Jacobus: Son of Onesimus

By T. Marie Smith

This sequel deals with the persecution of Christians as Domitian and Trajan, Roman emperors, intensify their reign of terror. After Onesimus was stoned to death by the idol-worshippers, Jacobus is determined to continue the work that Onesimus, his father, begun, even though there is now a price on his own head. Moving from one cave to the next in order to keep his family safe, he battles the elements, wild animals, and the pagans who hate him. Finally, they move to Arezzo, a small town in Italy, located at the foot of the Apennine Mountains, where they could worship openly. Here, they continued spreading the Gospel. However, soon persecution reached Arezzo, and they were sorely tested. This is a beautiful picture of love, and it will allow you to share the life of a dedicated minister of the Gospel through very difficult times.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: May 12, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512783162

T. Marie Smith

I have lived in south Florida and spent time in the Everglades area. My father has enriched my knowledge of life in that particular area and told me many stories from his childhood experiences - 1908-1920. Also, I know first-hand that teenage alcoholism is a curse on our young people today and I have written 'Glades Boy in hope of helping teens and young adults find help with with their addictions through the acceptance of Jesus Christ. At the age of nineteen, my father became a christian and went into the ministry. In those days, his particular church affiliation moved ministers from place to place, and often state to state. As a result I grew up in many areas of the United States, from Florida and Georgia -I won't name them all - to North Dakota and the beautiful Northwest. I deeply appreciate the beauty of each area, but I consider myself a Floridian. I gave my life to Christ as a child - became distant from my Lord as a young adult, but came back to a place of wonderful inner peace. I am an artist and owned a commercial Art Studio most of my adult life. In 2003, two of my short stories were published in "ABC's of foods" by Louise Ulmer. I re-wrote and self-published a novel , ONESIMUS, which was written by my father. I am an ordained minister and December 17, 1993 Reverend Gene Smith, a pastor and middle school teacher, and I were married. We pastored Lynn Haven Church of God until our retirement, December 31, 2007. We are both still active in ministry, filling in where we are needed. I am a chalk-talk artist and enjoy sharing my ministry with different churches when invited. I have four children and three step-children. Together, Gene and I have eighteen grandchildren and ten great-grands.

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Copyright © 2017 T. Marie Smith.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

ISBN: 978-1-5127-8317-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-8318-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-8316-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017905759

WestBow Press rev. date: 08/08/2017

CONTENTS

Foreword

Chapter 1   Relocating

Chapter 2   The Hunting Trip

Chapter 3   A House, a Home

Chapter 4   Persecution Rages

Chapter 5   Esther

Chapter 6   Preparing for a Trip

Chapter 7   Return to Gubbio

Chapter 8   Home Again

Chapter 9   Chosen

Chapter 10   The Ordination

Chapter 11   New Commitment

Chapter 12   Trouble Portended

Chapter 13   Wedding Preparations

Chapter 14   Tragedy Strikes

Chapter 15   The Rescue

Chapter 16   The Celebration

DEDICATION

Lovingly dedicated to

My husband Gene – my special love, and

my four children, Nathan, Michelle, Michael, and Misty

and to my many grand and great-grand children.

Each of you are my love, my joy, my strength and my happiness.

A SPECIAL THANKS

To Reverend E. E. Coleman and Tonetta R. Coleman,

my precious father and mother.

They taught me to love God; family; friends; and my Country.

They instilled a burning desire, deep in my soul, to minister where needed.

Also, they encouraged me to use my talents

to present the saving grace of Jesus to a lost and dying world.

Always Thankful,

T. Marie Smith

FOREWORD

You are sure to enjoy this adventurous journey through the very interesting early days of the spread of Christianity. The author, T. Marie Smith, takes us away from the formality and structure of cathedrals and officialdom right into the ragged edge of reality. As we follow the life of a young believer in Christ: Jacobus repeatedly engages the challenges of an idolatrous world. Not only do his encounters seem very real, they are also instructive to the twenty-first century followers of Christ. This imaginative presentation is solidly based upon New Testament scriptures and available history from the first century of the founding of the church of Jesus Christ.

Perhaps the greatest value of this book is the reminder that believers in Christ are now confronted with a vicious return to the paganism and violence that confronted the first century believers. The liberal media of today work incessantly to assault Truth wherever it exists. Quotations from scripture are immediately rejected as not pertinent in today’s conversations. Teachers have been dismissed from their positions for the crime of having the Bible on their desks. Teachers have been brought up on charges for the crime of answering students’ questions regarding any aspect of Christianity.

Yet, it is permissible to discuss any false religion and its practices. Political correctness has demonstrated consistently that Truth is the most feared of all positions. False religions have come to America with violence and vengeance.

