Jennifer Jennings’s Leading Philippi vividly brings the Bible’s lesser-known stories about the early church to life. Her writing is easy to read and historically accurate. Each chapter began with thoughtfully written verses, urging readers to ground themselves in the reality of God’s Word. With a faith-based content highlighting the truth of Scripture, readers are transported to first-century Philippi.

The gripping narrative recounts the early church’s trials, the required sacrifices, and the constant threats believers faced. Jennings skillfully crafts characters grappling with familiar problems, bridging the distance between the past and the present. Epaphroditus embarks on a faith journey that resonates with a beautiful theme summed up by the phrase Paul speaks to him at the end: Faith not failure.

The story held my attention completely, and I found myself riveted from start to finish. In the busy colony of Philippi, Epaphroditus, the son of a traveling merchant, is drawn into destiny’s clutches, shackled to fear. Though born to wealth and privilege, a chilling prophecy of a grim fate foretold by one of Aphrodite’s priestesses clouded Epaphroditus’s life. The plot swirls beautifully around plenty of spiritual takeaways that make you stop and ponder your own destiny and purpose in life. When is fear an excuse that justifies disobedience? A hard question answered in the narrative of one man’s journey.

Those who enjoy biblical fiction will not want to miss this one. As the book closes, Paul’s letter to the Philippians shimmers with new life enhanced by this imaginative story.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own. Click on the book cover for purchase link.