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The Greatest Story Ever Told
The incredible true story about a Middle Eastern refugee who changed the course of the world forever.
Beautifully told through the eyewitness accounts of those who knew him best.
This real-life story will never leave you.
This impoverished Middle Eastern refugee lived and died in Palestine some 2,000 years ago. But the world was expecting him long before he was born.
His birth had been mystically foretold by astrologers for hundreds of years, yet the rulers of his day dreaded his coming.
This humble carpenter became a magnet for the poor and oppressed, a symbol of love and mercy, who transformed the lives and restored the health and purpose in all who encountered him.
The local elite and governing rulers eventually tortured him and put him to death in the most violent and public of ways. Yet that was only the beginning...
In the years since, billions of people have dedicated their lives to this man and have testified to his truth. To many though, he is little more than another rebel who was killed by one of the most brutal empires in human history.
How we each respond to this story dictates the course of our lives. But it all rests on the great mystery that occurred at the end of his life - a supernatural event that he had predicted with utter clarity.
Did this humble man tell the truth?
Could one man really be the focal point of the universe?
Read on to find out, and get ready to make up your own mind.
Wherever this journey takes you, this is without
THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD.
Beautifully told through the eyewitness accounts of those who knew him best.
This real-life story will never leave you.
This impoverished Middle Eastern refugee lived and died in Palestine some 2,000 years ago. But the world was expecting him long before he was born.
His birth had been mystically foretold by astrologers for hundreds of years, yet the rulers of his day dreaded his coming.
This humble carpenter became a magnet for the poor and oppressed, a symbol of love and mercy, who transformed the lives and restored the health and purpose in all who encountered him.
The local elite and governing rulers eventually tortured him and put him to death in the most violent and public of ways. Yet that was only the beginning...
In the years since, billions of people have dedicated their lives to this man and have testified to his truth. To many though, he is little more than another rebel who was killed by one of the most brutal empires in human history.
How we each respond to this story dictates the course of our lives. But it all rests on the great mystery that occurred at the end of his life - a supernatural event that he had predicted with utter clarity.
Did this humble man tell the truth?
Could one man really be the focal point of the universe?
Read on to find out, and get ready to make up your own mind.
Wherever this journey takes you, this is without
THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD.
277 pages, Hardcover
Published April 8, 2025
231 people are currently reading
2587 people want to read
About the author
Bear Grylls
309 books928 followersBear Grylls has become known around the world as one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure. His journey to this acclaim started in the UK on the Isle of Wight, where his late father taught him to climb and sail. Trained from a young age in martial arts, Bear went on to spend three years as a soldier in the British Special Forces, serving with 21 SAS. It was here that he perfected many of the skills that his fans all over the world enjoy watching him pit against mother-nature. Despite a free-fall parachuting accident in Africa, where he broke his back in three places, and after enduring months in military rehabilitation, Bear went on to become one of the youngest ever climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Bear went on to star in Discovery Channel's Emmy nominated Man Vs Wild and Born Survivor TV series, which has become one of the most watched shows on the planet. Off screen, Bear has lead record-breaking expeditions, from Antarctica to the Arctic, which in turn have raised over £2.5million for children around the world. In recognition of his expertise and service, Bear was appointed as the youngest ever Chief Scout to 28 million Scouts worldwide, awarded an honorary commission as a Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Navy, and has authored 10 books, including To My Sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 26, 2025
This would be a great story, if it were just a story. But it is so much more than that and Bear Grylls understands this. He has taken the Bible story of Jesus and without changing anything other than reading between the lines, has formed the gospels into a modern narrative. By adding a little context along with his take on biblical characters’ thoughts and understanding, Grylls has presented the story of Jesus almost as a pacy thriller – you want to keep reading and feel the need to get straight into the next chapter to see where the story is going. Importantly, and with genuine understanding, Grylls has given us a view of what it might have been like for those who knew Jesus and what they might have thought (based on what is in the gospel accounts) as they were seeing his story unfold.
