An Act of Grace: A Chronicle of Ephesus

Heartbeats of Courage #7

by David Phillips, Jerry Whittaker, Daphne Parsekian (Editor)

An Act of A Chronicle of Ephesus is the seventh novel in the series "Heartbeats of Courage." Each bookl takes the reader through one of the Seven Cities. These cities appear in Revelation, the last book in the Bible. In previous volumes, Books One through Six, Miriam, a Jewish woman, and Anthony, her roman soldier husband, have lived in different cities. Increasing persecution came from the Roman authorities, arresting Anthony for his belief in the Jewish Messiah. Pliny the Younger, the great Roman leader, has written a new proposal to Emperor Trajan requesting the trial of any person who follows the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It was a time when human slavery was taken for granted. It was also an age when important buildings, some still standing, were built as tributes to famous persons. This historical novel follows Miriam and Anthony, along with many friends, into the inner workings of the Roman government in Ephesus. This city, one of the most important in the Ancient World, is the site of Anthony's second trial. Many characters encountered in the first six books come together for a startling conclusion. The novel explores the value systems of many segments of society. What values do I associate with my worldview? This is the question many readers ask after reading this novel.

523 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2022

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Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

I love the historical perspective of the culture, customs, and laws being made relevant and realistic to engage my understanding of the seven churches spoken about in John's revelation given to him by God and recorded for us. It is so much more worth the proper understanding and perspective that they had at the time it was written.

I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series and I'm thankful for the author using his knowledge and understanding in such an enlightened way for those of us in the West who will never experience those cultures.

[Madilyn Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

I so much enjoyed the histories of each of the cities . I loved getting a glimpse of what the lives of early Christian's might have been like. This series could be enjoyed by believers and non-believers because the history involves life in, not only Christian, but Jewish & Roman communities.

[Craig Cogil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book series on history of early Christians

Excellent book series on the culture and history of the 7 major cities of Asia Minor & challenges the early Christians faced living in the Roman and Greek culture of gods/goddesses. This book series helped me gain a much better understanding of that time period.

[Barbara Beebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like a story that you can't guess the end from the beginning or the middle. This was one of those stories that events would have you thinking the story is going in one direction and then, surprise, it goes in another direction. Well done. Great ending for a wonderful series of historical fiction.

[Denise Champagne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all seven books, and I thoroughly enjoyed every story. Thank you.


All seven books ,were so well researched. I had a hard time , putting each book down. I had great admiration for Antipas, Miriam ,and Anthony. Amazing courage and gives me confidence in my own Christian journey. Again ,thank you. Denise Champagne

[JAMIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well write story of how it may have been for early Christian’s.

These seven books about the life and times of early Christians was very enjoyable. When I had to stop reading, I couldn’t wait until I could get back to reading it. I loved the characters. I appreciated how their struggles were included. This definitely kept my interest.

[Nancy Mascarella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story of 1st Century Christians

Book was slow. It made it difficult to invest time or attention to reading.
Doubt I will read books by this author.

[Billie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading all 7 of the books in this series. The research of the era of the later parts of the book of Acts is the basis for the accounts of early Christians and what their lives may have been like. I found this very interesting.