Unpacking Leviticus

The Third Night Journey of Nicodemus

Christian - Historical Fiction
454 Pages
Reviewed on 02/21/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Unpacking Leviticus: The Third Night Journey of Nicodemus by Chris Solaas takes readers back to first-century Jerusalem, where respected Pharisee Nicodemus receives a strange message—just one word: Tetelestai ('It is finished'). That one word sets him and his skeptical Greek servant, Trecho, on a dangerous journey across Judea, with Saul of Tarsus hot on their heels. Saul sees Nicodemus’s growing curiosity about Jesus’s teachings as a serious threat, and he’s determined to stop him. As they run for their lives, Nicodemus makes a bold deal with Trecho—he’ll go through the book of Leviticus verse by verse, proving that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and prophecy. But this isn’t just a theological debate. The stakes are high, and as the dangers around them grow, their discussions about faith, tradition, and salvation become more urgent. What starts as an intellectual argument slowly turns into something much deeper, challenging both men in ways they never expected.

Chris Solaas has written a fascinating mix of faith, history, and adventure that brings ancient Jerusalem to life. The historical details are well-researched, but never feel overwhelming—the world-building pulls you in without bogging down the story. The dynamic between Nicodemus and Trecho is one of the strongest elements, with their back-and-forth debates making their journey just as engaging on a personal level as it is physically dangerous. What stood out to me was how Solaas weaves deep theological ideas into the story without making it feel like a lecture. Everything unfolds naturally through the characters and their experiences. The chase sequences keep the tension high, and Saul of Tarsus makes for a compelling antagonist—not just a villain, but a reflection of who Nicodemus used to be. Even if you’re familiar with Christian theology, the book offers fresh insights into how Jesus connects to Leviticus, making it both a gripping adventure and a thought-provoking exploration of faith. Overall, Unpacking Leviticus is a must-read for fans of Christian historical fiction who love stories that are both educational and exciting, and I definitely recommend it.