Nero and Paul: How the Gospel of Grace Defeated the Ruler of Rome (Ancient Evil, Living Hope) by Kathie Lee Gifford

Does gaining power, possessions, and popularity lead to happiness and fulfillment? Or does inner transformation and self-sacrificial love bring the most joy and satisfaction? New York Times bestselling author Kathie Lee Gifford and scholar Bryan Litfin dive into these questions by bringing the stories of Nero and Paul to life in this creative nonfiction tale and identifying how these moral questions can be applied to modern Christian life. Centuries ago, against the backdrop of Roman domination and decadence, a rabbi-turned-evangelist challenged the ideology of an immoral emperor. Two competing messages clashed—and they were messages that echo into our modern world. One voice says, Do what feels good. Gain more influence. Focus on yourself and build your own kingdom. Another says, Live for something beyond yourself—something eternal. Carry out your God-given mission, no matter the cost. Follow your King to the end of the world if you must . Only then will you truly live. Combining historical accuracy with narrative imagination, Nero and Paul drops you into the drama of human pride and divine destiny that unfolded on the stage of imperial Rome. Read more