The Apostle: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Apostle: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the lives and influences of key figures in early Christianity, focusing on their transformations and contributions to the movement. Central to the narrative is Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, who begins as a persecutor of Christians but undergoes a profound conversion experience. He claims divine appointment to spread the teachings of Jesus, establishing churches and ultimately facing martyrdom for his beliefs. Another significant character is Simon Peter, who, despite facing imprisonment and opposition, plays a pivotal role in founding the church at Antioch and welcoming gentile converts. The analysis also highlights Barnabas, a close associate of Paul, and Stephen, an early Christian martyr whose death profoundly impacts Paul. Other notable figures include John, a follower of Peter, and Titus, Paul’s first gentile convert. The interplay between these characters illustrates the early Church's struggles and perseverance amid persecution, particularly under the Roman Emperor Nero, who infamously targeted Christians. This exploration offers insights into the foundational moments of Christianity and the diverse backgrounds of its early leaders.
The Apostle: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Sholem Asch
First published: 1943
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Roman Empire
Plot: Religious
Time: Shortly after the Crucifixion
Saul of Tarshish, or Tarsus, afterward known as Paul. A devout Jew but intellectually a searcher, he at first resents the Messianist followers of Yeshua, and he becomes a zealous spy and a persecutor of them. Troubled by Istephan's dying prayer of forgiveness of his slayers, Paul has a mystic vision that causes him to become an apostle of the Messiah, who appears to him several times. He believes himself to be divinely appointed to bring the word of Yeshua to the gentiles. As Paul, he establishes several churches. Arrested for accepting gentiles, he demands a trial as a Roman before Caesar and is finally beheaded.
Simon bar Jonah, called Peter. Imprisoned for healing in Yeshua's name, he is miraculously released. Imprisoned again, he is freed after eloquently defending his doctrine. He founds the church at Antioch, where he accepts gentiles as members. After working with Paul in Rome, he is crucified.
Joseph bar Naba of Cyprus, or Barnabas, Saul's friend, an early convert who had known Yeshua before his crucifixion.
Reb Istephan, or Stephen, a famous Jewish preacher.
Reb Jacob, a strict Jew, son of Joseph and younger brother of Yeshua, who leads the Messianist cult in Jerusalem after Yeshua's disappearance.
Yeshua of Nazareth,Jesus.
Nehemiah, a cripple healed by Simon in the name of Yeshua.
Jochanan, or John, Simon's follower, who is imprisoned with Simon and, like him, miraculously released.
Titus, Saul's first convert, a Greek.
Lukas, or Luke, a Greek physician, minister, and scholar who writes the life of Yeshua.
Nero, the Roman Emperor, who imprisons Paul. Nero burns Rome and blames the Christians, many of whom die forgiving their persecutors.
Seneca, a Roman through whose intervention Nero frees Paul.
Gabelus, a gladiator who becomes a Christian.