The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch

The Last Disciple #2

by Kurt Brouwer

He was the Beloved Disciple......and he would be the last.The burden to tell the whole story now rests on his shoulders.He was the Beloved Disciple, chosen by Jesus and destined to be the last to carry the divine message. Devastated by the loss of his adopted mother Mary, John has no time to mourn. The streets of Jerusalem teem with danger, as Roman rulers engage in fierce conflict with Jewish rebels, all vying for control.While his allegiance lies with his people, John is at odds with the rebels' passion for earthly power. His quest is to preserve and share the legacy of Jesus.Will he succeed in spreading the gospel?Or has he waited too long?As Jerusalem descends into chaos, John escapes to Antioch. He finds rest, renewal, and purpose among the devoted Christians there and begins sharing his account of the life and teachings of Christ.Yet even within this refuge, the old conflicts descend on Antioch too, and the dangers ignited in Jerusalem draw near.Set against a backdrop of actual events, The Last Escape to Antioch is the second novel in a series woven from the Bible and Christian history.Join John as he embarks on an extraordinary journey, discovering the true essence of faith, love, and divine purpose.Your heart will embrace The Last Escape to Antioch because John’s story is the story of our hope and promise.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Christian, Biblical Fiction, Fiction, Biblical

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2023

Reviews

[Frieda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Disciple: Escape To Ephesus

Book #2 in this series was, in my opinion, just as good as Book #1! I am happy to be able to "witness" John's life after Jesus' return to His Father's side. Yes, I know it is fictional, but I believe the research to flesh out the character & the story were arduous enough to make them as near factual as fiction can get. I am one who wants "the story behind the story" so this series is right up my alley! Can hardly wait for the next books! Actually, what I can hardly wait for is to meet them face to face to get the unadulterated truth from their own lips! One day!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in a series currently planned in 4 books, picks up where the first book left off, "The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem." Jerusalem is in an uproar. Sicarii and zealots have joined forces to fight Rome, believing they can gain their independence from Roman rule. At the end of the first book, John and Bartholomew were close to death for exhorting people to reconsider...reminding Christians that the Kingdom of God is spiritual, not physical.
As this book opens, John is in deep mourning over the death of Mary, whom Jesus appointed as John's mother and he as her son. Jerusalem is getting both factious and fractious, with people at one another's throats. John realizes there is no longer anything for him there now, and he did promise Mary he would go introduce the world to Jesus. Now, he is on his way to Antioch. Once they arrive there, they meet the leader of the Christians, whose section is right beside the Jewish section.
Change is in the air. Nero is dead, possibly whether or not he had suicidal ideation, and the fight is on for which faction supporting which powerful person will defeat the others to take on the role of emperor. Vespasian, the brutal author of massive death of rebellious Jewish towns, wins the fight. His son, Titus, is also a general and is taking over his father's campaign to quell the rebellion in Israel. His younger brother, also in the army but just starting out at 20, is disgusted with Titus for his liaison with the sensuous Queen Berenice, sister to Herod Agrippa; he considers it a sign of weakness in his brother. The former governor of Syria had cast his lot with Vespasian and is now in Rome being rewarded. Now, there is a new Governor, and he hates Jews and Christians, whom he lumps together, almost as much as little brother Domitian. There is a secret agreement to harm both and let the powerful men in the city steal everything both groups have.
But as this is all ongoing, and before Nero's death, Paul and Peter are both executed by order of Nero. Emmaus, aka Joseph bar Symeon, is still the faithful companion of John, handling things like information gathering, purchases, bargaining, and taking care of supplies, lodging, camping, and other details, with the zest of a born traveler and a maturity beyond his years in most things. In Antioch, John is inspired by the idea of making copies of the Gospels and later, the epistles of Peter and Paul, for distribution to churches, who may find scribes in their own communities to continue the work, and a library where people may study the scriptures that have been made available. The leader of the Christians in one area sends a scribe, but he can't find a male he can train. But one day, he notices a young woman doing embroidery. The movements she makes with her needle are similar to the movements a scribe makes, and it turns out she has a beautiful hand, and a younger sister who shows potential. Soon, with 2 scribes, working all day every day, more copies are made than were thought possible. John makes a trip to the next town to deliver the gospel of Matthew, a most welcome gift, and is soon caught up by Emmaus, whom John has sent to check on the safety of his family, and Bartholomew, true name Nathanael bar Tolmai, whose last name of "bar Tolmai" had become "Bartholomew." Emmaus amd Bartholomew had met on the road.
John returns to Antioch with Emmaus and Bartholomew, introducing them, not long before they are summoned to see Gen. Titus and Queen Berenice to answer charges that the scrolls they were making were seditious. They had had the foresight to personalize 3 scrolls, one for the new governor, as well as one for Titus and Berenice, so that they might examine them for themselves and see that the scrolls contained nothing other than the spiritual precepts Jesus had taught when He walked the earth.
There follows a riot from impatient gentiles wanting a head start on claiming ownership of whatever Jewish and Christian assets they could find and attempting to burn the 2 groups out, but Romans are sent to get the arsonists and looters out, while the Jews and Christians are allowed in to fight fires and try to salvage as much as they can.
And then John is arrested once Titus has returned to the battlefield and little brother Domitian has found an ally in Jew and Christian hating in the new governor. Emmausnand Bartholomew see John brought out in wrist and leg irons, not yet hurt, and they follow him to the palace and see him put in a cell. Meanwhile, John wakes up aching all over and unaware he is in a dungeon until someone tells him. Meanwhile, Bartholomew and Emmaus go to the governor's aide, who has always been reasonable before, and he agrees to investigate.
Here, the book ends.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Thank you, Lord. Your love and that of my brothers, Symeon and Emmaus, brought me out of my grief and back to my senses. To do what, I know not. Yet all is well with my soul, for I know my name is written in the Book of Life. Written in heaven. Beyond that, I just put my faith in you. Your will be done.”

