The world is still searching for the Messiah!
Some of the stewards are interested, and some seek self gain by the possession of the writing. The nine stewards cross the path of Jesus of Nazareth as they travel the world in business and in their searches for the scroll. Follow the nine stewards in The Merchant of Damascus as they encounter and experience romance, deception, revelation and redemption. ENDORSEMENT "The Merchant of Damascus blends Biblical scholarship with history and fiction in a novel that has faith issues at its core. The large cast of characters includes familiar figures from the Gospels and others that first time novelist Duane Stradley has created to fill in blanks. The plot centers around an elusive book of prophecy that gives clues to the identity of the messiah. It is set in the years of Jesus' ministry, and the protagonists have doubts about who the messiah really is. They hope the elusive manuscript can help them resolve their doubts. What they are really pursuing is transformative power of belief itself. This is a book that will delight Christian literature fans and will challenge non-believers who are willing to give it a chance." – Greg Langley, Books Editor, The Advocate, Baton Rouge, LA |
The Merchant of Damascus, Johanon, first century head of a worldwide business built on the expertise of nine stewards, searches the world for a rare Scroll of Micaiah, described by Lydia of 
Macedonia, guest of the Merchant. This scroll, not in the regular Torah, lost in 625 B.C., in Nebuchadnezzar’s sacking of Jerusalem , is alleged to have an accurate description of Israel ’s Messiah. Johanon’s intent to find the scroll is intensified when he learns his ancestor, Daniel of Babylon, was carried into captivity from Jerusalem at the same time.