In "The Centurion's Story," David James Burrell masterfully weaves a narrative that delves into the life and psyche of a Roman centurion stationed in Judea during a tumultuous period of history. The book employs a rich, evocative prose style that effortlessly transports readers to the ancient world, melding historical facts with imaginative storytelling. Burrell draws upon a wealth of historical context, including the socio-political dynamics of Roman occupation and early Christianity, all...

In "The Centurion's Story," David James Burrell masterfully weaves a narrative that explores the life of a Roman centurion during the turbulent times of the early Christian era. Set against a backdrop of historical events, Burrell employs rich, vivid prose that brings the ancient world to life, while skillfully blending personal introspection with broader themes of faith, duty, and conflict. The book is notable for its thoughtful examination of the intersection between authority and vulner...

I am an old man now; the burden of fourscore years is resting upon me. But the events of a certain April day in the year 783 A.U.C.—full half a century ago—are as fresh in my memory as if they had happened yesterday. At that time I was stationed with my Hundred on garrison duty at the Castle of Antonia, in Jerusalem. I had been ordered to take charge of the execution of a malefactor who had just been sentenced to death. Accordingly, on the morning of the day mentioned, I selected twelve of...

Collections of sermons by noted preachers of different periods are not an altogether uncommon contribution to literature. Italy, Germany, Holland, France, Great Britain and the United States have in this way furnished copious illustrations of the gifts of their illustrious preachers. Such treasures are found in the Latin and even in the Greek Church. Protestant communions especially, in line with the supreme significance which they attach to the work of the pulpit, have thus sought to magn...