So prays John, as he struggles to decide what purpose God has for him at the start of The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch. Escape to Antioch is book 2 in a series of 4 books about the disciple John. The title caught my attention and made me want to read this exciting book by Kurt Brouwer. It stands on its own, although it does end in a cliff-hanger.

Following the death of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is his adopted mother, John decides to leave Jerusalem and minister to the church in Antioch. He takes his nephew, Emmaus, with him. The two share many harrowing experiences as they visit relatives and church leaders on their way, avoiding both the zealot Jews and the war-ready Romans.

Brouwer has done a lot of Biblical and historical research. I liked how he shows the Christians, John in particular, are changed into more peaceable people because of Jesus’s message and love. The Gospel is clearly presented and many Scripture quotes are included, many as memories of what Jesus said. I did not care for the inference that Mary, after her death, was capable of telling John what to do. I felt like that should have been, at best, Mary’s memory encouraging John to follow Jesus. She seemed, to me, to get more importance than I believe she deserves Scripturally.

I did like all the subterfuge and scheming portrayed in the book. With having so much going on military-wise, whether it all happened the way Brouwer imagines, it sure makes for a good story!

I received a copy of the book from the author through Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fast-moving account of the lives of the believers in the early church and features as the main character the apostle John. We know from reading the New Testament that the early church went through much turmoil and persecution. This book takes it down to a personal level as we travel with John and his young companion to the city of Antioch. There’s danger on their journey to Antioch and even after they arrive there in the city, but they also experienced the joy of fellowship and sharing the good news of Jesus to those around them.

I found it refreshing that the center of attention in this storyline isn’t on romance. The main focus is on John and how, at an older age, he is still seeking to share with everyone his personal experiences in following Jesus. The believers in the early church many times had to make life and death decisions, and I came away with a new appreciation of the deep trust and commitment that these men and woman evidenced as they followed Jesus. The author did a great job taking his historical research and incorporating the details into the book to add a level of authenticity to the storyline.

This book is the second of a three part series. I had not read the first book, but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of reading this one. However, I have now purchased the first book and will be reading it soon, and I am looking forward to when the third book releases. It’s good series, and I’m looking forward to more from this author.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Frode · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of John the disciple continues on, but this book doesn’t finish it. This book ends in 69 AD. The author says he is planning two more. This one ends in a cliff-hanger; John is taken away in chains by the Romans, presumably to see the governor. What is covered in the story is mainly the activities of John and the church in Antioch and what goes on in the town. Emmaus leaves for a while to check on his family, so there is a side story there. Bartholomew shows up and accompanies Emmaus back to Antioch.

Some characters appear who may be fictional. Evodius is not mentioned in the Bible, but extra-biblical sources might give his name. He is the head of the church in Antioch. The Roman aide to the governor of Antioch is Aulus Maximus; he may have been a real person, but his words and actions are clearly the author’s invention. Titus, the Roman general who will raze Jerusalem, appears along with Bernice, queen of Israel. John has a strange attraction to her; she is a sensuous woman who seems like a cat ready to spring. However, she seems to be intrigued with John and wishes to help him. Their interchanges are brief but interesting.

The author gives the reader a sense of how John came to write his gospel. He and the church get the idea to make copies of the other gospels so that they can distribute those copies to other churches and believers. That idea bears some fruit. Later John is persuaded to sit and talk with Bartholomew about their memories of Christ while the copyists take notes. The author lends the impression that those notes might be the basis for the Gospel of John. It is speculation, but perhaps it has some merit.

At times various Bible verses appear in conversations, but they are worked in without being a distraction. There is a decent flow. The general setting follows the history of the time and place. The Jews are not particularly in favor with other ethnic groups, particularly the Romans. Of course, the rebellion in Israel, and particularly in Jerusalem, causes tensions and suspicions and even jealousies to arise. Unfortunately for the Christians, at times they are lumped together with the Jews although in Antioch there are many non-Jewish people in the church. It’s a messy situation, but it makes for some good drama.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch” by author Kurt Brouwer is Book Two in his Biblical Fiction Series “The Last Disciple.” Set some fifty years after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, this continues the story of the youngest disciple, John, son of Zebedee. If you have not yet read Book One, you should be able to follow the story without issue.

