At the trial of Christ, Theophilus, a brilliant young assessore raised in the Roman aristocracy, stands behind Pontius Pilate and whispers, "Offer to release Barabbas." The strategy backfires and Theophilus never forgets the sight of an innocent man suffering Roman crucifixion. Three decades later, Theophilus has proven himself in the legal ranks of the Roman Empire. He endures the backstabbing intrigue of the treason trials and the attempts of a cruel tyrant to control the woman he loves. But his struggle for revenge leaves a stain on both the empire and his own troubled soul. Now he must face another evil Caesar, defending Paul in Nero's deranged court. Can Theophilus mount a defense that will keep another innocent man from execution?