Apostle of Grace, Apostle of Love

Peter and John stand forth in vivid color in the New Testament, and by any reckoning, are the greatest and most charismatic figures amongst the twelve Apostles. This book traces their journey as disciples of Jesus through the Gospel accounts, from the first sunny days of the encounter at Jordan, to the final great drama of the cross and resurrection. They were privileged to follow the Master closely during His earthly sojourn, and each chapter illuminates the challenges, perplexities, and wonderment through which they passed on their pilgrimage with Him.The Gospel narratives slowly unfold their secrets, until we come at last to understand the way in which their characters were transformed. We see John, whom Jesus called the Son of Thunder, become transfigured into the Apostle of Love. We also journey with Simon Peter, whose latent capacity for greatness Jesus discerned from the beginning. As he endures his shattering trials, he finally becomes the 'Rockman,' strong and steadfast in character, a pillar on which the early church might be built. Praise for the Author’s Work:'A captivating Christian commentary based upon a Hebraic foundation, colored by an imagination steeped in a lifetime of classical literature. In this volume, Lesley Ann Richardson transports readers to the landscapes of ancient Israel, while enlarging previous understandings of Jesus, Peter, and John. Her insights make it seem as if she has actually met this holy trio.' On 'Rendezvous on the Crystal Sea': 'The boat is His throne. Galilee is His crystal Sea. The majestic hills the halo. If a manger can be His cradle, the boat can be His throne and the cross our salvation. The poetry by all the greats - Vaughan, Heber, Whittier and Richardson - all lift up in the same direction as Lesley’s ideas and vocabulary. This is so creative, such a unique and profound understanding. This is written by someone in the King’s inner courts, who has walked where He has walked.' - Carrie Franke, PhD.