Covering a six-year period in the life of St. Paul in Roman-ruled Judea, Cash weaves a fascinating story of Saul's (Paul's) single-minded, zealous persecution of the early Christians through his conversion on the road to Damascus. Saul is portrayed as a man driven by what he sees as his "divine" mission, the extermination of this despicable Nazarene sect. However, with his conversion, all his fanaticism and energies turn to the spreading of "the word" to the gentiles. This well-researched novel breathes life into Paul, High Priest Annas, the pharisees, apostles, and the other characters who populate Jerusalem and the surrounding area. Readers will experience their fears and doubts, aspirations and triumphs as Cash probes the motivations behind their actions. While the repetition of religious phrases and doctrine tends to slow the last third of the book, Cash's interpretation and writing style make the characters and times come alive.