When an ancient skeleton is discovered in Israel, will it shed new light on the life of Jesus or plunge the world into chaos?

Dr. Jonathan Weber, Harvard professor and biblical scholar, is looking forward to his sabbatical year on an archaeological dig in Israel. But a spectacular find that seems to be an archaeologist's dream-come-true becomes a nightmare that many fear will be the death rattle of Christianity.

Carefully researched and compellingly written, "A Skeleton in God's Closet" explores the tension between faith and doubt when science and religion collide. In the end, it's a thought-provoking page-turner, driven by one man's determination to find the truth--no matter the cost.

The events surrounding the birth of Jesus are told with remarkable simplicity in the Bible, but they have too often been obscured by myths, mistletoe, and consumerism.

Now in paperback, "The First Christmas" separates fact from fiction, stripping away Yuletide folklore and questionable traditions to tell how it really was in the world of the Nativity. Delving into Jewish, Greek, Roman, and early Christian sources, Paul L. Maier uncovers fresh and fascinating insights into the true, yet unfamiliar, story of the first Christmas. A captivating combination of sacred and secular history, this informative and entertaining book answers many compelling questions, such as: Why did the Roman emperor Augustus order his famous census? What marriage customs applied to Mary and Joseph? When and where was Jesus born? Who were the Wise Men? What was the Star of Bethlehem?

This beautifully illustrated gift book by a best-selling author and church history expert offers a glimpse at the real, historical drama of Christmas.

There's simply no better way to tell the Christmas story... No more fairy tales for Christopher; he wants real bedtime stories. So his mother tells him the amazing and miraculous story of Jesus' birth. Along the way, Christopher learns the answers to some challenging questions about the Christmas story. And all the answers are right from the Bible. Written by best-selling author and historian, Paul L. Maier, and richly illustrated by Francisco Ordaz, The Very First Christmas is already a treasured Christmas classic. Now individuals have the option to purchase this Gold Medallion Book Award winner in paperback. Families can also use this favorite in daily Advent remembrances with The Very First Christmas Advent Calendar. This title makes a wonderful gift for children, families, and friends. Paul L. Maier writes, "This book answers the real questions children ask about the nativity story."

This is an updated, full-color edition of Josephus: The Essential Writings. The Jewish Antiquities and The Jewish War of Josephus take on a brilliant new dimension in this revised edition of the award-winning translation and condensation now with full-color photographs, charts, and maps.
Available in Spanish! Enter 1457-2 into Busqueda/Search at portavoz.com

This new, highly affordable paperback edition includes Maier's best-selling translation, historical commentary on each book of The Church History, and ten maps and illustrations. Often called the "Father of Church History," Eusebius recorded crucial information about the lives of Jesus' disciples, the development of the New Testament, Roman politics, and the persecution of early Christians.

Ten-year-old Christopher yearns for stories that are real; truth, not fiction. "'Remember, Mom? I don't like fairy tales anymore, ' Christopher said with a sigh."So Mom and Dad tell Christopher the story of the very first Easter, and the sorrow and joy of Jesus' trial, death, and resurrection. Christopher learns important details about this miraculous event that help him understand the season's celebration. And he discovers his own special link to the very first Easter. The award-winning team of Paul L. Maier and Francisco Ordaz work together again to bring children ages 9 to 12 a vivid picture of Jesus' last days on Earth. "The Very First Easter makes a wonderful gift for children, families, and friends. Paul L. Maier writers, "These pages return to the sacred focus on the true Easter story that is so often missing on literature for the young. This book answers the real questions children ask about Easter."

A man claiming to be Jesus is in Rome. Is it the beginning of the end?

Joshua Ben-Yosef attracts a huge following. He was born in Nazareth to parents name Mary and Joseph and speaks more than a dozen languages--fluently and without accent. His words ripple with wisdom and authority. And the crowds that follow him are enthralled as he heals the sick, gives sight to the blind, casts out demons, and even raises the dead.

Is Dr. Merton, the well-known leader and author of end-times books, correct about the return of Christ? It seems everyone is a believer in this "Messiah"--including Jonathan Weber's wife, Shannon--especially when Joshua performs the ultimate sign by raising a disciple from the dead. Plagued by skepticism, Jonathan faces the ultimate challenge in uncovering whether this is the actual return of Christ of the most devious betrayal ever carried out.

Una edicion condensada e ilustrada de dos obras clasicas de Josefo: Antiguedades de los judios y Las guerras de los judios. Edicion rustica. Tambien disponible en edicion de lujo en cubierta dura y con fotografias a todo color. [A newly condensed, illustrated edition of the classic works Jewish Antiquities and The War of the Jews.]

Can one man's madness destroy the faith for which so many would die?

A madman who murders his way into power lusts for ever-greater glory and domination. A capital city awash with corruption, sensuality, and political intrigue is at the flash point. And caught between the crushing currents of history are a new but growing religious group known as the followers of The Way.

Award-winning historian and best-selling author Paul L. Maier has created a compelling style of documentary fiction, using only known historical events and persons to bring to life first-century Rome in all its excess, treachery, and insanity. This is the Rome that the apostle Paul visits, where he's placed on trial, and which is forever changed by his testimony and witness. Maier takes readers into the courtroom of imperial justice and into the homes of the people struggling with the new faith they've encountered to answers questions such as: How did Christianity first reach Rome?Why did Paul have to wait two years for trial and was he condemned or set free?Why does the New Testament account in Acts end so abruptly? Who set fire to Rome and why did Nero persecute Christians so horribly?

Following the the family of Flavius Sabinus, mayor of Rome under Nero Maier captures all the drama and tension of the political conflicts that precede and follow the Great Fire of Rome, and the epic political and religious clashes of the world's capital. This is the sensational story of pagans at their worst--and Christians at their best. Readers won't want to put it down.

The true story of how and why the crucifixion took place, from the perspective of the Roman politician who changed history

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.