Unexpected Legacies: Francine Rivers (The Last One)

Matthew J. Elliott

Imagine a world where a literary genre is filled with amazing examples of resilience and growth. Look for the profound messages struggling to connect with their audience. Embrace stories longing to find some way, not only to entertain, but to present a message readers can truly see. The struggle was real. There was a gaping hole that readers simply could not resonate with.

For a time, stories in the biblical fiction genre fit this description almost perfectly. Authors brought many ancient stories to life, but they lacked the depth that resonated with contemporary audiences. Masterpieces like “Ben-Hur” by Lew Wallace and “The Robe” by Loyd C. Douglass were limited. Then, Fracine Rivers came along and completely transformed the genre. She didn’t merely write best-selling books. She unexpectedly revived biblical fiction. This gave it a vibrant new look that resonated with readers and affected more people than she ever expected. 

Before Rivers came onto the scene, biblical narratives were brushed aside. They had limited visibility, and readers struggled to relate to biblical characters as human beings. Her talent for detailed research changed this, and their struggles found purpose. Each story she wrote is a thrilling adventure and reminds us of some of the most powerful messages of the Christian faith.

Image from Amazon

When she released what many claim to be a groundbreaking series in “The Mark of the Lion”, it was a tremendous success. The 1990s had no clue what was about to unfold. Set against the dramatic backdrop of a world filled with Roman persecution, the books beautifully explored tales of courageous characters like Hadassah. Readers were no longer trying to be entertained by these historical events; they were immersed in a world that they could experience. They could see and relate to the challenges and sacrifices of these historical characters. 

There was an authenticity behind the people she wrote about that was rich with the history of Biblical Fiction readers loved. She took it to a whole new level where human vulnerability and divine grace spoke to our hearts. Beyond this, Rivers extended her reach with projects like “The Sons of Encouragement” collection. This is where I came onto the scene. As a Biblical Studies major in college, I became obsessed with understanding the people who were living during the biblical era. In a class on the book of Hebrews, I was tasked with defending that a man named Silas wrote the letter, and I had no clue how to do it. 

From PressKit on Website

When I found “The Scribe,” which focuses on that very thing, I was stunned. It was one of the most impactful stories I had ever read. For countless young readers, it was just one of the many that opened up an entirely new world. These stories showed the genre’s capacity for deep spiritual and emotional connection to characters I never believed I would understand further. 

So, you may wonder why I am writing this article rather than starting my new series. Well, it’s because as a biblical fiction writer, she was the first author I felt I could truly relate to with my desire to write unexpected stories. Her dedication to historical accuracy echoes my own. I never wanted to simply write the facts; I wanted to make an impact, and her stories showed me I could. The meticulous research that is needed to do this is not a simple thing to accomplish. In writing these stories, Rivers had to understand the cultural and social contexts of the ancient world with the knowledge of a historian and the passion of a novelist. It goes beyond the allegorical messages that many felt were being published until she came on the scene. 

Rivers took a shot and bravely confronted the cultural norm about the complexities of Biblical history, and was not afraid to be honest about who these people were, human. Just like us, they were inherently flawed; they struggled with doubt and temptation. These people endured profound struggle and loss, and bringing this to life was no effortless task. The raw emotions these characters experience showed me, and so many others, that faith isn’t flawless; it is a lifelong challenge that transforms us all. This authenticity changed biblical fiction forever. 

Photo © Elaina Burdo on Website PressKit

Rivers’ most compelling impact was not in what she wrote or how she wrote it. It was her willingness to explore the more difficult aspects of humanity. The pain and suffering biblical characters experienced was real. She conveyed this beautifully. Readers in the world around her, myself included, were beginning to understand a deeper purpose to the stories we all grew up hearing. Her work inspired me to dig into the darker aspects of the human condition. Not to rationalize their pain, but to highlight God’s grace. Each story broke the boundaries they were tied down to. Her work shows that faith-based stories can be both spiritually uplifting and intellectually challenging.

The legacy of Francine Rivers is clear in the growing number of talented authors now telling interesting, biblical narratives. Each building on what writers like her laid the foundation for. Rivers didn’t just write books. She opened the door to a new era of biblical storytelling that is ever-changing. Today, those of us who continue her legacy strive to leave an enduring impact on all those who read our stories. 

Next month I will begin a new series entitled Echoes of Early Church Cities. It will focus on the history of cities from the New Testament and the impact they had on the world around them. If there is a particular city you are interested in learning more about, feel free to post your requests in the comments below.

See you in the pages,

M. J. E.

~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which gave him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew and his wife, Traci, have three children named Leyla, Caleb, and Hannah, who bring them immense joy and inspiration. As a writer, his goal is to share love, equip others, and edify them for the greater good. He loves connecting any amount of scripture to his stories and uses his knowledge of Biblical History to do so often.

You can find Matthew's works on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and even Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

My Newest Biblical Fiction Novel, The Hope of Inheritance, came out on Father's Day and has received a ChristLit Book Award for excellence in Christian Literature. Grab it for FREE on July 4th and 5th via Amazon. If you enjoy it please let me know by posting a review.

One Story Still Untold. Four Unlikely Authors. Together, their Message will speak to Many.

The city of Rome was a vast and beautiful place-- on the surface. That is, until a great fire burned and destroyed most of it. Deep in a world hidden from those who would strike against them, four unlikely men work together to share a message of truth. This truth was spoken by those who were cut down because of the calling to go forth and preach. 

The message has always been clear: The hope of our inheritance is Christ living within each of us. In the echoes of persecution, sorrow, and even death, this message still reigns supreme, but will the people listen? Only time will tell, but before anything, these four men must come together and unite a church separated by fear and suffering.