Phoebe

"Phoebe" is 72% historical fiction that begins in 56 AD, when the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome. The author's intent is to help Christians to better understand what it would have been like to live at that time. The story follows Phoebe as she delivered Paul's letter to the Christians in Rome and found healing from her past along with a better understanding of the freedom found in Christ.

Cultural and historical details were woven into the story along with things like the recipients debating what Paul meant, conflict between Jewish and Gentle believers and between non-believers and believers. She also included events recorded in the Bible, like references to Jesus' life and things like Paul's arrival in Rome in chains. The characters were engaging and acted realistically. I enjoyed the fiction section, and it was generally consistent with the information found in the Bible even if I didn't agree with how she portrayed some things.

The remaining 28% was end notes, which briefly explained things like why the author described Paul the way she did or how slavery worked in the Roman Empire. I found this section informative. But I was disappointed that in the end notes for the last few chapters (which focused more on events actually described in the Bible rather than fictionalized events), she apparently favored the opinion of those who doubt the historical accuracy of the Bible.

Helpful, interesting book about the life of Phoebe! So much relevant information to help you understand the historical, spiritual and personal importance of Phoebe and her missions alongside Paul. I am sure the reason why I enjoyed it is because I am in the middle of the ordination process, but I would recommend this title to those who love Biblical history. Phoebe was a remarkable woman!

I received a PDF copy from #netgalley. I chose to review, and all opinions are my own.

Phoebe A Story is a charming read, capturing the imagination from the beginning. I couldn’t put it down. The book is well researched, exploring what life may have been like for a Biblical character many have wondered about. Being well researched, this is a painless way to absorb the historical background of Phoebe and friends. The characters are vividly painted and endearing. The themes that are explored are from an historical context but have modern application. The notes at the back are thorough. A great read for anyone interested in the historical background of the New Testament.

Phoebe

A Story

by Paula Gooder

InterVarsity Press

IVP Academic

Christian , Religion & Spirituality

Pub Date 04 Sep 2018

I am reviewing a copy of Phoebe through InterVarsity Press and Netgalley:

Around 56 AD Paul wrote to the church in Rome, entrusting the letter to Phoebe, he described Phoebe as the deacon of the Church at Cenchreae and a Patron of many.

Who was Phoebe though? Not much is known about her.

In this book well known author and speaker Paula Gooder imagines what Phoebe could have been like in this historical novel. She imagines what it must have been like to be a woman of faith in the first century.

I give Phoebe five out of five stars!

Happy Reading

This book is amazing. There are few words that would describe it better. It is beautifully written, imaginative but theologically and historically based, and encouraging as a woman in church history. Highly, highly recommend.

Romans 16:1-2 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

This is the only mention of Phoebe anywhere in the Bible. Yet Gooder, through extensive historical research of the early church time period and thorough Biblical research of the characters in the Roman Christian church at this time, as mentioned by Paul, brought the early home church movement to life. I felt like I was in the midst of Rome with all its scents, sounds, people, and the excitement of the newly developing Christian church. Watching as the followers faith grew and converts increased in number and learning more about Paul and Peter was intriguing. Following the book itself, Gooder includes extensive notes as to her research and the Biblical passages that led her to the writing decisions she made for each chapter. Well researched and well written Biblical fiction