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.

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.

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

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."

Rediscover a great biblical and literary classic.

For more than 100 years, the Apocrypha has been left out of English versions of the Bible. Concordia Publishing House is proud to announce the 2012 release of the first and only ESV edition of the Apocrypha with notes and annotations by Lutherans.

Described by Martin Luther as useful texts to read, but not divinely inspired, the Apocrypha allows Lutherans to look back at their heritage and see the Bible as our forefathers would have. Furthermore, the texts of the Apocrypha are essential reading for filling in the 400-year gap between the Old and New Testaments.

A key resource for understanding the New Testament's background, Concordia's The Apocrypha will include notes, maps, charts, illustrations, introductions to the books, and an extensive set of articles that will provide guidance to those who are studying ancient literatures such as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

This Study Bible-style treatment of the Apocrypha is certain to be the most extensive, popular edition available; especially to those eager to study the unique Lutheran perspective on these books and the time between the testaments.

Features of The Apocrypha

ESV text

Lutheran notes

Maps

Charts

Illustrations

Book introductions

Helpful articles

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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.

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.

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."

An updated and modernized edition of the unparalleled classic with resurgent relevance for the twenty-first century Foxe's Book of Martyrs is one of the most influential and well-known books in history, as well as one of the top-sellers of the past, right up there with the Bible itself. Immensely popular in Foxe's own sixteenth century, its influence has been felt throughout literature. Copies of the original text (Acts and Monuments) were chained beside the Bible in churches of England, and even sailed with English pirates. This was not a book designed to comfort, but instead to present the truth of the persecution faced by Protestant Christians in hostile environments. The inscription from the 1563 edition--now commonly known as Foxe's Book of Martyrs--indicates the gravity of the task: "[In] latter and perilous days . . . the great persecutions and horrible troubles . . . [are here] gathered and collected according to true copies and writings . . . of the parties themselves that suffered." Foxe was committed to commemorating the ultimate sacrifice of those who gave their lives for the sake of their faith. Paul L. Maier brings his exceptional mind for history to bear on Foxe's work in this new edition. While abridgement of the original 2,100 pages was necessary, Maier does include every martyr, and text was changed only where modern readers may not readily understand the original archaic wording. John Foxe (1516-1587) was an academic and zealous student of the Scriptures, leading to his persecution as a Protestant by the Catholic rulers of his day. Beyond his work in pastoral ministry, Foxe continued to work on his martyrology until his death.

Christopher learns important details about the miraculous Easter story that help him understand the season's celebration.