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Pontius Pilate: A Novel Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 653 ratings

In a world full of DVD extras, behind-the-scenes commentary, and social media, people are used to getting the story behind the story. Readers want to understand not just what happened but why. This historical novel of the man who washed his hands of the crucifixion does just that! Award-winning historian and best-selling author Paul L. Maier has created a compelling style of documentary fiction. He uses what is historically known of Pilate’s life and rise to power, adds in the known political climate of first-century Judea, and unveils the colorful, untold story that changed history for all time. He provides intriguing answers to questions such as: What really happened at that most famous of trials? Were the proceedings against Jesus legal? Did cowardice or necessity motivate Pilate’s judgment? What became of this successful Roman politician after his verdict? Filling in the details of Pilate’s early career in Rome, Maier captures the drama of imperial Rome under the all-powerful Tiberius Caesar, the plottings of his political allies and enemies, and his relationship with his beloved but ambitious wife, Procula. His great moment arrives as he exchanges the intrigues of Rome for the bewildering environment of Judea, navigating new and dangerous waters. In Pontius Pilate, Maier paints a picture for modern readers to help them understand the behind-the-scenes complexities, political and religious realities, and ultimately, the humanity of the people we know from Scripture.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A tremendous story. . . of cineramic splendor. In drama, romance, color, scope, and depth, this novel is comparable only to Ben Hur, The Silver Chalice, and The Robe . ― Christian Herald Published On: 2004-06-03

A startling, impressive book, daring in concept. . . praiseworthy and dramatic. ―
Minneapolis Tribune Published On: 2004-06-03

Tremendously rewarding reading. ―
Christianity Today Published On: 2004-06-03

We commend this book as an exciting supplement to the New Testament itself. ―
Moody Magazine Published On: 2004-06-03

A serious historical study treated so well that it is difficult to drop the volume once begun. ―
Boston Sunday Globe Published On: 2004-06-03

The presentation of the Roman and Jewish political situation is absolutely first rate and historically accurate. ―
Blockhead Journal Published On: 2004-06-03

A book to be read with eagerness and talked about with enthusiasm. ―
Atlanta Constitution-Journal Published On: 2004-06-03

Unique in biblical novels. . . [ Pontius Pilate ] raises the genre of the historical novel to a plateau it has rarely reached. ―
Chicago Daily News Published On: 2004-06-03

About the Author

Paul L. Maier is the former Russell H. Seibert Professor of Ancient History (retired) at Western Michigan University and an award-winning author whose expertise in first-century studies and extensive travels in the Middle East and Asia Minor provide historical authenticity and compelling drama to his writing. His other writings include the ECPA Gold Medallion Award-winning volume Josephus: The Essential Writings, as well as The Flames of Rome, and the best-selling novel, A Skeleton in God’s Closet.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00IYSMY1I
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kregel Publications; 2nd edition (March 12, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 12, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2520 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 385 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 653 ratings

About the authors

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
653 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book enjoyable and well-researched. They appreciate the historical accuracy and insight into the background and circumstances surrounding Jesus's crucifixion. The writing style is clear and easy to read, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps them hooked. The story holds their interest and sparks their imagination. The portrayal of Pontius Pilate as a real person is captivating.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

102 customers mention "Readability"102 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-researched. They appreciate that it's entertaining and educational, with a good idea of how things might have been. The author does a good job of keeping the story moving forward and keeping them hooked.

"...I totally enjoyed reading this book and learned much of Rome and Judea during this significant period in the development of these times and future..." Read more

"...Highly recommended to both research scholars as well as to normal students of history. My compliments to the author." Read more

"...This was a great book. I intend to read more of Maier' s books. More Please. Papa Place" Read more

"This was a really good read. Paul Maier is so knowledgeable about the history of Biblical times...." Read more

88 customers mention "Historical accuracy"85 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's historical accuracy. They find it interesting to learn about the times and Roman politics when Pilate was in power. The book brings the time period to life and provides insight into the background and circumstances surrounding Jesus's crucifixion. Readers praise the well-researched account that brings the time period to light.

"...This is not an ordinary novel, but one backed with solid historical references, and the content of which, beyond the story of Pontius Pilate but..." Read more

"A lot of research has gone into writing such wonderful account of Roman times. The language flows smootly...." Read more

"Paul Maier’s book, PONTIUS PILATE, is a masterpiece of historical fiction - heavy emphasis on the historical...." Read more

"...with everything that we know for sure in the time period and backed up historically...." Read more

61 customers mention "Insight"61 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's insights and history. They find it informative and interesting, with a detailed backdrop of the Judean times and politics. The author's careful background research is evident, enhancing the narrative rather than overshadowing it. Readers appreciate the details of Pilates' life in a believable manner and the challenges Christ faced in the region.

