The Gaius Diary: A First-Century Christian Novel of Paul, Nero, and the Early Church

By Gene Edwards

Book Overview

From the last surviving companion of Paul comes a moving account of the early church in its most perilous hour.

Written in the voice of Gaius-the final survivor among the men trained by Paul-The Gaius Diary continues the story that began at Pentecost and traces the turbulent years leading to Rome's darkest persecution.

Through vivid, reflective storytelling, Gene Edwards draws readers into the first century, where believers faced imprisonment, exile, and death for their faith. The narrative follows Paul's imprisonment in Rome, his confrontation with Nero, and the devastating suffering endured by Christians across the empire.

In one of the book's most sobering sections, Gaius recounts the horrors inflicted under Nero-mass arrests, executions in the Circus Maximus, and believers burned alive to illuminate imperial celebrations.

Yet this is not only a story of suffering. It is a story of endurance, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to Christ.

Readers will discover:

- A deeply personal narrative of the early church

- A compelling portrait of Paul and the apostles' final years

- A historically grounded depiction of Nero's persecution

- A reflective, faith-centered story of courage and perseverance

Perfect for readers of Christian historical fiction, biblical narratives, and those drawn to the spiritual legacy of the first-century church.

The Gaius Diary is the fifth of a five-book series entitled "The First-Century Diaries." (The Silas Diary, The Titus Diary, The Timothy Diary, The Priscilla Diary, The Gaius Diary.)

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0979751500
• ISBN13: 9780979751509
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
• Length: 165 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Fantastic Book ... with one caution.

I love all 5 books in this series, and it's done wonders for my understanding and appreciation of the New Testament. My only negative comment (and it's only one among a host of loves for this series) is that the author seems to have some issues with church leadership, and all through the series there are little comments about leaders that start undermining leaders and elders in churches. Although there is much abuse at times by leaders - he seems to go too far away and inserts his preferences as "biblical" in these books. Other than that, very useful books in getting to understand the context in which Paul's letters were written, and much of the NT for that matter.