I know that novels retelling the gospels have been done before but I have to say there is usually an agenda to the writing, be that political or artistic and rarely do they cover the entire Jesus story. But The Greatest Story Ever Told is without agenda, other than that of Grylls’ passion to tell a story that he feels everyone should know and to do it in a way that feels genuine and gripping. This is the book to give to people who know nothing of Jesus’ story or for those who know or half-remembers parts of the story, who through this, possibly for the first time will piece it all together and see it as a complete story. And it’s a cracking story!
I know that novels retelling the gospels have been done before but I have to say there is usually an agenda to the writing, be that political or artistic and rarely do they cover the entire Jesus story. But The Greatest Story Ever Told is without agenda, other than that of Grylls’ passion to tell a story that he feels everyone should know and to do it in a way that feels genuine and gripping. This is the book to give to people who know nothing of Jesus’ story or for those who know or half-remembers parts of the story, who through this, possibly for the first time will piece it all together and see it as a complete story. And it’s a cracking story!
May 17, 2025
very well written. from the perspective of an agnostic, it was very informative and provided a different angle for learning about Christianity in much more personal detail in a much easier to digest form.
July 10, 2025
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I opened my copy of The Greatest Story Ever Told, but highly recommend you give it a look. This fictionalized version of the life of Jesus is told extremely cleverly. But before I get into that, a disclaimer: when I say fictionalized, the author went to great lengths and has made it clear that when Jesus speaks in this book, the only words we read him saying are taking directly from scripture and not altered at all.
The book itself covers the life of Christ, but told from different first person perspectives. This way of writing is extremely hard to do well. But when it is done well, first person has great power to pull the reader into the experience of the character. That is the case here. At times you feel like you’re taking every step, breath and heartbeat with whomever the viewpoint belongs to.
This book comes highly recommended for those who are Christians, or are curious about the faith. It’s not a Bible, but it’s a very good look at the stunning beauty of Jesus.
I received my copy of The Greatest Story Ever Told from the publisher via NetGalley. The views are my own.
The book itself covers the life of Christ, but told from different first person perspectives. This way of writing is extremely hard to do well. But when it is done well, first person has great power to pull the reader into the experience of the character. That is the case here. At times you feel like you’re taking every step, breath and heartbeat with whomever the viewpoint belongs to.
This book comes highly recommended for those who are Christians, or are curious about the faith. It’s not a Bible, but it’s a very good look at the stunning beauty of Jesus.
I received my copy of The Greatest Story Ever Told from the publisher via NetGalley. The views are my own.
June 22, 2025
Absolutely amazing. This book cuts through all the fluff and gets to the heart of what Jesus is all about - or should I say Yeshua as that is the name Bear uses in this eyewitness account of the gospels, the Good News, the Truth about Christ.
I want to give it not five stars, but a million. I've read this book in three days and it is now my favourite book.
Everyone, every man, woman, and child on Earth should read this book. Absolutely amazing.
I want to give it not five stars, but a million. I've read this book in three days and it is now my favourite book.
Everyone, every man, woman, and child on Earth should read this book. Absolutely amazing.
June 28, 2025
Beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful, everything that represents the life of Jesus.
June 26, 2025
Brilliant
Well written capturing a real sense of the
people, the times and the emotion a joy to read. Thank you.
Well written capturing a real sense of the
people, the times and the emotion a joy to read. Thank you.
July 7, 2025
Bear Grylls has stated that his book 'The Greatest Story Ever Told', is the most meaningful project of his career. He stated, "It's the proudest thing I've ever done," emphasizing his deep personal connection to the work.
Looking at some of these other reviews, it's laughable. Such as;
'Did not finish, as I'd rather read the bible' ...
Sounds like something a Pharisee would say. Jesus himself conveyed messages almost exclusively via stories/parables. Bear has done the same here, retelling the gospel story from the point of view of some of the disciples. It's important to remember who his audience is, its not theology students, or pastors, its secular kids and young adults! This book is perfect for that audience and will likely touch the hearts of thousands, or as he prays in the back of the book, maybe millions!
The book itself is great. Think a cross between 'The chosen' series and Francine Rivers historical fiction works. Its true to the gospel story, none of Jesus' words were changed, but small artistic licence was taken to convey thoughts and feelings of the disciples perspectives. I think it would be a great tool to provide to people who aren't familiar with the gospel. I did the audible, but Im looking forward to the physical copy when its released in Australia so I can read to my kids.
