The Conversion of King Abner

    By cexavi

    The Conversion of King Abner cover image

    31 May, 2024

    a man in a red and gold outfit sitting on a gold throne with a crown on his head and a necklace on his neck, Altoon Sultan, samikshavad, a character portrait, jayison devadas

    King Abner, a powerful ruler, held bitter contempt for Christians. His anger grew when his closest friend converted to Christianity and left the court.

    a painting of a man in a crown surrounded by other men in ancient greek dress and armor, standing in a courtyard, Altoon Sultan, qajar art, a detailed painting, detailed painting

    Determined to find his friend, Abner sent his soldiers across the land. They found the monk, who spoke of the blindness caused by anger and greed, but Abner banished him.

    a man in a regal outfit standing in a hall with other men in costume around him and looking at something, Altoon Sultan, qajar art, a detailed matte painting, cinematic photography

    King Abner was blessed with a son, Jehoshaphat. He hoped his son would grow powerful, but a prophecy predicted Jehoshaphat would serve a mightier being - the Christian God.

    Painting your imagination...

    Abner built a palace where Christianity was forbidden. Jehoshaphat grew up in opulence, but his curiosity led him to explore the city, where he witnessed suffering.

    two men walking in the desert towards the sun setting over the mountains and desert landscape with a path leading to the distant horizon, Amir Zand, art photography, a detailed matte painting, desert

    In the desert lived a monk named Barlaam. Guided by the Holy Spirit, he met Jehoshaphat and began teaching him about Christianity.

    a man in a desert with a desert landscape in the background and sand dunes in the foreground, with a sky in the background, Amir Zand, dau-al-set, a detailed matte painting, cinematic photography

    Jehoshaphat learned of the errors of idol worship and the truth of Christianity, but was not ready to abandon his luxurious life. Barlaam advised him to seek him when ready.

    two men in medieval costumes standing next to each other in a room with gold and black walls and a chandelier, Altoon Sultan, afrofuturism, a renaissance painting, promotional image

    Upon learning of Jehoshaphat's conversion, Abner was filled with sorrow. He devised a plan to revert Jehoshaphat using a fake Barlaam, Nahor, but Jehoshaphat saw through the deceit.

    a man in a black and gold outfit standing in a room with people in it and a clock on the wall, Drew Struzan, afrofuturism, a hyperrealistic painting, official art

    Jehoshaphat remained steadfast in his faith despite attempts to lead him astray. Even a fair maiden sent by Abner failed to tempt him.

    a group of men in regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal regal, Carlo Crivelli, renaissance, a renaissance painting, promotional image

    After years of failed efforts, King Abner himself was converted to Christianity, realizing the emptiness of his persecution. The court was filled with whispers and surprise.

    a painting of a boy in a blue and gold outfit with a crown on his head and a chandelier above his head, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, photorealism, a hyperrealistic painting, highly detailed digital painting

    Known for his virtues and wisdom, Jehoshaphat continued to lead others to Christianity and built churches in the city. His faith remained unwavering and strong.

    a man in a desert with a desert landscape in the background and a sun setting behind him, with a man in a black outfit and gold necklace, Derold Page, afrofuturism, a detailed matte painting, cinematic photography

    Eventually, Jehoshaphat left the city for the desert. He sought a life of penance and contemplation, away from the earthly riches he once knew.

    Painting your imagination...

    In the quiet of the desert, Jehoshaphat found peace. His journey from a life of luxury to a life of faith marked a tale of redemption and transformation.

    The Conversion of King Abner