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Rhoda of Cyprus - A Story of the Early Church
Here, in a skillful combination of fact and fiction, Gladys Malvern brings to life the early days of Christianity when the apostles struggled against unrelenting persecution in their zeal to establish the Church. The central character is Rhoda, a beautiful and well-bred girl, who returns to her family in Jerusalem after a long stay in Cyprus. Her home is comfortable, her family is wealthy, and she expects that a suitable marriage will soon be arranged for her. Instead she is shocked to find that her relatives, profoundly moved by the teachings of a man called Jesus, have given up their wealth and position to join the sect known as Notzris, or Believers. Rhoda's home, now stripped of luxuries, is a gathering place for Believers—the fishermen, carpenters, tentmakers and tradesmen. Among them are the simple and dedicated men who are known today as the apostles of Christ. Although she is impressed by their quiet faith, she is more interested in her marriage, a year hence, to Asaph, son of the High Priest. But crowding always to the forefront are the scenes of Christian history in the making—the stoning of Stephen, and the miraculous escape of Peter. And Rhoda is not unaware of young David in whose eyes she sees a compelling love. At first against her will but eventually with all her strength Rhoda joins her friends in the gathering surge of Christianity. It is through her gradual conversion that readers can perceive the beginnings of the Church.