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Persuaded: The Story of Nicodemus, a Novel
Escaped narrowly after the fall of Jerusalem . . .
Pursued relentlessly by the Sanhedrin . . .
Entrusted covertly with a mission more significant than he had imagined . . .
From the prison colony on Patmos, the Apostle John entrusts Nicodemus with manuscripts for the Christian fellowships increasing throughout the Roman Empire. While transcribing the manuscript, Nicodemus is prompted to recall his former life and his encounter with Yeshua - a man of mystery, a healer, a teacher, and a prophet. An encounter that changed everything.
Under the cover of darkness, risking his reputation and endangering his life even further, it is here that Nicodemus realizes the world-changing power of the Good News . . . and what being a follower of Yeshua truly means.
Pursued relentlessly by the Sanhedrin . . .
Entrusted covertly with a mission more significant than he had imagined . . .
From the prison colony on Patmos, the Apostle John entrusts Nicodemus with manuscripts for the Christian fellowships increasing throughout the Roman Empire. While transcribing the manuscript, Nicodemus is prompted to recall his former life and his encounter with Yeshua - a man of mystery, a healer, a teacher, and a prophet. An encounter that changed everything.
Under the cover of darkness, risking his reputation and endangering his life even further, it is here that Nicodemus realizes the world-changing power of the Good News . . . and what being a follower of Yeshua truly means.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2020
About the author
David Harder
3 books5 followersDavid Harder has been writing for more than twenty-five years. His novels are inspiring stories about individuals who influence their world in unique ways.
David grew up in southern California and served in the US Navy during the Vietnam conflict. For eight years, he lived and worked in Germany and traveled throughout Europe. Upon returning to America, he settled in northern California and during his career in the computer industry, David traveled the world for businesses with cutting-edge technologies in computer and data-storage. As part of his career, he wrote for trade journals and created marketing materials within the computer industry.
A graduate of San Jose College with a degree in business, David also studied at Santa Clara University towards a degree in international business.
David is a graduate of Vineyard Institute in biblical studies and leadership. He resides in the Prescott area of Arizona with his wife, Emily, and their border collie, Shiloh.
David grew up in southern California and served in the US Navy during the Vietnam conflict. For eight years, he lived and worked in Germany and traveled throughout Europe. Upon returning to America, he settled in northern California and during his career in the computer industry, David traveled the world for businesses with cutting-edge technologies in computer and data-storage. As part of his career, he wrote for trade journals and created marketing materials within the computer industry.
A graduate of San Jose College with a degree in business, David also studied at Santa Clara University towards a degree in international business.
David is a graduate of Vineyard Institute in biblical studies and leadership. He resides in the Prescott area of Arizona with his wife, Emily, and their border collie, Shiloh.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 15, 2020
Persuaded: The Story of Nicodemus – A Novel by David Harder sheds light on Biblical scenes taken from the story of Nicodemus. As a work of fiction, David Harder is a long time Bible student, taking the story of Nicodemus and his infamous question, “How can one be born again?” to new levels. A broader understanding of Yeshua (Jesus), His teachings, the times, the cultures and language of the Hebrews make this novel an epic saga. Characters in the Bible come to life – the twelve disciples, Joseph of Arimathea, and the fight over Jerusalem in the days of Roman occupation of Israel uncover secrets and keys to the Kingdom of God. Discover Jesus in a fresh new way. Recommended for all mature and new believers, this book can also be used as a tool to help non-believers understand the Good News of the Gospel
Beginning with The Siege of Jerusalem, the author unravels how the story of the miracles of Jesus led the disciples of Christ to Him as the Messiah. Jesus became a threat to the religious leaders of His day. Nicodemus, as one brought up to be in the Sanhedrin and a Pharisee, played a key part in history as told in the Gospel of John. The author gives life to the story through the calling of Nicodemus by John, the Revelator, to deliver a manuscript to the emerging Christian community. Without this key element of being “born of water and the Spirit” Christianity would not survive the onslaught from the Roman empire bent on crushing any further words, legacy, or teachings of Jesus. Nicodemus, his life, his encounters, his midnight encounter with Jesus and his boldness are captured in adventure that encapsulates Israel at that time. The author keeps readers on the edge-of-their seat as we travel back in time to understand how entering the Kingdom of God and Nicodemus’ important role unfolding chapter-by-chapter.
