Daughter of Rome brings Aquila and Priscilla to life

  Once again the reader is drawn into a possible back story to some Biblical characters.  This story brings us into the first-century church that is struggling to grow outside of Jerusalem. Priscilla is the daughter of a Roman general, who is living a life more like a slave than that of a daughter of the privileged class. Aquila is the eldest son of a wealthy merchant, that is working as a tentmaker in Rome.  How can these two people come together when they have such different backgrounds?  Leave that to the pen of Tessa Afshar.  She is able to intertwine these two people in a way that is interesting and thought-provoking at the same time.  This story has secrets that can kill a person or tear apart a marriage.  There are a lovable dog and an orphan that you will cheer for when he finds his forever home.  Then there is the enthusiasm of Priscilla and Aquila for Jeshua that is contagious.  Their hospitality breathes life into a fledgling church.

Once again, Afshar's research and theological studies breathe life into characters in a way that you feel you have met these people.  I feel like I have been to Corinth and sat in on meetings with Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila.  I had never thought of the unique position that Priscilla had of being a leader in the church at a time when women were not leaders. Yet, Priscilla is named as being a leader in scripture.  This story helps to flesh out why this might have been possible.  This story is filled with grace and forgiveness.  As is typical with an Afshar story, I come away learning more about myself and how to give grace and forgiveness to others.  I am always changed in positive ways by reading Ms. Afshar's books. 

My thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-book copy to read in exchange for my review.