In the early days, the church worked hard to convince of Jesus' divinity. I think these days we have over corrected and get stuck in the divinity of Jesus, and thus lose a sense of his humanity. Works like this remind us just how human him and the disciples were (without losing any divinity of course).
If I had one minor criticism, its that the voices on the audible weren't consistant. The males had a great Aramaic accent, but Mary had a regal English accent 😂
Looking at some of these other reviews, it's laughable. Such as;
'Did not finish, as I'd rather read the bible' ...
Sounds like something a Pharisee would say. Jesus himself conveyed messages almost exclusively via stories/parables. Bear has done the same here, retelling the gospel story from the point of view of some of the disciples. It's important to remember who his audience is, its not theology students, or pastors, its secular kids and young adults! This book is perfect for that audience and will likely touch the hearts of thousands, or as he prays in the back of the book, maybe millions!
The book itself is great. Think a cross between 'The chosen' series and Francine Rivers historical fiction works. Its true to the gospel story, none of Jesus' words were changed, but small artistic licence was taken to convey thoughts and feelings of the disciples perspectives. I think it would be a great tool to provide to people who aren't familiar with the gospel. I did the audible, but Im looking forward to the physical copy when its released in Australia so I can read to my kids.
In the early days, the church worked hard to convince of Jesus' divinity. I think these days we have over corrected and get stuck in the divinity of Jesus, and thus lose a sense of his humanity. Works like this remind us just how human him and the disciples were (without losing any divinity of course).
If I had one minor criticism, its that the voices on the audible weren't consistant. The males had a great Aramaic accent, but Mary had a regal English accent 😂
August 1, 2025
This is a very readable account of the life of Jesus Christ as told through the eyes of several people closest to him. It begins with Mary's account of events leading up to his birth and his early life. Further accounts are told from the perspective of his disciples. Each 'voice' in the narrative is distinct and individual giving a different view of the events as they take place. Because it is written in fairly modern speech, it is very accessible and relatable. As a (sometimes doubting) Christian, the events throughout were all very familiar to me, but the telling was fresh and brought new insights.
Do you have to be a christian to read this - absolutely not! It is a compelling, thought provoking, story of the life of a unique individual in history.The account is fictionalised to some degree to set scenes and aid context, But the words of Jesus throughout are taken straight from biblical accounts.
I would add that the hardback book itself is quite beautiful, bound in grey cloth with gold lettering.
Do you have to be a christian to read this - absolutely not! It is a compelling, thought provoking, story of the life of a unique individual in history.The account is fictionalised to some degree to set scenes and aid context, But the words of Jesus throughout are taken straight from biblical accounts.
I would add that the hardback book itself is quite beautiful, bound in grey cloth with gold lettering.
August 10, 2025
This was pretty powerful and visceral at some points, but I'm not really sure who it's aimed at. Treading too much familiar ground for established Christians, yet I don't think it would really appeal to non-Christians either. I read it because of Grylls' clear enthusiasm for the project in interviews. 3 stars.
June 11, 2025
A thrilling new and fresh perspective of the life of Christ
The way each chapter is told from a different perspective and the way it goes through each part of his life without even using the point of view of Christ himself is amazing.
I like the perspectives chosen being Mary the mother, Thomas the sceptic, Simon the Zealot, John the friend and Mary Magdalene.
My personal favourite was the first part told by Mary the Mother and how it narrates/illustrates the annunciation all the way to the wedding at Cana
There are some parts where I do feel like the story loses the momentum and ends up using too much slang for my taste.
The way each chapter is told from a different perspective and the way it goes through each part of his life without even using the point of view of Christ himself is amazing.
I like the perspectives chosen being Mary the mother, Thomas the sceptic, Simon the Zealot, John the friend and Mary Magdalene.
My personal favourite was the first part told by Mary the Mother and how it narrates/illustrates the annunciation all the way to the wedding at Cana
There are some parts where I do feel like the story loses the momentum and ends up using too much slang for my taste.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2025
Really great book. Enjoyed reading it and seeing Jesus' story summed up in a medium sized novel
May 12, 2025
This book is basically the author re-telling the gospels from the viewpoints of various people in the Bible, beginning with Mary (MaryAm), the mother of Jesus. There are a few interesting cultural insights. The author generously uses artistic license, and the writing itself is very simplistic, to the point of using slang.
