The Greatest Mystery in History
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The Year: 33 A.D. In Judea, the land of the Jews, the Passover festival is over, and pilgrims to the great temple in Jerusalem are returning to their homes. For Nicolaus, advisor to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, it has been a tumultuous week. A charismatic miracle worker from Galilee — Jesus of Nazareth — had stirred up the people against the temple priests. Nicolaus took part in his trial before Pontius Pilate, witnessed his crucifixion, and saw to it that he was laid to rest in a tomb outside the city walls.
Before he can start his journey home, though, Nicolaus receives startling news: The body of Jesus is missing!
To all appearances, someone has stolen the corpse in violation of imperial decree. Hopeful that the theft can be pinned on the high priests who had made his rule a misery, Pilate orders his aide to stay behind and find proof of their complicity.
So begins the “The Mystery of the Empty Tomb.” In this novel by James A. Bacon, Jr., Nicolaus delves into Jewish society under Roman rule: a realm peopled by princes, prophets, priests… mystics, magicians, messiahs… aristocratic Sadducees, populist Pharisees, and militant Zealots. As he doggedly follows the evidence wherever it takes him, Nicodemus uncovers the shocking truth that no one wants to hear.
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About the Author — How James A. Bacon, Jr., came to write this book.
Essay: The Gospels as Historical Sources. How Do We Know What to Believe?
Book reviews. Reviews of the books that informed the scholarly underpinnings of “The Mystery of the Empty Tomb.”
Scholar Profiles — Profiles of New Testament Scholars who have advanced the understanding of the Historical Jesus.