triclinium: the dining room of a Roman dwelling. The triclinium was often very ornate, having many columns and a collection of statues.
trident: a three-pronged spear
urinator: (pl. urinatores): a shipyard worker who dove after cargo that was accidentally dropped into the sea during unloading
usus: the least binding form of marriage for Romans. It was probably similar to what we might today call “living together.”
veles: (pl. velites): a gladiator whose weapon was a javelin
Venus: Roman goddess of eros, love, and beauty; identified with the Greek goddess Aphrodite
Way, the: a term used in the Bible (the book of Acts) to refer to Christianity. Christians probably would have called themselves “followers of the Way.”
Yeshua: Hebrew name for Jesus
Zeus: Greek king of the gods and husband of Hera; identified with the Roman god Jupiter
Discussion Guide
Dear reader,
We hope you enjoyed this story and its many characters by Francine Rivers. It is the author’s desire to whet your appetite for God’s Word and His ways—to apply His principles to your life. The following character study is designed for just that! There are four sections of discussion questions for each of the four main characters:
• Character Review—gets the discussion going
• Digging Deeper—gets into the character
• Personal Insights/Challenges—gets you thinking
• Searching the Scriptures—gets you into God’s Word
When writing this story, Francine had a key Bible verse in mind: “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16). Our deeds, be they words, actions, or the lack thereof, define our character and allude to our motivations. With this in mind, let me encourage you to get together with some friends and discuss your favorite scenes, characters, and personal insights from this novel. May your insights never end, and may your discussion “runneth over”!
PEGGY LYNCH
HADASSAH
Character Review
1. Choose a favorite moving or disturbing scene and discuss the elements that caught your attention.
2. Compare Hadassah leaving Jerusalem to Hadassah in the coliseum. What events caused the change?
Digging Deeper
1. Describe Hadassah’s internal conflict.
2. In what ways did Hadassah rely on God’s unfailing love?
3. How does God’s unfailing love motivate you?
Personal Insights/Challenges
1. In what ways do you identify with Hadassah? And how are you different?
2. Do you think Hadassah’s faith was realistic? How does your own faith compare?
3. “Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise” (Hebrews 10:23). What is the basis for unwavering faith?
Searching the Scriptures
As you think about Hadassah and decisions she made as a result of her faith in God, read the following Bible verses. They may reveal her motivations and even challenge you in your own life decisions.
If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will openly acknowledge that person before my Father in heaven. But if anyone denies me here on earth, I will deny that person before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33
For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16
But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. Psalm 33:18
MARCUS
Character Review
1. Select a favorite scene with Marcus and share insights abouthis personal character.
2. Contrast Marcus, the aristocrat, with Marcus, the man interested in Hadassah. What are the subtle differences?
Digging Deeper
1. How did Marcus perceive himself?
2. What kind of friends did Marcus keep, and what influence did they have on him?
3. In what ways have other people influenced you? How have you influenced them?
Personal Insights/Challenges
1. How do you identify with Marcus? How are you different?
2. How do you think Marcus perceived himself when Hadassah was led into the arena? What had changed?
3. “We can gather our thoughts, but the Lord gives the right answer” (Proverbs 16:1). When soul searching or heart stricken, who do you turn to for right answers?
Searching the Scriptures
In looking at Marcus’ life and the decisions he made as a result of not knowing God, read the following Bible verses for possible insights into his motivations—as well as finding challenges for yourself, too.
People with integrity have firm footing, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall. Proverbs 10:9
People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. PROVERBS 16:2
Good people enjoy the positive results of their words, but those who are treacherous crave violence. Proverbs 13:2
ATRETES
Character Review
1. In your opinion what is the most memorable scene with Atretes and why?
2. What do you consider to be “outstanding” about Atretes?
Digging Deeper
1. What events brought Atretes to the coliseum?
2. In what ways did Atretes become sidetracked? What were some consequences?
3. What sidetracks you and why?
Personal Insights/Challenges
1. In what ways are you like Atretes? How are you different?
2. Discuss Atretes’ anger and how it affected his decisions.
3. “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death” (Proverbs 14:12). What kind of path was Atretes on? What path have you chosen?
Searching the Scriptures
As you discuss Atretes and the decisions he made as a result of anger, read the following Bible verses and see what may have motivated him or what motivates you.
A hothead starts fights; a cool-tempered person tries to stop them. Proverbs 15:18
Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:26-27
Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. Proverbs 4:23
JULIA
Character Review
1. Which one of Julia’s relationships stands out to you the most and why?
2. Compare Julia to her brother, Marcus. In what ways did Julia’s family influence her?
Digging Deeper
1. How did Julia deal with conflict?
2. In what ways did her pride lead to arguments? What were some consequences of those arguments?
3. What draws you into arguments? How has pride misguided you?
Personal Insights/Challenges
1. In what ways do you identify with Julia? How are you different?
2. Contrast Julia with Hadassah.
3. “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them” (Proverbs 3:27). How did Julia withhold good from Hadassah, and what was the result?
Searching the Scriptures
As you think about Julia and the decisions she made out of stubbornness and pride, check out the following Bible verses. They may reveal her motivations and challenge your own discernment.
Blessed are those who have a tender conscience, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble. Proverbs 28:14
Pride leads to arguments; those who take advice are wise. Proverbs 13:10
A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes
precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 27:12
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