Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

We Beheld His Glory: A Novel by William Tinsley is an intriguing work of historical fiction set in the time of Christ. You will be among the twelve disciples as they travel with Jesus during His early years, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. The names, places, and accounts of the Bible that you've heard or read become living and breathing people, places, and events, thanks to the detailed and rich writing of Tinsley. This work is derived from the Gospel of John and the Synoptics, and if you want even more details, you can also read the endnotes accompanying the book. You may be wondering why you would want to read a novelized version of the life of Jesus, but as the author explains, it gives you a chance to immersively experience what it would have been like to be a follower of Jesus during His time on earth.

Tinsley's devotion to the subject matter is evident. This author takes you back to familiar biblical accounts but adds a personal, vibrant feel to them in passionate detail. He is quick to say that this novel isn't meant to replace the Bible, correct it, or do anything except bring readers closer to knowing Christ and the disciples. The story begins in John's POV, talking about his brother James and their knowledge that the Messiah, the one Israel had been waiting for, has arrived on the scene. I like the author's approach. He doesn't attempt to explain or analyze every single detail: he tells the story and lets it flow toward its conclusion, just like any other novel. The natural dialogue used by the author adds to the fictional feel. He doesn't get in the way of the story. He does, however, offer imagination and insight into what the disciples could have been thinking and feeling during those pivotal and historical events. If you're looking for an added dimension to the life of Jesus and the disciples or an entertaining novel based on the Bible, We Beheld His Glory by William Tinsley is a must-read.