Young Marcus Vinicius has just returned home from war to a Rome ruled by the emperor Nero. He falls in love with the beautiful Ligia who is, unbeknownst to him, a Christian. In pursuing her, he seeks advice of his uncle, an advisor to Nero, and both their lives are changed as the story unfolds. The book sharply characterizes first-century believers, focusing on their courage to testify of Christ in the midst of a disintegrating society.