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Published by Forefront Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
The extraordinary story of a young fisherman who became the Founding Father of Christianity, the most influential and enduring institution in history.
2023 Paris Book Festival Winner · 2023 New England Book Festival Winner
He’s one of the most well-known figures in cultures around the world, etched into stained glass, painted in frescoes, even caricatured as standing at the gates of heaven with a long white beard and keys in hand. But long before he was portrayed as a venerated and untouchable figure, Peter was simply known as Simon, a twenty-something fisherman in a far-flung Jewish province controlled by the Roman Empire.
Loyal and faithful, impetuous and passionate, Simon’s quiet life is upended by the arrival of a man called Jesus of Nazareth, rumored to be the long-awaited Messiah who would rescue the Jewish people from oppression. When Simon meets Jesus, the mysterious man tells him, “You will be Peter,” a prophetic statement that would slowly transform Simon’s life. Eager to be free of the Romans, Simon joins Jesus in hopes that he can guard this leader who will, undoubtedly, build an army to challenge Rome. But as Simon waits for the army to form, he watches Jesus show a compassion for others Simon has never seen before. The miracles Jesus performs—healing the sick, feeding crowds of thousands—show not a display of military might, but of service and love.
Real, relatable and impeccably researched, You Will Be Peter draws on the four Gospel accounts to weave Simon Peter’s story into one seamless tapestry. Readers get a front-row seat to Simon’s three-year walk with Jesus, as Simon watches the Son of Man feed the hungry, raise the dead, upend the status quo and challenge the elite during one of world history’s most pivotal seasons.
In perhaps one of the greatest miracles, we can see ourselves in Simon, this ordinary man Jesus chose to accompany Him. Simon wasn’t well-educated, but he was faithful and headstrong. Though he could rush to judgment and use a foul word from time to time, he was the kind of friend who loved fiercely and was doggedly loyal—until he wasn’t. Although he failed, Simon wasn’t cast away from Jesus’ mission. In fact, his failures and subsequent redemption made him a more empathetic and capable rock upon whom the Church was built.
With storytelling artistry that transports readers to the first-century world, with the sights, sounds, and smells of that time, You Will Be Peter shares an age-old story told from a new set of eyes: it’s possible for one ordinary person, however unlikely, to change the world forever.
2023 Paris Book Festival Winner · 2023 New England Book Festival Winner
He’s one of the most well-known figures in cultures around the world, etched into stained glass, painted in frescoes, even caricatured as standing at the gates of heaven with a long white beard and keys in hand. But long before he was portrayed as a venerated and untouchable figure, Peter was simply known as Simon, a twenty-something fisherman in a far-flung Jewish province controlled by the Roman Empire.
Loyal and faithful, impetuous and passionate, Simon’s quiet life is upended by the arrival of a man called Jesus of Nazareth, rumored to be the long-awaited Messiah who would rescue the Jewish people from oppression. When Simon meets Jesus, the mysterious man tells him, “You will be Peter,” a prophetic statement that would slowly transform Simon’s life. Eager to be free of the Romans, Simon joins Jesus in hopes that he can guard this leader who will, undoubtedly, build an army to challenge Rome. But as Simon waits for the army to form, he watches Jesus show a compassion for others Simon has never seen before. The miracles Jesus performs—healing the sick, feeding crowds of thousands—show not a display of military might, but of service and love.
Real, relatable and impeccably researched, You Will Be Peter draws on the four Gospel accounts to weave Simon Peter’s story into one seamless tapestry. Readers get a front-row seat to Simon’s three-year walk with Jesus, as Simon watches the Son of Man feed the hungry, raise the dead, upend the status quo and challenge the elite during one of world history’s most pivotal seasons.
In perhaps one of the greatest miracles, we can see ourselves in Simon, this ordinary man Jesus chose to accompany Him. Simon wasn’t well-educated, but he was faithful and headstrong. Though he could rush to judgment and use a foul word from time to time, he was the kind of friend who loved fiercely and was doggedly loyal—until he wasn’t. Although he failed, Simon wasn’t cast away from Jesus’ mission. In fact, his failures and subsequent redemption made him a more empathetic and capable rock upon whom the Church was built.
With storytelling artistry that transports readers to the first-century world, with the sights, sounds, and smells of that time, You Will Be Peter shares an age-old story told from a new set of eyes: it’s possible for one ordinary person, however unlikely, to change the world forever.
About The Author
Jerry Lathan brings a wealth of knowledge in telling the remarkable story of Simon Peter. Combining his lifelong interest of history with a decade of research, Jerry has unearthed missing details on the evolution of Simon—the brash fisherman who became Peter. Over forty-plus years, Jerry’s national award-winning construction company has preserved and restored historic churches and other structures and national monuments. His deep interest in the lives of historic characters is central to his calling to author You Will Be Peter. From Jerry’s time as co-owner of Big Easy Studios in New Orleans where more than twelve major movies were filmed, he understands the incredible power of a good story. In this book, the culmination of his life’s work, Jerry shares the real and relatable story of Simon Peter, the very flawed man whom Jesus chose to build His church.
