As an Amazon Associate, Revealed Films earns from qualifying purchases.
Are you looking for a good book to read? Why not take a walk on the wild side, and read a book or two about some of the lesser-known figures in the Bible! There are many great books available that introduce us to people we’ve read about, but may not have spent much time getting to know.
Whether you’re looking for a biography, a Bible study, or a novel, there’s something out there that will deepen your faith, expand your knowledge, or bring the world of the Bible into vivid focus through compelling fiction. Here are a few of our favorites:
Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives (by Charles R. Swindoll)
This is a biographical treasure-trove of Old-Testament lives that goes beyond David, Daniel, and Noah and dives into the stories of people like Naaman, Jabez, Abigail and Uzziah. What do you gain by reading about the lives of these unsung heroes who seemingly played supporting roles in a bigger story? Charles Swindoll says:
“Somehow life has taught us poorly. We’re trained to think that the most significant people are star athletes, actors, and musicians―the ones we applaud, those whose autographs we seek, those who have worldly renown. They aren’t. Not really. Most often, the people really worth noting are those who turn a ‘nobody’ into a ‘somebody’ but never receive credit.”
Well-written and (as the title suggests) truly fascinating, this is a book that will leave you with a better appreciation of the significant impact that even little-known characters have made in history.
Hagar: Rediscovering the God Who Sees Me (by Shadia Hrichi)
Who was Hagar, and why was her life important? Full of deep insight and well-researched information, this seven-week study will take you deep into God’s word and challenge you with daily scripture readings, study questions, and opportunities for personal reflection.
Hagar’s story is one of heartache and rejection. Scorned by Sarah, Abraham’s wife, she was cast out with her son and left to wander alone. It would be easy to dismiss her as the tragic victim of a terrible situation, but this book reveals that Hagar’s story is layered with deep meaning and her life was precious to God. If you’ve ever felt “invisible” or wondered if God has forgotten about you, this book is a must-read.
Shadia Hrichi is an engaging writer who uses personal stories, biblically-sound doctrine, and her strong grasp of hermeneutics to bring Hagar’s struggles and triumphs to life. This would be an excellent Bible study to do this summer with a group of friends, and the book is sure to lead to a lot of deep conversations—you’ll want to reserve a couple of hours and a large pot of coffee for the discussions that are sure to be inspired by this study.
Pontius Pilate: A Novel (by Paul L. Maier)
This classic book is a must-read! Told from the point of view of Pontius Pilate, the story covers his political rise, his work in Judea, and his role in the trial that changed all of history. In the telling, you’ll find yourself immersed in the world as it was when Jesus and his disciples walked the shores of the sea of Galilee. From Rome to Jerusalem, the historical details of politics, culture, and daily life will leave you feeling as though you were there! This is a compelling read as a novel, but Paul Maier’s research and attention to detail will leave you with a wealth of knowledge and a much better understanding of the culture and time period that played such a big role in biblical history.
Unashamed: Rahab (by Francine Rivers)
A Christy Award winner, this book is the second in Francine Rivers’ “Lineage of Grace” series. It’s a novella, which means it would be a great book to bring along to read on the plane or enjoy on the beach. This is a fast-paced page-turner, bringing to life the story of Rahab—a woman who began as a pagan prostitute and, by God’s grace and design, ended up being counted in the genealogy of Jesus Christ himself!
These books are both enjoyable and educational. They’re full of biblical history and information about the life and times of people that are often left out of the modern narrative about the Bible…but they each play a very important role in the story of the world an in the Christian faith!
As an Amazon Associate, Revealed Films earns from qualifying purchases.
Might is right.
He who strikes first strikes twice.
Waiting for a rabbit to hit upon a tree and be killed in order to catch it.
If you want a thing done well do it yourself.
Too much humility is pride.
Every man has his price.