Jesus: 'None Greater' than John the Baptist -- New Book Portrays Life of Biblical Minister


COLUMBIA, Pa., March 24, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- One of the most influential figures in the Bible steps boldly from prophecy to vibrant life in a fascinating new book by Gene E. Merrell. From his humble childhood to his unfortunate death, John the Baptist is as riveting today as he was during the coming of Jesus, and his story is detailed in None Greater: John the Baptist (now available through AuthorHouse).

Set in Palestine during the time of Jesus, None Greater is the collection of five books about John the Baptist bound in one volume. Faithful to both Scriptural record and secular history, it weaves fiction with factual information about how people lived their daily lives in the Middle East under the domination of the Roman Empire. Readers follow the life of this prominent leader, beginning with the encounter that his father, Zachariah, had with the angel Gabriel before John's conception. Zachariah, a spice and incense merchant by trade, was in charge of gathering products that grew naturally in remote parts of Judea. John's role in the family business allowed him to roam comfortably alone in sparsely populated areas, and he lived nearly his whole life "in the wilderness until his revealing to Israel" (Luke 1:80).

He makes friends with a troubled orphan named Caleb, who later becomes a faithful disciple and the husband of Zilpah, John's childhood playmate. As John matures and his ministry unfolds, his outlandish appearance and eccentric ways prove appealing rather than offensive. Readers see his unflinching devotion to speaking the truth about repenting and the coming of the king. Eventually John's message causes conflict with Tetrarch Herod Antipas and lands him in Herod's dungeons. Caleb seeks Jesus' counsel, but Herod's vindictive wife instigates John's death. Caleb buries him in an unmarked grave in the wilderness.

"(None Greater) is a graphic view of John's family, society, spiritual community, calling and wilderness home," Merrell writes. "His character, strengths, message and the chinks in his spiritual armor show him to be a man of irresistible force and fascination for our days as well as his own."

With more than 40 years of ordained service as a pastor, Merrell participated in two extended archaeological digs in the Holy Land to sharpen his insights into terrain, climate and early culture of Palestine. From a two-year mission in Latin America to urban and rural pastorates, he has dedicated his life to the ministry. A graduate of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, he and his wife, Betty Lou, recently relocated to Pennsylvania from California. Merrell has a son, two daughters and two grandchildren.

AuthorHouse is the world leader in publishing and print-on-demand services. Founded in 1997, AuthorHouse has helped more than 18,500 people worldwide become published authors. For more information, visit www.authorhouse.com.



            

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