David Harder with detail and accuracy parallels the journey of Bible that include such climaxes as the Passover and the Crucifixion. With the inclusion of the ancient history of Israel and the rise of Christianity, this unique weaving of events makes this book an amazing read. Offering truth from the Gospel, faith and encouragement, readers’ gain insight into the man named Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, and how He is the Bread of Life. Nicodemus becomes transformed from being a sceptic to a devout follower. Bringing the readers full circle, the book gives an overview of the future and Christ’s Second Coming.
A Must-Read Christian fiction, Persuaded: The Story of Nicodemus - A Novel gives insight into how it might have been for those that dared, those who believed and risked their lives such as Nicodemus for the Gospel, giving credence to the one who asked the infamous question, “How can one be born again?”
Persuaded provides the answers and so much more!
I find that this book grabbed me from the first sentence. I just had to keep reading to find out more. This action-packed book truly has the makings of a great movie! Wonderfully creative yet fulfilling in its Biblical accuracy for a fiction novel with that is a superbly articulated story-line.
Beginning with The Siege of Jerusalem, the author unravels how the story of the miracles of Jesus led the disciples of Christ to Him as the Messiah. Jesus became a threat to the religious leaders of His day. Nicodemus, as one brought up to be in the Sanhedrin and a Pharisee, played a key part in history as told in the Gospel of John. The author gives life to the story through the calling of Nicodemus by John, the Revelator, to deliver a manuscript to the emerging Christian community. Without this key element of being “born of water and the Spirit” Christianity would not survive the onslaught from the Roman empire bent on crushing any further words, legacy, or teachings of Jesus. Nicodemus, his life, his encounters, his midnight encounter with Jesus and his boldness are captured in adventure that encapsulates Israel at that time. The author keeps readers on the edge-of-their seat as we travel back in time to understand how entering the Kingdom of God and Nicodemus’ important role unfolding chapter-by-chapter.
David Harder with detail and accuracy parallels the journey of Bible that include such climaxes as the Passover and the Crucifixion. With the inclusion of the ancient history of Israel and the rise of Christianity, this unique weaving of events makes this book an amazing read. Offering truth from the Gospel, faith and encouragement, readers’ gain insight into the man named Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, and how He is the Bread of Life. Nicodemus becomes transformed from being a sceptic to a devout follower. Bringing the readers full circle, the book gives an overview of the future and Christ’s Second Coming.
A Must-Read Christian fiction, Persuaded: The Story of Nicodemus - A Novel gives insight into how it might have been for those that dared, those who believed and risked their lives such as Nicodemus for the Gospel, giving credence to the one who asked the infamous question, “How can one be born again?”
Persuaded provides the answers and so much more!
I find that this book grabbed me from the first sentence. I just had to keep reading to find out more. This action-packed book truly has the makings of a great movie! Wonderfully creative yet fulfilling in its Biblical accuracy for a fiction novel with that is a superbly articulated story-line.
June 16, 2021
All is good with this book, the plot is well thought out the Biblical facts are accurate, the characters are well presented but it's slow pace is not the right for me. I will check the author's other works and I recommend Persuaded.
September 6, 2020
It was an interesting look at a character we know very little about except what is in John 3. The author did what research he could with what is available and wrote an interesting story. I enjoyed the interactions between Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathe, Jesus and the disciples. It gave me a better understanding of the tensions of the time and the tensions between people due to their choices and beliefs. Worth the read.