I found it strange that the author never had Mary speak of her other children, and that he has Mary travel with Jesus when he is baptized.
Hebrew names are used for people and places.
The author says he had his pastor check to make sure the book is theologically sound. I did have one concern in the first quarter of the book: Mary says she "obeyed what I felt in my heart."
DNF, as I would rather read the Bible.
I received an early ebook copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
I found it strange that the author never had Mary speak of her other children, and that he has Mary travel with Jesus when he is baptized.
Hebrew names are used for people and places.
The author says he had his pastor check to make sure the book is theologically sound. I did have one concern in the first quarter of the book: Mary says she "obeyed what I felt in my heart."
DNF, as I would rather read the Bible.
I received an early ebook copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
February 21, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. It was interesting to hear about Jesus’ life from different perspectives. It was interesting to see how some of the places and names of people were spelled.
April 26, 2025
Bear Grylls steps into the shoes of those who walked alongside Jesus and he wrote what he imagined it must have been like. It took me a while to get into it but Im glad I read it.
July 28, 2025
Possibly the worst story ever told (this book, not the bible).
I started with the author’s note and "What happened to the disciples?" sections because I knew you can’t really spoil a Bible, and I was really hopeful. As far as I know, Bear Grylls has written other books (maybe just not other novels), but this was abysmal.
"My eyes were so big, they felt like saucers" is not only a terrible sentence but also poorly worded. I kept thinking while reading that I could do better, which sounds pretentious, I know. Maybe with a publishing deadline and the arrogance of attempting a self-administered enema to rehydrate myself on a handmade raft in the middle of the open ocean(iykyk), I would write something as poorly executed as this.
"But you didn’t finish it!" I know, I know, but I just couldn’t put myself through it. I love the research that was done, as well as the use of Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic languages, but unfortunately, it did not make up for it. You’d think with that level of historical context knowledge and research, he’d do a much better job.
Let’s put it this way: it no longer felt like it was biblical. I think it’s possible to do that in contemporary English, as I felt Madeline Miller does this with her Greek mythology retellings. The language is understandable to the everyday readers, but the emotion is still there. This one felt like a very basic biblical retelling, with no emotional depth. He kept Yeshua’s (Jesus’s) wording the same using multiple translations, which I applaud, but that is not his work, and honestly, I didn’t read far enough to get to those bits.
Before anyone asks, I am a Christian and have read many theological-related novels before; this was one of the worst. I really, really had high hopes, and I was gifted this from a friend who hadn’t read it but had heard that it was “so good.” If you found this novelisation of the original work useful and helpful in understanding the New Testament better, I’m honestly happy for you.
There’s another version of this where, rather than attempting to write from different points of view, it rewords the next so it flows like a novel when you read it - without many significant changes to the source material. My parents always say it’s good to read different translations of the bible, as well as build your knowledge on the historical context and the many changes that have been made throughout time. I think that version will be better because it’s not attempting, which I admit, is a pretty bold idea. There’s also an edition of the bible in comic book/graphic novel format, which I really want to get. So we’ll see.
I would honestly still recommend this despite the one star, because I genuinely believe this version will help others who find most Bibles’ formats to be clunky or challenging to read. I did not enjoy the writing, as I have an unfortunately high standard, and I did not think Myriam’s (Mary’s) point of view was done justice at all. I may try to finish it another day, or try dipping in and out of chapters to see if it improves. However, for now, I would rather pause theology or biblical retellings and maybe just read the actual bible instead.
I started with the author’s note and "What happened to the disciples?" sections because I knew you can’t really spoil a Bible, and I was really hopeful. As far as I know, Bear Grylls has written other books (maybe just not other novels), but this was abysmal.
"My eyes were so big, they felt like saucers" is not only a terrible sentence but also poorly worded. I kept thinking while reading that I could do better, which sounds pretentious, I know. Maybe with a publishing deadline and the arrogance of attempting a self-administered enema to rehydrate myself on a handmade raft in the middle of the open ocean(iykyk), I would write something as poorly executed as this.
