Apollos, the main character of this story, is mentioned many times in the New Testament as an associate of St. Paul and a great teacher of the Christian faith. However, apart from indicating that he hailed from Alexandria, scarcely any information exists about the biography and background of this remarkable man. Some scholars even attribute to him the authorship of the anonymous Epistle to the Hebrews. Carte blanche is therefore provided for writing a fictional biography of Apollos. The author has been careful to provide Biblical references among the appendices at the end of the book to ensure that anything written about Apollos is at least consistent with the Biblical narrative. 

 

Although handsome, articulate and clever, Apollos finds that his life lacks meaning. The gods that his parents worship seem silly to him. Under the influence of his tutor, Jerahmeel, he becomes a Jew. Later, after travels to his Greek homeland, to Jerusalem, Antioch and Corinth, Apollos converts to Christianity. In Alexandria, he has been friendly with two sisters, Demeter and Diana. Demeter, whom he loves, marries a Roman official and leaves for the Imperial capital and social success. Riots in Alexandria and the murder of her parents cause the thoughtful Diana, already a Christian, to move to Ephesus. The trio lose touch but eventually, Diana meets and marries Apollos and helps him with his work in the new church at Corinth. The two sisters are reunited many years later to finally part in the blood stained sand of the amphitheatre at Nimes. The story which reflects the exhilaration and persecution that were part of the early church is interwoven with expositions of Christian belief. The real life Apollos, as in this story, had to be instructed by Priscilla and Aquila about the Holy Spirit. Readers can match Apollos' growth in understanding with their own. 

 

Included in the appendices are maps of places Apollos visited in his travels. These are based on the maps in Ronald Brownrigg's book, 'Pauline Places'. The additional details shown on these maps, related to Apollos' visits, are of course fictitious.

​

Review of The Sun and the Moon of Alexandria

•  

Unread post by Briton Opiyo » 19 Dec 2023, 10:56

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Sun and the Moon of Alexandria" by Ray Filby.]

 

5 out of 5 stars

The Sun and the Moon of Alexandria by Ray Filby takes readers on a captivating journey through the life of Apollos, a distinguished teacher of the Christian faith. The narrative unfolds as Apollos, driven by a deep desire to witness the majestic pyramids, embarks on a solitary journey from Alexandria to Giza. Along the way, he engages with members of a Jerusalem synagogue and later collaborates with Barnabas and John Mark, collectively imparting teachings about Jesus' life to the Hebron Synagogue.

Apollos and John Mark's departure is marked by a poignant farewell from a gathering of Christians, signalling the onset of a new adventure. Their paths intertwine with those of Paul and Silas in Ephesus, where they actively continue their missionary work. Apollos draws upon the prophetic words of Zechariah to elucidate the profound connection between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

What stands out in this narrative is Apollos' unique perspective on civilization. Rather than fixating on specific facets like mathematics or language, he exhibits a fascination with the broader study of civilization itself. This intellectual curiosity, instilled from the time his tutors described the great pyramids, becomes a driving force behind his relentless pursuit of knowledge. His solo journey from Alexandria to Giza not only fulfils a lifelong dream but also serves

as a testament to the power of persistence.

Ray Filby's meticulous portrayal of Apollos is praiseworthy. The author's precision in capturing Apollos' character adds depth to the narrative, making it an engaging and enlightening read. The presence of minimal errors attests to the professional editing of the book, enhancing the overall reading experience. I didn't find anything to dislike about the book.

In conclusion, The Sun and the Moon of Alexandria merits a resounding 5 out of 5 stars. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to historians and anyone intrigued by the early works of Apollos. Dive into the pages to unravel the complexities of this fascinating historical figure and gain insights into the profound intersections of faith and civilization.