderpool · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was by far my favorite in this series. To look at someone - a writer, a teacher - with whom I have many shared interests, and to see how he succeeded in his craft and was able to use it as a tool for God was life-changing. My current recurring prayer to the Lord is for Him to use me as He did Silas. If that means helping others write books, great. If that means writing stories and books of my own...even better. I want to be malleable enough to be used by the Lord how He sees fit. Silas became a new role model.