Jacobus demonstrates how to live the life of Christ in the face of extreme hostility. The Bible asks the question, If the foundations be destroyed, what will the righteous do? This book answers that question by taking us back in time to another era where Christians did indeed meet the challenge victoriously. It also demonstrates the fruit of faithfulness and the opportunities that abound even within the enemy camp. It confirms the certainty of God’s presence and His response to faith. It reassures us that living the principles of Truth bring peace to the individual, to marriage, and to family. Many people now search for meaning. Jacobus illustrates the reward of finding that meaning in Christ.

You will enjoy your vicarious journey through the adventures of Jacobus. I certainly did.

Al Taylor

Author of Proving God

CHAPTER 1

Relocating

I sat in the weather-worn chair that my father had occupied for many hours, and rubbed the smooth, ink-splotched wood. A chilling breeze whirled around me, swirling memories together until my heart began to ache.

My head fell onto my arm as it lay across the abandoned table, and I could not hold back the sobs. My hands slid over the flat surface until they reached the table’s edge. Clutching the table until my arms began to tremble seemed to be the only thing that kept me from roaring with grief and anger as I remembered the horrible stoning and subsequent death inflicted by the idol worshippers. My God, I groaned, turning my face heavenward, I don’t think I can ever forgive them. Please help me.

I remembered how honorably father served our Savior, he loved and cared for his family, and he endeavored to help others, giving medical help when needed as well as spiritual help to lead them to the Lord Jesus Christ. I thought about the fact that he, though born into slavery, was well educated in the sciences, especially medicine. He spent part of his summers living in the eastern deserts of Egypt with Hazlot, his master’s most trusted servant and shepherd. Hazlot taught him to be proficient in the many arts of self-defense. Master Mammon, who was a doctor of medicine, treated him as his own son and began his training at the age of four. The doctor planned that Papa would someday take over his medical practice, but doctor Mammon died when Papa was nineteen years old. Lady Mammon then sold Papa to Philemon, a very wealthy Christian from Colosse. Papa served as a physician to Philemon and his vast household of family and slaves.

Philemon was a strong Christian who worked closely with the Apostle Paul, especially when Paul was in a Roman prison.

Paul requested that Philemon give Papa his freedom so he could become the apostle’s envoy. After receiving his papers of manumission my father worked closely with Brother Paul and also set up a full-time medical practice in Gubbio. In my mind, my father’s greatest achievement was serving as a confidant and envoy to the great Apostle Paul.

Mother’s gentle hand touched my shoulder. I quickly wiped my tears on my sleeve and glanced up as a strong puff of air blew her hair across her sad, but smiling face.

Son, Onesimus would not have wanted you to cry for him. He was a martyr, and his death was a testimony of his great love for God and all mankind.

I know, Mother, I answered as I again wiped my cheeks. "I suppose my tears are for myself. I already miss his great knowledge and wisdom so terribly. Although I didn’t realize it, I’ve always depended on him for everything. It’s going to be hard now, trying to do what’s right and making important decisions for myself and our family—the decisions he used to make. I am realizing what a massive responsibility it is to be the head of a household."

I stood, and with my arm around her shoulders, Mother and I walked back to the cave where we had lived for the last two years.

Mother, how much longer do you think we’ll have to stay in hiding? Surely God will see how badly we need to go back to Gubbio. So many need medical treatment and I would like to continue passing out copies of Brother Paul’s letters. Sarah had been spending all her spare time making copies of the apostle’s epistles. Also, Mother, I’m tired of having to hide from the very people who were our friends—the ones I was raised with.

I agree, Jacobus, Mother said. There is no way to know, but as soon as it’s safe, we will go back. I miss the people there even though I know some of them are the ones who stoned your father.

Little Tychicus was playing just outside the cave. Seeing him I said, I must be brave for Tychicus and Sarah, Mother, but right now it seems impossible.

Tychicus ran to us and reached up his chubby hands for me to hold him. Mother, I’m glad that Papa got to spend a little time with my son. This little fellow surely did love his grandfather.

Sarah was cooking fresh herbs and roots that we had gathered. I had not been hunting for fresh meat since Papa died. Even without meat, a wonderful odor filled the cave.

Ummm, I alleged. I’m starved.

Jacobus, she said as she grazed my cheek with her kiss, you could go a week without eating and not starve. Eating is all you have done for the past week. By the way, you need to go into Gubbio pretty soon. We are out of most of our supplies.

Also, it would be good to find out what is going on with the persecution of the Christians, said Mother, and let them know about your father’s death.

They really should be told, agreed Sarah. I had expected Brother Hammond to have come up here by now.

