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Onesimus: A Novel of Christianity in the Roman Empire
Embark on an enthralling journey through the Roman Empire with Onesimus, a masterful work of historical fiction rooted in deep research. This novel reimagines the life of Onesimus, a disillusioned slave who steals from his master, Philemon, and seeks a better life for himself beyond slavery.
Set against the vivid tapestry of Roman society—spanning the quiet valleys of Colossae to the bustling heart of Rome—McDowell weaves a narrative rich with historical detail, exploring themes of faith, love, and personal growth. With his extensive education in the study of the ancient world and ancient langauges, author brings authenticity to this compelling story, blending biblical echoes with a gripping human drama.
Ideal for fans of historical fiction and Christian fiction, Onesimus offers a fresh perspective on a figure tied to Paul’s Letter to Philemon. Discover this moving tale of transformation today!
Set against the vivid tapestry of Roman society—spanning the quiet valleys of Colossae to the bustling heart of Rome—McDowell weaves a narrative rich with historical detail, exploring themes of faith, love, and personal growth. With his extensive education in the study of the ancient world and ancient langauges, author brings authenticity to this compelling story, blending biblical echoes with a gripping human drama.
Ideal for fans of historical fiction and Christian fiction, Onesimus offers a fresh perspective on a figure tied to Paul’s Letter to Philemon. Discover this moving tale of transformation today!
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2018
5 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Markus McDowell
27 books26 followersMarkus McDowell is a multigenre author who lives on a yacht writing thought-provoking novels and short stories, with themes of chaos and the human response. He is overeducated and has a serious case of wanderlust.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 11, 2020
Well-crafted historical fiction, Markus McDowell’s novel Onesimus brings to life an intriguing story of the early decades of the nascent Christian religion.
Inspired by St Paul’s letter to Philemon, a close friend of Paul living in the Asian city of Colossae, McDowell weaves biblical events and fictional adventure that follows the runaway slave Onesimus who has betrayed his Christian master Philemon, embezzling money, stealing a horse as he flees from certain and severe punishment, avoiding capture as he travels first to nearby Ephesus, then to the Greek city of Corinth, and finally to the capital of the Empire, Rome.
Along the way Onesimus is befriended by a cast of Christian characters who aid his flight, eventually encountering Paul who is under house arrest in Rome. The clever, deceitful and manipulative slave is gradually transformed, his troubled conscience raises his better self through Paul’s guidance and converting to the Christian faith.
This is an engaging story of redemption, acknowledged by Onesimus himself in letters written to his close friend Giarri, letters written long after Onesimus’ return to Colossae and Philemon, as he has not only repented and reconciled with his Christian master, but has risen to a position of prominence in the Christian ekklesia (church) of Ephesus where he is under house arrest awaiting apparent execution.
Onesimus has come full circle—from a life of crime and deceit as a runaway slave to a martyrdom, a witness like Paul who had died for his Master, the Christ.
If you want to experience the reality of the early Church, Onesimus will guide you on a journey of faith, hope and salvation.
Inspired by St Paul’s letter to Philemon, a close friend of Paul living in the Asian city of Colossae, McDowell weaves biblical events and fictional adventure that follows the runaway slave Onesimus who has betrayed his Christian master Philemon, embezzling money, stealing a horse as he flees from certain and severe punishment, avoiding capture as he travels first to nearby Ephesus, then to the Greek city of Corinth, and finally to the capital of the Empire, Rome.
Along the way Onesimus is befriended by a cast of Christian characters who aid his flight, eventually encountering Paul who is under house arrest in Rome. The clever, deceitful and manipulative slave is gradually transformed, his troubled conscience raises his better self through Paul’s guidance and converting to the Christian faith.
This is an engaging story of redemption, acknowledged by Onesimus himself in letters written to his close friend Giarri, letters written long after Onesimus’ return to Colossae and Philemon, as he has not only repented and reconciled with his Christian master, but has risen to a position of prominence in the Christian ekklesia (church) of Ephesus where he is under house arrest awaiting apparent execution.
Onesimus has come full circle—from a life of crime and deceit as a runaway slave to a martyrdom, a witness like Paul who had died for his Master, the Christ.
If you want to experience the reality of the early Church, Onesimus will guide you on a journey of faith, hope and salvation.
September 4, 2018
We follow the slave Onesimus who schemes to be free only to get in trouble for his efforts. Over the course of the book, he learns what it means to really be free.
Interspersed with Onesimus' ongoing story are letters from the future that make you want to know the whole story and help you reflect on what already happened.
The story has just the right amount of suspense. I felt like I was right there with Onesimus, transported into the first century. I felt when he was overwhelmed as he arrived in a new city, I could almost taste his food, etc.
I was given an electronic uncorrected proof to give feedback. And an honest review.
Interspersed with Onesimus' ongoing story are letters from the future that make you want to know the whole story and help you reflect on what already happened.
The story has just the right amount of suspense. I felt like I was right there with Onesimus, transported into the first century. I felt when he was overwhelmed as he arrived in a new city, I could almost taste his food, etc.
I was given an electronic uncorrected proof to give feedback. And an honest review.
September 9, 2023
McDowell's extensive research and reflection bring the first century alive again, including the divide between religion and philosophy (which Christianity baffled). The theme of slavery—from Onesimus to Paul to Christ—is deeply profound, and Onesimus' physical and psychological journey, along with his questions, is authentic. The interjections and reflections by the elder Onesimus are an effective foil, and the ending is very touching. The editing could have been a little tighter, but the plot and intrigue carry the reader over the occasional little bump.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews