Decades after Simon of Cyrene carried the cross of Jesus to Golgotha, the new Christian faith has spread across the empire-and Simon fears for his sons. They follow a preacher named Paul, now under house arrest in Rome, and Simon is desperate to bring them home to Alexandria before it's too late.

When Paul is condemned in Nero's court, Rome's Christians face a chilling test: Caesar or Christ? Their answer means life or death. After Paul's execution, Simon's son Rufus rushes to warn the Apostle Peter, but Peter refuses to flee, instead confronting the magician Simon Magus in the forum-where the self-proclaimed prophet vows he will fly over Rome.

Then the fires begin.

As flames consume two-thirds of the city, Simon and Rufus stay behind to tend the wounded-only to be swept up in Nero's wave of retribution. Christians are accused of arson. The first great persecution begins. And Simon, a father who once bore a cross, now finds himself carrying a heavier burden than he ever imagined.