Product Details
- Publisher: Forefront Books (November 19, 2024)
- Length: 256 pages
- ISBN13: 9781637633489
Raves and Reviews
“My friend Jerry Lathan has long been focused on Peter. This novel is a product of his study and determination to advance a deeper understanding of the humanity of the man, Peter, as well as the enormity of his impact. This novel provides new insights into this incredibly consequential life.”
—The Honorable Jeff Sessions, former United States Attorney General and US Senator (Alabama)
“There can be no doubt that Jerry Lathan and Steven Manchester are gifted and talented writers . . . and You Will Be Peter is a perfect example.”
—Joan van Ark, actress, Knots Landing
“I have spent my entire life as a Christian, yet I never had the insight into what it must have been like to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. The novel You Will Be Peter opened my eyes into the men and women who ultimately shaped my faith. Thoroughly researched and biblically accurate, You Will Be Peter is an exciting, emotional roller coaster into the life of the man who became the ‘rock’ upon which the Christian faith would be established. Unlike traditional scholarly works, this book gives us a glimpse into the true man known as Simon Peter . . . a man familiar with hard work, who shared emotions like all of us, ranging from compassion to anger . . . love to despair. This is a fascinating read that will inspire anyone who is interested in learning more about Peter and those disciples who would lead a movement that changed the world. Reading it has made me a better man, husband, and father. The authors of You Will Be Peter have done a tremendous service to anyone desiring a better understanding of the origins of Christianity . . . for that I am grateful!”
—Robert F. Barrow, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army, ret.
“Although I am a pastor, I am not a Biblical Scholar or Theologian. I found the overall telling of You Will Be Peter to be very accurate, while also learning a great deal—lots that I can use in my sermons. With the story being told from Peter’s direct point of view, I was able to internalize the chief apostle’s passions and feelings. I loved the brotherly relationships—especially the four-man fellowship—formed amongst the Apostles; how they shared many hardships that brought them even closer. They are real characters in this story. You Will Be Peter also humanizes Jesus with many smiles and even laughter, offering a fresh perspective on the Bible. I was happy to find that I didn’t get stuck in the words. Instead, it was more about getting lost in the emotions. I read the manuscript twice, learning new things the second time. I intend to read it again.”
—Pastor Dylan Mello, Christ and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Westport, CT
“What a thought-provoking way these authors have made Peter come alive by asking the same questions I ask myself every day: What did Jesus ever see in me? and He must have seen something I either lost or can no longer see in myself. Even today, we as Christians must all ask ourselves these same two questions. Great job! I look forward to your writings on all the disciples.”
—Jerry Carl, US Congressman, Alabama’s first district
“Step into the captivating world of Simon Peter, the Everyman who defied all odds to become the Founding Father of Christianity. In You Will Be Peter, Jerry Lathan and Steven Manchester expertly weave history, faith, and redemption into an emotionally charged biography. With meticulous research and storytelling artistry, this unique perspective reveals the real person behind the legend—a journey of transformation that will resonate with readers for generations to come.”
—Orsayor L. Simmons, book blogger, Book Referees
“In You Will Be Peter, Jerry Lathan and Steven Manchester have done something exceptional. They take readers beyond the devotional and the doctrinal into the story of the greatest disciple. In Peter’s sorrows and triumphs, we enter the sacred the same way we enter our own lives—as a story. Lathan and Manchester’s unique talents in bringing alive daily experiences invite us to transcend what we think we know for a real encounter with Peter and with Christ. Their work takes us beyond scholars and saints to a world where we journey into the greatest story ever told and make it our own story.”
—Rev. Andrew Stinson, MA, MDiv, Senior minister, First Congregational Church of Fall River
“In You Will Be Peter, Jerry Lathan and Steven Manchester tell the story of Jesus’s final years as seen through the eyes of his disciple Simon. Regardless of your belief system, you will relate to Simon, an Everyman who contends with questions, doubts, and awe as he joins the band of brothers surrounding and supporting Jesus. Lathan and Manchester humanize Simon, allowing readers to experience what he and his fellow apostles experienced—while bringing history to vivid life. An absorbing read!”
—Judith Arnold, USA Today bestselling author
“In You Will Be Peter, Jerry Lathan and Steven Manchester bring to life Jesus’s first apostle, Peter. In this thoroughly researched and fully imagined volume, Peter becomes much more than simply the character of often-told Bible verses. We meet him as a real person, with both his virtues and flaws fully exposed. Written with all the immediacy of a novel, we meet the man as he changes into the man Jesus needed him to be. It isn’t often such a monumental historical figure is depicted so well as a living, breathing human being. This book does that and more.”
– Donna Foley Mabry, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Maude
“You Will Be Peter is pure inspiration! Lathan and Manchester expertly articulate this biblical history, immersing the reader in the past. Walking alongside Jesus, chronicling the first years of his ministry through Peter’s (Simon’s) point of view captures an entirely different perspective of this humble yet majestic story. A truly moving testament, it is a compelling narrative, inspiring the reader to live a Christlike, more meaningful life. I couldn’t put it down and when I had to, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. I was moved to tears many times, and I already knew how the story ends. You Will Be Peter is a story of belief, faith, love, and, most importantly, the ultimate sacrifice.”
—Shannon L. Gonzalez, book blogger, Literarily Illumined
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