The Final Message to Rome: A Tale of the First Persecution

In 64 AD Anthony and Ariel meet in the catacombs of ancient Rome following the Great Fire. Both have lost their families, and the followers of a mysterious Hebrew prophet have taken them in. Anthony and Ariel are fascinated by the message of these Christians and are soon inspired to join in their faith.

The children's fragile sense of belonging is upended, however, when they're kidnapped and sold into slavery, ending up in the home of a prominent Roman senator.

But they quickly realize that some good can come of their bondage. One night, after overhearing the senator and his family speak of Emperor Nero's deranged plans to annihilate the Christians, Anthony and Ariel begin risking their lives to deliver messages to their friends. Against a backdrop of torture, crucifixion, and the infamous lion feedings, the children continue to help the believers by keeping them abreast of Nero's latest persecutions.

With the threat of being caught lurking around every corner and Nero's plots growing more twisted by the day, will the children be able to protect their friends from the emperor's diabolical campaign to obliterate Christianity?

Daniel Goppelt graduated from Cross Ways Academy, a Christian preparatory school, in 2006. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from Thomas Edison State University. Goppelt is passionate about raising awareness of worldwide Christian persecution. He’s seen the effects of persecution firsthand as a missionary in Colombia.

Goppelt’s first novel, the meticulously researched The Final Message to Rome, is intended to educate young people about the history of Christian persecution and to inspire them to stand fast in their faith today, despite an irreverent global climate that is often unfriendly to the faithful. He counts the stories of persecuted Christians around the world, as well as his own personal revelations from God, as inspirations for writing this book. Goppelt was born and raised in Louisiana where he currently resides.