"...I found this book very well written and researched and while certain events were filled in with the author’s view of probabilities as to dialogs and..." Read more

"...But the experience of reading the novel itself is highly rewarding already...." Read more

"...It is a very thought provoking account of Pontius Pilate's life...." Read more

"...He calls it a documentary novel. There are notes in the back to explain creative decisions and historical detail...." Read more

33 customers mention "Writing quality"33 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and engaging. They appreciate the author's clear writing style that is easy to read and fast-paced. The author has a knack for writing fiction that doesn't contradict known facts.

"...I found this book very well written and researched and while certain events were filled in with the author’s view of probabilities as to dialogs and..." Read more

"...of events is not all true (as admitted) but they have been written with such a flair that reader goes along convinced at every step and feels as if..." Read more

"...Maier, a renowned Biblical-era historian, has a great knack for writing fiction that doesn't contradict known historical fact...." Read more

"This is really well written book. It is based on historical research done by the author then woven into a story...." Read more

20 customers mention "Interest"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting and engaging. They say the story is well-written and sparks their imagination. The research enhances the narrative rather than overshadowing it, providing a glimpse into dynamics. Readers appreciate the combination of Bible and history, presenting some remarkable possibilities as to what happened to Pilate.

"...The characters are well developed and give a very interesting picture of how many of the unknown details of the time may have unfolded...." Read more

"...Maier reconstructs this throughout his novel and gives the reader a glimpse into those dynamics...." Read more

"...He did a great job of moving forward and keeping me hooked. It was one of those stories, that I couldn't put down...." Read more

"...crystal clarity, to quote a cliché, and was easy to read --- it kept me rivited, anxious to see what would happen next...." Read more

12 customers mention "Portrayal"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's portrayal of Pontius Pilate engaging and well-written. They say the author does a good job of making him come alive as a real person who struggled with his decisions. The depiction of Roman times is excellent, and the narrative is compelling with political intrigue, action, adventure, and mystery elements.

"Interesting portrayal of the character of Pontius Pilate leading up to the time he "washed his hands of the death of Jesus"...." Read more

"The story is fascinating, filled with political intrigue, a dash of action adventure, mystery, and a touch of romance...." Read more

"...this book, blending Biblical and other writings to form this captivating portrayal." Read more

"...getting an accurate picture of that time period along with a compelling narrative surrounding the life of the man who sentenced the Son of God to..." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the focus on a historically marginal character (Pilate) and his attempts to deal with the issues wonderful. The plot is described as wonderful and realistic, portraying a man we know little about.

"...The characters are well developed and give a very interesting picture of how many of the unknown details of the time may have unfolded...." Read more

"...Th footnotes are helpful. But it was the focus on a historically marginal character (Pilate) and his attempts to deal with the world as he has known..." Read more

"This book, Pontius Pilate by Paul L. Maier, seemed to me to be a realistic biography of a man we know little about...." Read more

"...and the plotting and characters were wonderful. Reading this added so much to my understanding of the times in which Jesus lived...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2015
    March 3, 2015

    A review by Anthony T. Riggio of the novel Pontius Pilate written by Paul L. Maier

    I purchased this book in the Kindle format from Amazon and read it in a couple of days. The author is Paul Maier who is a professor of history at Western Michigan University
    .
    Pontius Pilate was a Roman Praetorian Guard and a protégé of L. Aelius Sejanus who was at the time of Pontius pilot's assignment as Governor of Judea, his intermediator to Augustus Tiberius, the ruler of Rome and its empire. Tiberius assigned Pilate somewhat reluctantly. He had nothing against Pilate but his delays in making assignment was due to his extreme paranoia concerning all of his subordinates and probably due to his ever growing mental lapses.

    Pilate is assigned to Judea and travels there with his wife Procula and their entourage. The subjects in Judea were a difficult people and almost immediately they tested Pilates Governorship making Pilate realize that this was just the beginning of his supervision of Judea. The Jews resented the fact that their ruler Herrod and his sons were subordinate to Pilate. Between the Herrod's and the religious Pharisees and the Sanhedrin civilian managers, who made life for Pilate miserable and causing intrigues which could doom his Governorship and possibly his life as a consequence of Tiberius' unstable view of life. Procula was the steering rudder to his reign and often gave him good guidance in view of the stresses of dealing with the Jews in Judea.

    Of course his reign is contemporaneous with the teaching life of Jesus of Galilee and soon their paths cross and Procula senses the possible ruin of Pilate over the controversies involving Jesus' supposed violations of religious law. His accusers tried to make this a violation of Roman law and Pilate was caught in this confluence of forces. He judged Jesus as innocent but because of the troublesome Jewish leaders, he was forced to condemn Jesus to his fate.
    Mailer tries to paint Pilate as a hapless but tryingly well intentioned victim of events that he had no control of and in spite of Procula's warnings, he follows through with the execution.

    A short period after, Pilate is summoned back to Rome at the demand of Tiberius and is facing certain punishment and possibly execution because of the complaints of the Jews and the Sumerians whose revolt he harshly put down. While travelling back to Rome, Tiberius dies and his successor is Caligula a soon to be mad emperor and who proceeds to make Pilates life miserable.