August 23, 2020
Disappointed
I love biblical fiction, but this book did not fulfill my expectations. The story is basically a rereading of the Gospel of John, interspersed with Nicodemus's reactions as he comes to accept Jesus as Messiah The interpretation of John 3:14 didn't reflect most biblical scholarship, which says that verse refers to how God told Moses to fashion a brass serpent and put it on a pole for those bitten by poisonous snakes in the wilderness to look and be healed. The book did give interesting insight into the Jewish burial of the dead. Awkward shifts of focus from Nicodemus to John and others in the story were confusing. And an overuse of adverbs in nearly every sentence instead of more accurate and strong verbs was annoying. Overall, the book would be of interest to those who are unfamiliar with the Gospel of John.
I love biblical fiction, but this book did not fulfill my expectations. The story is basically a rereading of the Gospel of John, interspersed with Nicodemus's reactions as he comes to accept Jesus as Messiah The interpretation of John 3:14 didn't reflect most biblical scholarship, which says that verse refers to how God told Moses to fashion a brass serpent and put it on a pole for those bitten by poisonous snakes in the wilderness to look and be healed. The book did give interesting insight into the Jewish burial of the dead. Awkward shifts of focus from Nicodemus to John and others in the story were confusing. And an overuse of adverbs in nearly every sentence instead of more accurate and strong verbs was annoying. Overall, the book would be of interest to those who are unfamiliar with the Gospel of John.
August 3, 2020
A familiar character and story brought to life with words that guide the reader and heighten the interest. A joy to read and as soon as it is in print it will be part of my library.
December 27, 2020
A good take on the life of Jesus
A gripping Story using fiction to add interest to the story of Jesus and some of the people around Him. Uses Nicodemus, the disciple John, and Joseph of Armathia interacting with others to move the story along. There is action along with dialog.
Worth the time to read.
A gripping Story using fiction to add interest to the story of Jesus and some of the people around Him. Uses Nicodemus, the disciple John, and Joseph of Armathia interacting with others to move the story along. There is action along with dialog.
Worth the time to read.
November 17, 2020
David Harder imaginatively supplies what could be some of the many stories of Jesus not included in the Gospels that, "if written in detail.. even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written" (John 21:25). This is a risky business - those who know the Bible will detect any deviation, either in tone or fact, from the beloved Gospels. Mr. Harder strikes no false notes. When you meet John on Patmos, he is exactly as you would expect. The recounting of the first meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus, while staying true to the event as written in John, chapter 3, skillfully expands the account and draws in other sayings and actions of Jesus. His is a gentle, affectionate rendering of the earthshaking events that took place around 33 AD in and around Jerusalem, and the subsequent trials and tribulations the followers of Jesus experienced. Aside from being a great read, Persuaded would be perfect material for supplementing bible studies. Extracts could be used to spark interest in biblical events and whet the appetite of a wide range of readers for further study. Highly recommended.
February 21, 2021
Excellent read
The story is told from a different viewpoint. One I knew, but now with a depth of understanding. Sin is sin and we are all guilty. Thank God for Jesus. We can stand before God because of the cross, and the resurrection. He lives today.
The story is told from a different viewpoint. One I knew, but now with a depth of understanding. Sin is sin and we are all guilty. Thank God for Jesus. We can stand before God because of the cross, and the resurrection. He lives today.
Read
March 27, 2020This book is a documentary approach as to how Nicodemus came to know the Apostle John and Jesus. Their history and friendship development was intertwined well in the book. Also, Nicodemus' interaction with all the disciples is well conceived. This is one of those personal involvements that leads them to their faith and actions after the cross and burial of Jesus. The theory in the book covers the possible ways the transmittal of the gospel may have occurred.
May 9, 2025
I'm fascinated by Nicodemus and would love to know his real story.
This book was good, but not like I have pictured his story.
This book was good, but not like I have pictured his story.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews