The Advocate by Randy Singer - REVIEWED

About the Book:
At the trial of Christ, Theophilus, brilliant young assessore raised in the Roman aristocracy, stands behind Pontius Pilate and whispers, “Offer to release Barabbas.” The strategy backfires, and Theophilus never forgets the sight of an innocent man unjustly suffering the worst of all possible deaths—Roman crucifixion.

Three decades later, Theophilus has proven himself in the legal ranks of the Roman Empire. He has survived the insane rule of Caligula and has weathered the cruel tyrant’s quest to control the woman he loves. He has endured the mindless violence of the gladiator games and the backstabbing intrigue of the treason trials.

Now he must face another evil Caesar, defending the man Paul in Nero’s deranged court. Can Theophilus mount a defense that will keep another innocent man from execution?

The advocate’s first trial altered the course of history. His last will change the fate of an empire.

My Thoughts:

“The whole truth is more powerful than a partial lie.”  (p.403)

Theophilus…who is this man to whom the book of Luke and The Acts of the Apostles is written?  Randy Singer explores the life of this man in the gripping setting of Rome around the time of Christ’s birth, death and resurrection…and beyond…to the time Rome burned. 

To say this is an epic story is an understatement.  This book narrates a man’s life from boyhood, through manhood and into eternity.  The lives that are woven into the fabric of Theophilus’ story include powerful leaders of the Roman empire, Vestal Virgins, gladiators, lawyers, advocates, slaves….it is such a finely woven tapestry of lives that mirrors Rome and its surrounding cities and provinces.  This story places you in Galilee, in Judea, in Rome, in the heart of the birth of Christianity.  This story is both broad and intimate in its details, and the characters become real and vital to your heart.

This story displays the power of God’s Word – when it was the Living Word and as it became the Written Word.  This is a testimony of transformation, of the sacrifices demanded by the Jews prior to Jesus’ ministry and the sacrifices Rome demanded after Christianity began to change the landscape of the known world.

Theophilus remains the centerpiece of this story from beginning to end.  The method of crucifying people – they reasons behind it and the practice itself is a common thread that really serves as a transformative power as the book draws to a close.

Truly, this is a book that needs to be experienced.  It will change face of your faith in the Risen Savior. I think this book will be one God uses to reach skeptics, academics, and a multitude of people in desperate need of salvation.  For me, it is hard to find words powerful enough to express the deep gratitude I have for Randy Singer’s patient work to bring this story to the printed page.  Thank you, dear brother! Thank You!!

About the Author:

Randy Singer is a critically acclaimed, award-winning author and veteran trial attorney. He has penned more than 10 legal thrillers and was recently a finalist with John Grisham and Michael Connelly for the inaugural Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction sponsored by the University of Alabama School of Law and the ABA Journal. Randy runs his own law practice and has been named to Virginia Business magazine's select list of "Legal Elite" litigation attorneys. In addition to his law practice and writing, Randy serves as teaching pastor for Trinity Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He calls it his "Jekyll and Hyde thing"—part lawyer, part pastor. He also teaches classes in advocacy and civil litigation at Regent Law School and, through his church, is involved with ministry opportunities in India. He and his wife, Rhonda, live in Virginia Beach. They have two grown children. Visit his website at www.randysinger.net.