Pontius Pilate: A Biographical Novel by Paul L. Maier

One of the best books I've ever read.by Anonymous

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October 21, 2009: Posted October 21, 2009, 4:37 PM EST: This book - while originally written in the late 1960s - is phenomenal! Firstly, it is a very easy read. Secondly the story is absolutely captivating as the descriptions Maeir gives put the reader right there seeing, feeling all but really experiencing the goings on in the story.

Many know Pontius Pilate as only the official who tried Jesus Christ on Good Friday and only the few details the Bible provides regarding his actions on that day. While Maier's "Pontius Pilate" is a fiction book (I've heard Dr. Maier say that the book is "95% historical fact, 5 % the most likely conclusions based on what we do know") it provides some excellent insights into Pilate's life before the Good Friday event - the pressures and possible ambitions, frustrations and motivations. And then these give the reader insights into why he acted the way he did that day.

I highly, highly recommend this book.

Realistic.by Anonymous

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April 29, 2003: Two thousand years ago, there was a trial that changed history. Jesus Christ was dragged before the Roman politician who had to make the fateful choice that would place the Messiah on the cross. Who was this man, Pontius Pilate? What was life really like in those days, what political forces shaped events of that moment? ....... ***** Paul Maier does an excellent job of exploring these questions in his novel that was published decades ago, but due to the timelessness of the subject, has held up well over the years. Pilate's choices are seen as both political and perhaps even divine necessity as the day that will become Good Friday unfolds. With the use of real figures and well researched customs, Dr. Maier sweeps readers back two millenia. Calling it fiction is almost an insult, because it is so very realistic. One complaint is that there is not a sequel exploring Pilate's wife, a woman who stands beside Caeser's wife in fascination.