The Book of Martyrs by John Foxe written in the 16th century has long been the go-to source for studying the lives and martyrdom of the apostles. Whilst other scholars have written individual treatments on the more prominent apostles such as Peter, Paul, John, and James, there is little published information on the other apostles. In The Fate of the Apostles, Sean McDowell offers a comprehensive, reasoned, historical analysis of the fate of the twelve disciples of Jesus along with the apostles Paul, and James. McDowell assesses the evidence for each apostle’s martyrdom as well as determining its significance to the reliability of their testimony. The question of the fate of the apostles also gets to the heart of the reliability of the kerygma: did the apostles really believe Jesus appeared to them after his death, or did they fabricate the entire story? How reliable are the resurrection accounts? The willingness of the apostles to die for their faith is a popular argument in resurrection studies and McDowell offers insightful scholarly analysis of this argument to break new ground within the spheres of New Testament studies, Church History, and apologetics.

Examines the origins and development of the episcopacy in the early church with an eye toward its implications for current ecumenical issues relating to the episcopacy and apostolic succession.

Father Pete acts like he's having a nervous breakdown. He invites his congregation to walk out of mass in protest with him. This fails. No one listens to his sermons, and he's too old and far too embarrassed to start over.Three days later Father Pete wakes in a hospital suffering from amnesia after attempting suicide. He finds a notebook he doesn't remember filling, with entries referring to himself as Saint Peter. His entries are so outlandish he knows he's insane, but the other patients begin joining him in prayers. They thank him, claiming he's better therapy than any of the doctors. He can't figure it out. Is he crazy or is it actually his destiny to change the church? The only flock he has now are his fellow patients. Here he begins his journey to retrieve what he has forgotten--those crazy religious beliefs in his notebook entries, which look less and less crazy to him, the details of his attempted suicide, and the real Father Pete.

A History of the Popes tells the story of the oldest living institution in the Western world—the papacy. From its origins in Saint Peter, Jesus' chief disciple, through Pope Benedict XVI today, the popes have been key players in virtually all of the great dramas of the western world in the last two thousand years. Acclaimed church historian John W. O'Malley's engaging narrative examines the 265 individuals who have claimed to be Peter's successors. Rather than describe each pope one by one, the book focuses on the popes that shaped pivotal moments in both church and world history. The author does not shy away from controversies in the church, and includes legends like Pope Joan and a comprehensive list of popes and antipopes to help readers get a full picture of the papacy. This simultaneously reverent yet critical book will appeal to readers interested in both religion and history as it chronicles the saints and sinners who have led the Roman Catholic Church over the past 2000 years. The author draws from his popular audio CD lecture series on the topic, 2,000 Years of Papal History, available through Now You Know Media (www.nowyouknowmedia.com).

In this follow-up to his blockbuster biblical studies, world-renowned scholar Eisenman not only gives a full examination of James' relationship to the Dead Sea Scrolls, he also reveals the true history of Palestine in the first century and the real "Jesus" of that time. It's a work of intriguing speculative history, complete with a conspiracy theory as compelling as any thriller.