Each time I pick up a non-fiction book to read, I inevitably quit part way through. I have the best of intentions, but it just loses my interest.
Stories, on the other hand, are what make me read late into the night (which is probably what destroyed my eyesight! haha).
Did you know that reading stories can be a fabulous way to become more engaged in God’s word? Reading historical fiction that is well-researched and set in Biblical times can be one of the most fun ways to throw yourself deeper into that ancient world. Why?
- Well-researched and well-written fiction can help you understand the context of the Bible like never before. All the books of the Bible were written for a specific, ancient group of people with a specific culture. If we don’t understand the culture, we are liable to misunderstand the Bible.
- Humans learn best through story. And frankly, I’d way rather someone else do the research that wade through all those history books myself!
Without further ado, here is a list of books that I have personally read, all of which were well-researched and written in a way that captured my imagination.
(Looking for books for your kids? I’ve recommended LOTS. Check out this series of quick articles.)
Old Testament
>>The Red Tent, Anita Diamant<< This book shook me, because I realized I had been reading these incredibly ancient stories with a thoroughly modern understanding. This book made me realize how different the pre-Israelite culture really was.
>>The Son of Laughter, Frederick Buechner<< This one was required reading for my Pentateuch class at Bible college. Like The Red Tent, it is very raw, very pre-Christian.
>>Esther, Angela Hunt<< This one spurred me into my kidney-donation journey. No joke. Read at your own risk!
>>The Chronicles of the Kings (series), Lynn Austin<< Covers the time period of the later kingdom of Judah.
>>The Restoration Chronicles (series), Lynn Austin<< Covers the post-exile time period, when a group of Israelites returned to Jerusalem to settle. Also dips briefly into Daniel and Esther, making me realize how closely related all these events were!
Gospels
>>Remarkable Faith, Shauna Letellier<< A little different format, using shorter creative retellings paired with devotions. It’s a nice middle ground between fiction and devotionals.
>>The AD Chronicles (series), Brock and Bodie Thoene<< I listened to these on audiobook over a series of months, and they moved me to tears many times. They bring to life Jesus’ compassion and the possible backstories of those he healed.
>>Iscariot, Tosca Lee<< From the point of view of Judas Iscariot, the only disciple that Jesus called “friend”. Brought to life the tension the Israelites lived under, and the incredible mercy of Jesus.
>>AD30 and AD33 (two books), Ted Dekker<< These were incredibly moving, showcasing Ted Dekker’s brilliant ability to understand the human heart and show how Jesus changes everything.
Acts
>> The Mark of the Lion (series), Francine Rivers << One of the first Biblical fiction series I read, and they have stayed with me through the years. Set in the time period just following the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, these are not directly about characters in the Bible, but the apostles and their teachings are woven in to this redemptive series.
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I have loved reading biblical fiction over the years. My husband and I have both been blessed by the writing of Ellen Gunderson Traylor in this genre.
I have never heard of her! I’m excited to check out her books!! Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this list!!!! I have the same trouble with non fiction. And I love historical fiction. Glad to have more biblical historical books to check out. ?
One of my favorites is The Fisherman by Larry Huntsperger. It’s the Gospel through the eyes of Peter. Brought Jesus to life for me – and moved me to tears on more than one occasion. Thanks for this list – need to check some of these out!
A few more to add to your list:
“Memoirs of Pontius Pilate” by James R. Mills,
“Two From Galilee” by Marjorie Holmes,
“The Stones” by Eleanor Gustafson
(Side note: Funny enough, I now am completely opposite of you — I don’t read fiction, but crave nonfiction!)
Probably everyone has read The Left Behind series by Tim LeHay. My husband became a Christian while reading these books. He was 53 years old.
Connilyn Cossett: Out of Egypt, this series opened my eyes and understanding of the Old Testament.
Tessa Afshar: Jewels of the Nile, this series is another beautiful depiction of the women of Old Testament.
Both are so relatable and give you a clear picture of Christ’s lineage.
I love both these authors and am so glad I discovered them! I need to update this article to include them because you’re right, they are fabulous.
Has anyone mentioned The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas?
Not yet, but I have heard of it!