A Woman of Words (Jerusalem Road)
Ten years after the death on the cross of Jesus Christ, disciple Matthew, the former tax collector, is excited to work with Peter, James, and John in Jerusalem. Hopeful of ministering directly to the people, he is instead set to work on the ministry financial accounts. Mary, the mother of Jesus, has been praying for the right eyewitness to chronicle the account of her son’s life on earth. When she offers this job to Matthew, he is reluctant, but then begins to see it as his destiny.
In this excellent novel, Mary works alongside Matthew and serves as editor as he writes the gospel bearing his name, ensuring he puts in only the facts and not his personal feelings. They also venture outside of their circle and seek out others who were present during significant events of Jesus’s life on earth. As when Jesus was among them, evil forces are attempting to stop their work. Nicodemus warns Matthew that “Jerusalem may be a Holy City, but a fair number of rats resides within its walls.” This is a captivating and thrilling novel that takes us into Matthew’s mind and heart as he writes about his interactions with Jesus of Nazareth. It also shows Mary as a woman of quiet influence among “The People of the Way,” someone whose influence is feared by the high priest and others.
Angela Hunt’s knowledge of the politics of the time is impressive. She also explains her research and commitment to honor 2 Timothy 3:16, which includes the phrase “All scripture is inspired by God,” in an author’s note at the end of the book. Fans of Christian fiction and strong female characters will enjoy this fictional account of the writing of the Gospel of Matthew.
