The story of Jesus has formed the basis of Christianity for almost two millennia, but how much do we know about this inspirational figure? While rich in its teachings, the New Testament says little about the private life and relationships of Jesus, nor those of the disciples. The gospels were not written in the first person, and while describing momentous events, they cannot be considered definitive eyewitness accounts in all instances. Organized religion has embellished the tale with new interpretations. What separates the myths from the man? It is into this void that David Benjamin ventures with Witness to the Crucifixion. The story is told from the perspective of Saul, who had persecuted Jesus and his followers. Saul took the name Paul after his miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus. That experience haunted him to the point that he became obsessed with the crucifixion and was convinced that Jesus had uttered a secret during his final moments. Could this involve the end of days? Paul embarked on a quest to trace any witnesses who were still alive. He was accompanied on his perilous journey by his faithful slave Onesimus. The dangers he faced included a shipwreck, assaults, imprisonment, and threats to his life. Paul finally confronts the witness who holds the key to the riddle.

While written as fiction, Witness to the Crucifixion features names that will be familiar. Central figures in the saga were James (brother of Jesus), Peter (Simon Peter or Cephas), and Judas Iscariot. Mary (mother of Jesus), Mary Magdalene, and John the Baptist have roles that are also prominent. All the personalities are portrayed in a new and often unflattering light, exposing their human qualities and frailties. In this account, the miracles attributed to Jesus were stage-managed by James. Long-held reputations are tarnished, a fact that will not sit well with many Christians. The disciples come across as quarrelsome, unruly, divided, and superficial. The charisma and wisdom of Jesus belied a deeper insecurity. Conversely, Judas is treated more sympathetically. David Benjamin raises many important theological issues in his account of the last days of Jesus. These include whether the messenger is more important than the message, to what extent God demands atonement from the faithful in the form of sacrificing their lives in the same way as Jesus, and was Jesus the Christ. It is an enthralling tale that is thought-provoking, but equally likely to prove controversial in some quarters. It poses the question as to why one would write such a book. The author himself clarifies this in his notes, which make for interesting reading. The book is a vivid portrayal of life during those times and should be read with an open mind.

A brave work! I was particularly interested in your notes, which clarify the rationale behind the book admirably.

— Leonard Smuts, Reader’s Favorite (5 stars)