This story was first published in 1970 and has been through numerous reprints since. The reason is easy to see. Not only is it a gripping story as one expects from Patricia St. John, but it is set in Bible times and places and, in the most enjoyable manner, makes the reader familiar with the world of the apostle Paul and the runaway slave Onesimus. The entire region comes to life and by the close of the book the reader feels as if he has visited the beautiful hills of Colosse, been present at the riot in Ephesus caused by Demetrius, seen the ships sailing in and out of Corinth and appreciated both the glory of Athens and its dark side. The love of Onesimus for the young Eirene provides a thread of simple romance from the start to the finish and is included in the happy ending. Much is written which is beyond the information of Paul's epistle to Philemon but the story does not feel contrived. This is one of those books you wish young people would read instead of being glued to the computer screen. It would benefit them in many ways and they would enjoy it whilst at the same time learning much.