About the Book

Book: The Last Disciple: Exile in Ephesus

Author: Kurt Brouwer

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: March 15, 2024

He awoke jailed in squalor…

Would he complete his final mission?

Or would he fail to record the story only he could tell?

The epic saga of the Last Disciple continues in this captivating Christian historical novel from Kurt Brouwer.

After surviving imprisonment, John faces his greatest challenge–exile in the distant city of Ephesus. Struggling with grief and despair over the destruction of Jerusalem, John doubts his ability to complete the mission entrusted to him by Mary—to write the true gospel account of Christ’s life.

But in Ephesus, John finds unexpected allies—Timothy, Priscilla, and Tychicus, who share his passion for spreading the message of God’s love.

As John shares the good news of Jesus, he makes dangerous enemies, including the influential high priest, Alexander Cosmo, who will stop at nothing to suppress the growing Christian faith.

Amid opposition from without and internal divisions from within the early church, John must contend with those pressuring believers to adopt Jewish law and compromise the radical teachings of Christ.

When tragedy strikes those close to him, can John’s fragile hope be rekindled? Will he finally show the world all the signs, miracles, and events he witnessed on his journey with Jesus?

Don’t miss this page-turning story of faith, courage, and love.

Book Excerpt

He also knew that exposing or even criticizing the emperor’s son could be deadly to him. So, he temporized. “That sounds exceedingly strange. I will make inquiries. You believe John lies here in the cells of the Imperial Palace?”

As he spoke words with no actual commitment to do anything, Aulus felt shamed and irritated at being forced into this awkward position. He studied Bartholomew to see his reaction, if any.

Bartholomew leaned forward a bit and spoke slowly and carefully. “Aye, Aulus Maximus. He’s here. We followed the soldiers who brought him here. Whether he has been moved since then, we know not. It has been three days. We realize, sir, that you were not aware, but would you be willing to…inquire?”

Aulus knew he had to show himself to be willing, but it would be dangerous to get too involved. Nonetheless, he respected John and knew that he had clout, at least with the Jewish and Christian communities. Apparently, he also had clout with the clever Queen Berenice and perhaps even with General Titus. “I am willing, Bartholomew, but I’m afraid I am confused. However, I will make inquiries. Please excuse me. As soon as I have word, I will contact you.”

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About the Author

Kurt is a Christian and a member of a vibrant Christian church on the Big Island of Hawaii. He also loves to write. In addition to all the usual temptations writers face, Kurt has to fight off the lure of beautiful beaches, pounding surf, great weather, and lush golf courses. Can you imagine?

Despite those temptations, he writes The Last Disciple series of Christian historical novels and he regularly writes blog posts.

A few years ago Kurt did a study for his church on the Apostle John. That little project got him hooked on the man who started out life as a fisherman and then became the last disciple of Christ. The more Kurt learned about John, the more he wanted to know.

If you’ve ever been obsessed by anything, you’ll understand that he couldn’t stop researching the life of John and all those around him. And the result of all that research is:

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. See how he faces multiple crises and comes 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, with two more books planned. Kurt is now writing the fourth book, The Last Disciple: Gospel of John.