"But you didn’t finish it!" I know, I know, but I just couldn’t put myself through it. I love the research that was done, as well as the use of Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic languages, but unfortunately, it did not make up for it. You’d think with that level of historical context knowledge and research, he’d do a much better job.
Let’s put it this way: it no longer felt like it was biblical. I think it’s possible to do that in contemporary English, as I felt Madeline Miller does this with her Greek mythology retellings. The language is understandable to the everyday readers, but the emotion is still there. This one felt like a very basic biblical retelling, with no emotional depth. He kept Yeshua’s (Jesus’s) wording the same using multiple translations, which I applaud, but that is not his work, and honestly, I didn’t read far enough to get to those bits.
Before anyone asks, I am a Christian and have read many theological-related novels before; this was one of the worst. I really, really had high hopes, and I was gifted this from a friend who hadn’t read it but had heard that it was “so good.” If you found this novelisation of the original work useful and helpful in understanding the New Testament better, I’m honestly happy for you.
There’s another version of this where, rather than attempting to write from different points of view, it rewords the next so it flows like a novel when you read it - without many significant changes to the source material. My parents always say it’s good to read different translations of the bible, as well as build your knowledge on the historical context and the many changes that have been made throughout time. I think that version will be better because it’s not attempting, which I admit, is a pretty bold idea. There’s also an edition of the bible in comic book/graphic novel format, which I really want to get. So we’ll see.
I would honestly still recommend this despite the one star, because I genuinely believe this version will help others who find most Bibles’ formats to be clunky or challenging to read. I did not enjoy the writing, as I have an unfortunately high standard, and I did not think Myriam’s (Mary’s) point of view was done justice at all. I may try to finish it another day, or try dipping in and out of chapters to see if it improves. However, for now, I would rather pause theology or biblical retellings and maybe just read the actual bible instead.
July 7, 2025
The Greatest Story Ever Told by Bear Grylls is one of the most engaging and approachable introductions to the life of Jesus I’ve read in a long time.
Bear has shared that this project is the most meaningful work of his career, and you can feel his heart on every page. What I appreciate most is how he retells the Gospels with such clarity and warmth. The writing is straightforward without losing any depth, making this a book that absolutely anyone can pick up—whether you’re brand new to the story or have heard it many times before.
I loved how he stays faithful to Scripture but also adds thoughtful context and gentle imagination to bring the people around Jesus to life. It never feels forced or heavy-handed—just human and real. You get a sense of what it might have been like to sit beside the disciples as they wrestled with doubt, awe, and hope.
This book does a wonderful job balancing Jesus’ divinity with his humanity. It’s easy to forget that these events unfolded among ordinary people facing real struggles and questions. Bear manages to make the story feel personal and relevant without taking away from the reverence it deserves.
Another thing that stood out to me is how clear it is who this book is for: people who might be curious about faith but feel intimidated by traditional religious writing. It’s accessible, heartfelt, and incredibly inviting. I imagine this would be a great read for someone who's curious about Jesus after seeing THE CHOSEN t.v series.
If you’re searching for something to share with a friend or family member who wants to explore what Christianity is about, this is a fantastic place to start. I’ll definitely be revisiting this one and recommending it often.
Bear has shared that this project is the most meaningful work of his career, and you can feel his heart on every page. What I appreciate most is how he retells the Gospels with such clarity and warmth. The writing is straightforward without losing any depth, making this a book that absolutely anyone can pick up—whether you’re brand new to the story or have heard it many times before.
I loved how he stays faithful to Scripture but also adds thoughtful context and gentle imagination to bring the people around Jesus to life. It never feels forced or heavy-handed—just human and real. You get a sense of what it might have been like to sit beside the disciples as they wrestled with doubt, awe, and hope.
This book does a wonderful job balancing Jesus’ divinity with his humanity. It’s easy to forget that these events unfolded among ordinary people facing real struggles and questions. Bear manages to make the story feel personal and relevant without taking away from the reverence it deserves.
Another thing that stood out to me is how clear it is who this book is for: people who might be curious about faith but feel intimidated by traditional religious writing. It’s accessible, heartfelt, and incredibly inviting. I imagine this would be a great read for someone who's curious about Jesus after seeing THE CHOSEN t.v series.
