'Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's
What is Thirteen Witnesses about?
Thirteen Witnesses is a Catholic historical fiction novel that reimagines the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ through thirteen deeply human perspectives. Some witnesses are drawn directly from Scripture. Others are fictional characters grounded in the political, religious, and cultural realities of first-century Jerusalem.
Each witness faces the same central question: what will they do when confronted with truth?
This is not simply a retelling of the Gospel. It is an examination of the human heart under pressure — fear, ambition, denial, loyalty, and conscience. The story moves from the quiet tension of Gethsemane to the public spectacle of Golgotha, guided by thirteen individual voices.
Who wrote Thirteen Witnesses?
Thirteen Witnesses was written by Peter Stephens. An immigrant from Jamaica, Peter is a Catholic layman who received eighteen years of Catholic education in Jamaica and the United States, graduating from Iona College in 1965. He served two tours in Vietnam as an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers before working in civilian government projects.
Peter has volunteered extensively in Catholic ministry, developing expertise in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), now called Becoming Catholic. He currently lives in Nevada, where he serves as a Eucharistic Minister, RCIA instructor, and member of the Knights of Columbus.
He wrote this book in response to the growing acceptance of misinformation in modern society, using the lens of his Christian faith to explore why people believe outrageous claims — and what the Passion of Christ reveals about the pursuit of truth.
Where can I buy Thirteen Witnesses?
Thirteen Witnesses is available exclusively on Amazon KDP. Click the Buy Now button on this website to go directly to the Amazon listing. The book is available in both print and digital (Kindle) formats.
Is this book appropriate for Catholic book clubs?
Yes — Thirteen Witnesses is an excellent choice for Catholic book clubs, Lenten reading groups, RCIA discussion programs, and parish reflection series. Each witness presents a unique perspective and a reflection question, making every chapter a natural conversation starter.
The book is also suitable for academic study in theology, ethics, and historical fiction, as well as for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, truth, and moral courage.
What themes does the book explore?
Thirteen Witnesses explores the following major themes:
- Truth versus power — what happens when truth threatens those in authority
- Mob mentality — how ordinary people can make wrong choices under social pressure
- Moral courage — the cost of standing alone when others stay silent
- Political pressure and religious hypocrisy — the conflict between institutional authority and personal conscience
- The danger of silence — how neutrality in the face of injustice becomes participation
- Faith and self-preservation — the tension between belief and personal safety
These themes are rooted in the first century but speak directly to the moral challenges of modern life.
Who are the thirteen witnesses?
The thirteen witnesses include both biblical and original fictional characters:
- Alon — A weaver present at the arrest in Gethsemane. An ordinary man searching for understanding.
- Betzalel — A respected Sanhedrin member who helps condemn Jesus while knowing something is wrong.
- Machla — The servant girl who recognizes Peter. An outsider witnessing fear from the margins.
- Decimus — A Roman insider, loyal to the system, silent when it mattered most.
- Peter — The disciple whose denial exposes the fragility of even the most devoted faith.
- Judas Iscariot — Whose choices raise unsettling questions about responsibility and despair.
- Simon of Cyrene — An ordinary man forced into an extraordinary act.
- Claudia — Wife of Pontius Pilate. A rare viewpoint exposing the private conflict behind public authority.
- Veronica — Drawn from Christian tradition. A quiet act of compassion in a moment of cruelty.
- And four additional witnesses who complete the thirteen voices of the narrative.
Is Thirteen Witnesses theologically faithful to Scripture?
Yes. While the book includes fictional characters and imaginatively developed perspectives, it is grounded in and faithful to the Gospel accounts. The fictional elements do not contradict Scripture — they expand its emotional and moral landscape, filling the spaces where history is silent.
Peter Stephens brings his background in RCIA ministry and Catholic theology to ensure the narrative is both scripturally grounded and spiritually responsible.
Can I request Peter Stephens for a speaking engagement or interview?
Yes. Peter Stephens is available for speaking engagements, Catholic parish events, book club Q&A sessions, media interviews, and academic discussions. Please use the Contact page to get in touch.