Paul Trittin’s “Jacobus” is founded upon biblical verses in the New Testament

Paul Trittin‘s Jacobus: A Eunuch’s Faith depicts a eunuch’s life during biblical times, particularly in the era of the New Testament. The author uses his fearless interpretations of the Bible to create the narrative for the novel, particularly Matthew 19:11–12.

The book tells the story of a young teenager who is sent to live with his relatives in Sicily, Italy, to learn the ways of running the shipping business of his Jewish family. His journey as an apprentice businessman leads to the discovery of his extraordinary leadership skills.

In the book’s preface, Rev. Dr. Marvin G. Baker provides a brief history of eunuchs throughout time. He claims that Jesus considered eunuchs as belonging to three groups of men: those who are unable to cohabit with women from birth, those who are made incapable of procreating, and those who stay chaste out of service to God. According to Baker, Jesus himself exempted eunuchs from marrying with women and reproducing. In Matthew 19:11-12, it is written:

“But he said to them, ‘Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it’.”

This reading of the Bible forms the foundation of Jacobus.