    I found this book very well written and researched and while certain events were filled in with the author’s view of probabilities as to dialogs and certain outcome. Overall Maier presented a well written work and substantiated it with a wealth of researched sources. I totally enjoyed reading this book and learned much of Rome and Judea during this significant period in the development of these times and future consequences of events portrayed in this work.

    I highly recommend reading this book especially for lovers of History and a view of events we learned it the Gospels. I rated the book with five (5) stars. It was a fun learning experience.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2009
    Pontius Pilate was someone who wanted to do the right thing while simultaneously be politically correct to advance his political career. But the problem is the two are most often incompatible. He was torn between a pro-Jewish Tiberius the Caesar and an anti-Jewish Sejanus; Tiberius' closest ally and the army commander, before the latter was executed for conspiracy. To complicate the matter, being the governor of Judea, not only did he have to deal with the people of Palestine; perhaps one of the hardest people to govern unless they are governed by their own people, but he was also doing the impossible when he tried to Romanize them. The desire to do the right thing is evident from his good will to build the Jerusalem aqueduct on behalf of public interest. But the most interesting event of his career is when he was hard-pressed to hand a guilty verdict; a death sentence to a Galilean Preacher, known as Yeshua Hannosri or Jesus. The Jewish Council threatened if Pilate decided to acquit Jesus, then he was no friend of Caesar. This "Friend of Caesar" was no casual term. It refers to Caesar's "inner-circle," a coveted position among the Roman elites. So here is when Pilate betrayed the pull toward doing the right thing going against the pull toward political correctness where the latter eventually prevailed.

    The highlight of Pilate's life does not lie in his failure as the governor of Judea in which he was finally recalled and replaced. The highlight is that guilty verdict implicitly handed against Jesus by bowing to the pressure to crucify him that Maier calls "the verdict that changed the course of history." Here I add to be more specific, "the verdict that served as a means to accomplish a divine plan for the redemption of humanity from sin and the wrath of God." The immensity of the impact of this verdict can only be understood from the Bible. The Master Planner behind the event that led to the execution of Jesus through Pilate's verdict is given in the account of St. Peter's address in Jerusalem recorded in Acts 2:22-24, "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." The Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Romans wrote that Jesus "was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification" with the grand purpose of "to the praise of God's glory" (Eph 1:6, 12).

    I believe Paul Maier's "Pontius Pilate" would make a good movie, on par with or probably even better than Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ." But the experience of reading the novel itself is highly rewarding already. This is not an ordinary novel, but one backed with solid historical references, and the content of which, beyond the story of Pontius Pilate but primarily of Jesus, has to do with the eternal destiny of everyone.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2015
    A lot of research has gone into writing such wonderful account of Roman times. The language flows smootly. Even though the description of events is not all true (as admitted) but they have been written with such a flair that reader goes along convinced at every step and feels as if he is a witness to what is happening. Highly recommended to both research scholars as well as to normal students of history. My compliments to the author.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2023
    Pontius Pilate is one of the most tortured souls in the Bible. He's the most powerful man in Judea in his time, but he realizes there is something different about this Jesus of Nazareth. For any other man brought before him for trial, he wouldn't have given much care about a defendant's fate if the Jewish religious leaders had put up as much of a protest as they did for Jesus. Any man besides Jesus? "Well, sheesh, it's not worth the headache, and I really don't need Rome to hear about this. Tough luck, dude." But the Holy Spirit is working on Pilate in order to fulfill scriptures. We never hear another word in scripture about Pilate after the resurrection, and it's easy to wonder about his eternal fate. (And, if you think Pilate's damnation was a slam dunk, may I present to you Saul, responsible for the murders of many Christians before Jesus stopped him in his tracks (literally!) and converted him into His greatest apostle, Paul.)

    Maier, a renowned Biblical-era historian, has a great knack for writing fiction that doesn't contradict known historical fact. In this 3rd edition, there are 19 pages of footnotes to support Maier's fiction choices. I don't consider myself to be a great student of history, but I learned a lot about Judea and the politics in Jesus' time.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • paul forsyth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Did not disappoint
    Reviewed in Australia on September 21, 2019
    An historical drama of a real flesh and bones portrayal of Pontius Pilatus. It's fiction but the author has not taken too much liberty with the Biblical narrative
  • Mina
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love the story very much so far
    Reviewed in Canada on February 4, 2016
    I love the story very much so far. I am about one third of the book. I should have read Pontious Pilate first before reading "the Trial of Jesus: Victim of Bigotry and Cowardice " The reason is that we understand better why Pilate made the decision he did regarding the sentence of Jesus.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2015
    Brilliant book. Easy to read and yet historically based - and accurate.

    Highly recommended.
  • Phil
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read
    Reviewed in Canada on March 3, 2017
    Anyone who has a good working knowledge of the New Testament but not of Ancient Rome will love this book. It adds body to the context of the New Testament. Love how Paul brings history to life!
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Pontius Pilate
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2014
    I thought this was a thoroughly absorbing read, well researched and elegantly told.

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