The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem

“The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem” by Kurt Brouwer is a captivating blend of Christian historical fiction that transports readers to the tumultuous times of 1st-century Jerusalem. Brouwer masterfully weaves together elements of biblical history with his own imaginative storytelling to craft a compelling narrative centered around the last disciple, John.

Before delving into the heart of the story, it’s important to note that “The Last Disciple” is a work of Christian historical fiction and not to be taken as truth. While the narrative is rooted in biblical events, there are some inaccuracies when compared to Scripture. However, if you keep that in mind as you read, this does not diminish the overall enjoyment of the fiction story.

As a newcomer to Kurt Brouwer’s work, I found “The Last Disciple” to be a captivating introduction to his storytelling prowess. The story begins with John, the Beloved Disciple, shouldering the weight of responsibility entrusted to him by Jesus. As Jerusalem simmers with political tension and religious fervor, John finds himself thrust into a world of intrigue and danger. The execution of James sets off a chain of events that forces John to confront difficult choices: stay and defend Jerusalem or reach out to believers beyond its borders.

What sets “The Last Disciple” apart is the author’s attention to historical detail and its exploration of John’s inner struggles as he grapples with his newfound responsibilities. Brouwer’s portrayal of John as a relatable and deeply human character adds layers of depth to the narrative, making his journey interesting to follow.

The novel’s pacing keeps readers on the edge of their seats as John navigates through multiple crises while seeking guidance from the Lord. “The Last Disciple” was a pleasure to read from start to finish.

Overall, the author has crafted an enjoyable novel while offering fresh insights into the human experience of faith and perseverance.

Note: I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.

The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem is on Tour with Celebrate Lit.

Author: Kurt Brouwer

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: November 2022

He was the Beloved Disciple…

…and he would be the last.

The mantle to tell the whole story has fallen on him.

From the cross, Jesus entrusted John, the youngest disciple, with the welfare of Mary, Jesus’s mother. Over thirty years later, as Jerusalem becomes a cauldron of explosive tempers, he receives a calling he doesn’t want.

Will he listen and follow?

And if he does, will it be too late?

In 62 AD, the Jewish high priest executes James, the brother of Jesus, triggering a bitter fight for power in Jerusalem that shatters the quiet life of John. The Jewish people he loves are making dangerous choices that will change the land of Israel forever.

Should he stay in Jerusalem and help hold off the Roman onslaught? Or is it time to reach out to those beyond Israel’s borders?

If he chooses to leave, what will be his message to these foreign believers? What new words of comfort could he possibly share?

Set against a backdrop of actual events, The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem is the first novel in a new series based on the Bible and Christian history.

Follow along while John faces multiple crises and comes to understand what it is to stand alone and lean on only the Lord.

Your heart will embrace The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem because John’s story is the story of our hope and promise.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

It all started the morning I learned that the Gospel of John was published fifty years after Jesus died. Fifty years! What did John do all that time? Where did he live? Why did he wait? Frankly I got a little obsessive about this man who became the last disciple.

Living in Hawaii

For the past 20 years, I’ve been a member of a Bible-based Christian church in Hawaii. About eight years ago, our pastor, Kahu Billy Mitchell, challenged our Elders group to pray and read the Bible for one hour every morning.

It wasn’t as though we were not reading the Bible or praying every day, but he challenged us to take our devotions up a few notches. So, I did just that.

During one of those early morning sessions, I was studying the books of the New Testament in a broad sense. Who wrote them and when? What were the broad themes covered in each?

I found out that a huge gap of 50 years elapsed after the ministry of Jesus and the publication of the Gospel of John. That morning something else hit me–John outlived all the others to become the last disciple. I couldn’t stop thinking about how lonely it must have been to be the last one standing.

A few years later, I began writing The Last Disciple Series of Christian historical novels about the life of John.

The Last Disciple Series

The Last Disciple is a series of Christian novels based on the Bible and Christian history. The first in the series: The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem, begins in the year 62 AD. In it, you walk with John through the streets of Jerusalem. With him, you face multiple crises and come to understand what it is to stand alone and lean only on the Lord.

This book, The Last Disciple: Exile in Ephesus is the third in the series, following The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch (book two) and The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem (book one).