If you’re searching for something to share with a friend or family member who wants to explore what Christianity is about, this is a fantastic place to start. I’ll definitely be revisiting this one and recommending it often.
July 24, 2025
This was very easy to read, and faithful to the Bible, which I really liked. It was riffing off “The Chosen,” a lot, which doesn’t really matter, but there are quite a lot of cliches in the writing style, and it is relatively simple and straightforward, rather than a quality, deeply written narrative.
However, as events sped up towards the end, and the author describes the death of Jesus, I did fund myself gripped by it. I found the way the author described how Jesus was so brutally beaten, tortured, and then crucified really compelling. It brought alive just how vile, and painful Jesus‘s death really was. The Romans were so viscious and cruel and crucifixion is utterly hideous - I didn’t realise it is where we get the word excruciating from.
I think when I read the Bible, I often just gloss over just how hideous and brutal Jesus death was, the Bible is quite sanitised compared to how Bear Grylls describes it. So I found the last few chapters that described this aspect of Jesus to be the most powerful and moving.
Overall, I think Bear Grylls has written something that is easy to read, which is a good thing as sometimes the Bible can seem inaccessible and challenging to people. And if it brings more people to know and love Jesus, then in my opinion that’s an amazing thing!
However, as events sped up towards the end, and the author describes the death of Jesus, I did fund myself gripped by it. I found the way the author described how Jesus was so brutally beaten, tortured, and then crucified really compelling. It brought alive just how vile, and painful Jesus‘s death really was. The Romans were so viscious and cruel and crucifixion is utterly hideous - I didn’t realise it is where we get the word excruciating from.
I think when I read the Bible, I often just gloss over just how hideous and brutal Jesus death was, the Bible is quite sanitised compared to how Bear Grylls describes it. So I found the last few chapters that described this aspect of Jesus to be the most powerful and moving.
Overall, I think Bear Grylls has written something that is easy to read, which is a good thing as sometimes the Bible can seem inaccessible and challenging to people. And if it brings more people to know and love Jesus, then in my opinion that’s an amazing thing!
July 28, 2025
It was very refreshing to hear the gospel stories in this innovative way, from the perspective of the eye witnesses. The modern language and the level of detail is also refreshing.
The account is historically interesting, especially regarding the Roman occupation and the nature of Jewish practices at that period.
As a lapsed Catholic the account reminded me that the gospels are full of magic/supernatural happenings, which is what detracts from these accounts for me and makes them impossible to take literally.
I understand they were written some time after the life of Jesus, who was indeed a radical, and whose teachings are admirable. I think the gosples are highly unreliable as historically accurate accounts. I can't be convinced of virgin birth, turning water into wine, conversations with angels or any of the other supernatural events described.
Nonetheless it's an interesting read. The description of the crucifixion was graphic and a bit shocking and I'm sure it's fairly accurate as a Roman practice of that time.
The account is historically interesting, especially regarding the Roman occupation and the nature of Jewish practices at that period.
As a lapsed Catholic the account reminded me that the gospels are full of magic/supernatural happenings, which is what detracts from these accounts for me and makes them impossible to take literally.
I understand they were written some time after the life of Jesus, who was indeed a radical, and whose teachings are admirable. I think the gosples are highly unreliable as historically accurate accounts. I can't be convinced of virgin birth, turning water into wine, conversations with angels or any of the other supernatural events described.
Nonetheless it's an interesting read. The description of the crucifixion was graphic and a bit shocking and I'm sure it's fairly accurate as a Roman practice of that time.
June 26, 2025
The Greatest Story Ever Told by Bear Grylls was a very interesting but hard to read, I have never read anything by this author and not really a fan of him on the television! so I thought I will give it a go!! when I saw this book the cover caught my eye and I am in two minds wether I enjoyed it or not!
Now, Bear Grylls stepped in the sandals of Jesus and wrote how he saw Jesus lived all those years ago, it was a new perspective of the life of Christ. Sadly I found it hard to get into this book after reading the bible which I'd rather read,
This book is like Marmite - you either love it or hate it.............I hated it.