I took a deep breath and felt a slight frown cross my face as a terrible thought crossed my mind. I hope nothing has happened to him. With the Christians having to hide to worship, they really need him more than ever.

And, added Sarah, they’re going to need him more since Papa’s gone.

I’ll try to go tomorrow night, I replied. It looks like rain is coming and that will help hide my tracks.

I’m always concerned about your trips into Gubbio, but I believe the Lord will protect you, Mother said, just as He always has.

There have been some close calls that I could not have survived without Him, I said as I raised my eyebrow. I’m always amazed when I look back and see how He has protected us.

We serve an amazing God, Mother acknowledged. God is always our source of help in a time of need.

That night Sarah and I lay in bed discussing the events of the past two weeks. She loved my father as much as I did.

You know, about two months ago Papa asked me to write my life story. He said that when he was writing, he knew from his medical training he would probably have only enough time remaining to tell his personal story, but he wanted me to write about my life and include as much world history as I could. Thinking of the enormity of that task, I took a deep breath and slowly blew it out. I just don’t feel that I’m capable of that.

Did he mean to write history like a historian? How would you ever know how to do that? Sarah asked.

"I don’t expect my work to be a great composition like a real historian, or even Papa’s impressive work, for that matter. He was so talented. It seemed like he could do anything he set his mind to do. But as for me, I have been considering trying to write a brief history of our personal lives, as well as that of the church. Future generations need to know the truth about the severe persecution endured by this generation of Christians."

Sarah finished a long yawn, snuggled close to me and, with her head on my shoulder, she replied in a sleepy voice, That would be nice, dear.

The next morning our household was stirring shortly after dawn. Mother and Sarah were busy with breakfast and household chores. I went outside to get fresh water and to pray. My thoughts turned to the battle that the Christians were facing in Gubbio and many other parts of the world. I knelt beside the little stream and asked God to protect them from stoning, crucifixion, beheading and other torturous assaults that the pagan priests and Christ-hating individuals were inflicting on Christians, as well as the trauma of Vespasian’s murderous cruelty. Many, like Papa, had already died because of those tyrants’ evil brutality.

My God, I lamented in agony as tears flowed down my cheeks, "unless You intervene, I feel sure many more will be subjected to this horrible carnage—maybe even our own family."

Having filled the water pots, I started back home. My thoughts were on the terror that we had faced thus far. I could write about how the Roman army, under General Titus, destroyed the great city of Jerusalem and completely ruined the magnificent temple of the Jews, only seventy years after Christ. He then scattered most of the Jews to many nations of the earth. Such a shame, I thought. I’m sure it will be many years before they can become a nation again. Although some became martyrs and many thousands of Christians were killed, many of the apostles lived through that awful time of bloodshed and destruction, and with God’s help, managed to keep the underground church alive and active.

I don’t know who it may benefit, I thought, but with your help, Jesus, I will try to write.

I plan to go hunting after breakfast, I told Sarah as I set the water pots down. I don’t want to go into town tonight and leave you women here without enough food.

Jacobus, please be careful, said Mother. I had a horrible dream last night. I dreamt that the priests found us. They came with weapons and screams of allegiance to Diana. It was so real that I can’t get it off my mind. I believe it was a warning from God.

I will be fine, Mother. God will take care of me.

I picked up my bow and quiver of arrows and kissed Sarah and Tychicus. I’ll be back as soon as I can, I said, as I tossed the saddle onto the powerful back of King. Papa had given this beautiful black stallion to me when I turned eighteen, and I immediately named him for his feisty prancing as well as the special way he tossed his head. He enjoyed throwing his unusually long mane from side to side and uttering a soft snort, as if to say, Observe how magnificent I am.

I rode about a mile or so down the hill toward Gubbio to a place where I could almost always find a deer or two, then dismounted. After tying King to a tree in the shadows of a dense grove so he would not be easily seen, I slung my quiver across my shoulder and began searching for deer tracks. Walking several yards, I came across some tracks, but they were horse tracks. I could not tell how many there were as spots of grass kept me from being sure. I quickly walked further down the hill until I came to a clearing where very little grass was growing. There were three sets of hoof-prints and from their depth, I deemed they each carried a rider and were headed toward our cave. Following them a little way uphill I saw that they turned to the east for a few yards and then turned around to go back the way they had come.

They must be looking for us, I thought.

After checking further, I became convinced that they had given up on finding us, so I went back to my favorite hunting spot. I was rewarded with a nice big buck. I tied him behind my saddle and made my way home.

Thank the Lord, Sarah said as I threw the fresh kill onto the skinning table. "We can have a good meal