Why write a book, about a great man called Jesus etc when so many have done this already,. . . . . all you need is the real book called The Bible.
This book is just to make money! and is just a fairy tale of something you have just already read from the Bible!!!
Now, Bear Grylls stepped in the sandals of Jesus and wrote how he saw Jesus lived all those years ago, it was a new perspective of the life of Christ. Sadly I found it hard to get into this book after reading the bible which I'd rather read,
This book is like Marmite - you either love it or hate it.............I hated it.
Why write a book, about a great man called Jesus etc when so many have done this already,. . . . . all you need is the real book called The Bible.
This book is just to make money! and is just a fairy tale of something you have just already read from the Bible!!!
August 1, 2025
The idea of using different perspectives is an interesting concept, however, to attempt to know what the disciples and Mary would have been feeling is not theology. Bear,s use of dialogue to ‘give context’ is not based on factual evidence but interpretation such as “in fact some of those closest to Yeshua found his words confusing and refused to take the beer. I often remember Simon checking out of conversation going to his feet and just going fishing”.
Claims like this are not only unfounded but are a misinterpretation of the bible which is simply heresy. Not only this but the use of the bible translation the message, in my opinion oversimplifies the scripture and takes away from its reverence. Overall I do not believe this book to be a reliable or theological guide to understanding the gospel, I would recommend sticking to the bible and reading theological grounded work like that of Tim Keller.
Claims like this are not only unfounded but are a misinterpretation of the bible which is simply heresy. Not only this but the use of the bible translation the message, in my opinion oversimplifies the scripture and takes away from its reverence. Overall I do not believe this book to be a reliable or theological guide to understanding the gospel, I would recommend sticking to the bible and reading theological grounded work like that of Tim Keller.
May 31, 2025
The story of Jesus well told as it might have happened in a Jewish setting. Gives new meaning to the story of Jesus, told in a credible way. A book for all the doubters of this world. And it is an amazing story. A story everyone should read to get a feel for the life of the founder of the Christian faith.
Thank you Bear Grylls for bring the life of Jesus to life. Thank you to John Murray Press, Hodder & Stoughton and Net Galley for the ARC.
Thank you Bear Grylls for bring the life of Jesus to life. Thank you to John Murray Press, Hodder & Stoughton and Net Galley for the ARC.
July 23, 2025
Bear Grylls retells the life of Christ through the minds of Simon, John, Mary Magdalene, Thomas and Mary his mother using the words of Christ from the bible. For people unfamiliar with the gospel stories this may be an easy way of absorbing Christianity but for anyone who knows the bible it adds little. I love his Soul Fuel daily devotional, it's got a real depth to it but for me this book adds little or nothing to reading the bible itself.
July 19, 2025
A retelling of Jesus life on earth told from four eyewitnesses. Written for all ages.
I physically winced at the description of the lashing/beating Jesus received, this was a real person, the pain must have been unbearable and yet Jesus bore it.
Definitely worth a read Christian or not.
I physically winced at the description of the lashing/beating Jesus received, this was a real person, the pain must have been unbearable and yet Jesus bore it.
Definitely worth a read Christian or not.
July 20, 2025
Almost everyone knows this story; however, this book deserves to be read by believers and non-believers alike. Beautifully told, a story that will never leave you. Please, if you read one book this year, make it this one.
July 26, 2025
I didn't Expect the Goosepimples!
The courageous narrative, bringing the bible into immediacy. Beautiful wording, perfect narration. God loves finding human instruments to use to enrich the lives of his people, and Bear Grylls is always an instigator of that.
The courageous narrative, bringing the bible into immediacy. Beautiful wording, perfect narration. God loves finding human instruments to use to enrich the lives of his people, and Bear Grylls is always an instigator of that.
July 1, 2025
Jesus? Bear Grylls? OK!
July 12, 2025
The most beautiful book I have ever read
July 14, 2025
I loved this book from it's very 1st page. Everyone knows the story, but to read this book feeds the soul with hope
July 21, 2025
1 Star for calling it an "eyewitness account"... and nonfiction...
July 21, 2025
Astonishing book! I absolutely loved it, well written, clear and filled with detail. I loved the fact that Bear used the correct names etc. can thoroughly recommend this book
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