I appreciate well researched Biblical Fiction that coincides with scripture. This one did and added much more. The author’s perspective of what might have been makes sense. His detailed research shows in the descriptive prose of the people, places, and activities of that era. I was able to put more details of understanding to the Bible verses. Yes, I kept my Bible handy while reading the novel to make certain things were aligned.

In the beginning of this book, John is in deep grief over the death of Mary. From the cross, Jesus had told Mary that John would now be her son and she his mother. They lived as such and worked at spreading the teachings of Jesus.

I had a harder time becoming invested in this book than the last one. There are so many details and names that I felt lost at times and needed to reread a section. All in all it is a good novel. There are two more books to come in this series. I am eagerly awaiting them.

This would make a nice Biblical Fiction reading group choice. I found some things I wanted to discuss with fellow readers. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kurt Brouwer does an excellent job of describing biblical characters and narratives in this book. I appreciate how he gave readers a chance to get to know John through his journeys. During Jesus' public ministry, John was one of his disciples. Mary, Jesus' mother, eventually claimed John as her own son. John's nephew Emmaus traveled with him so that he could support the church at Antioch. The author shows readers how they weren't always welcomed and how there is a fight between religious leaders and political instability that adds tension and suspense as the story develops. I like how the author sends readers on a hazardous expedition over hostile territory to witness biblical events.

When I read this novel, it reminded of the television show Chosen in the way this book allows readers to observe intricate details of Jesus' ministry that brings Scripture to life. The Last Disciple series, of which this is volume two, it’s better if you start with book one The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem. You’ll want to read all the books in this insightful series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book in this series earlier this year (Crisis in Jerusalem) and becoming completely enveloped, I wondered if this next book in the series would pull me in as strongly… and “Escape to Antioch” is just as good.

The heart of the story lies in Antioch, where the early Christian community is caught warring groups, and persecution against Christians is escalating. John’s grief and his unwavering commitment to spreading Jesus’s teachings is emotional, and the other historical and fictional characters are intriguing. One notable aspect is the portrayal of John’s inspiration to make copies of the Gospels and epistles of Peter and Paul for distribution to churches.

This thought-provoking story explores John’s grief, commitment to his mission, and some of the challenges faced by early Christians.

First Line: John stared in shock at the shambles of his home.
Series: The Last Disciple book 2
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Author: Kurt Brouwer
Page Count: 328

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch continues The Last Disciple series and follow up to The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem. Even though it is part of a series, I believe it can easily be read as a stand alone. However, I would not want to miss out on book one.
I really enjoyed reading The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch. I loved how the author was able to bring Disciple John to life. The details were vivid that made me able to visualize how he lived and what he went through. What a fabulous read.

I am giving The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch five stars. I highly recommend it for fans and lovers of clean historical fiction. I am hoping there will be a book three from The Last Disciple series.

I received a paperback copy of Kurt Brouwer’s The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brouwer has done a good job fleshing out an era not recorded in the Bible. He focuses on John and we travel with him when he feels called to Antioch. Brouwer excels in description and we get a good idea of what a journey by ship at the time would be like, for example. We read about rebels and the trouble leading up to the attack on Jerusalem in AD 70.

Woven into the fictional story are historical events, such as the death of Paul. It was interesting to see how John and others responded to it. For me, the most fascinating part of the novel was how the copying of the gospels and the letters from Paul and Peter developed. Imagine! A woman doing it! I liked how John and others made sure the copies were accurate.

This is a good novel exploring the possible actions of John and others in a time not recorded in the Bible.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel, based on actual characters and historical events, takes readers back to the first century and into the struggles between Rome and the Christians, a new sect, and the Jews. I enjoy learning about history and about Bible times, but this book often came across more like a narrative reporting events than an engaging story that draws readers into the action and emotions of the scenes portrayed. I think the author could have presented the drama in a more compelling manner that would help the readers see and feel the experience more powerfully. This fictional account doesn’t seem to have much plot or deep characterization, but the account is interesting in its conveying what life might have been like for the apostle John before the fall of Jerusalem. Readers who are familiar with the Bible will notice many places and some people they recognize. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Christina Sinisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book.

Funny thing is, I recently read another book about John (and without naming names or titles), this book is very much more to my taste. In the pages of this book, the New Testament shadows take on flesh and become real men.

I learned so much, but I also think my faith grew a little bit deeper. It's one thing to know that all the disciples were either martyred or, in the case of John, exiled, but...it's a totally different thing to live that pain with them and the ones who cared for them, even a little.

This is an in-between book, covering the years between the execution of James and John's exile (so not yet in this book). I definitely want to go back and read the others.

I did receive a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit tours, but my opinions are my own. I do recommend this book to everyone.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have come to really enjoy this author’s writing style. In this story he takes a figure from the Bible and expands on his life. John is an intriguing character who was very close to Jesus. John has suffered a great loss and now must find a way to continue doing what Jesus has called him to. The historical facts in the story are aligned closely with the Bible. There are a few things in the story that may be fictional but I didn’t think it took away from the truth at all.

It is an interesting read and I was able to absorb a lot of information while enjoying my journey through this book. Don’t miss this look at John who was very important in the sharing of the gospel.



I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Marbeth Skwarczynski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jerusalem is no longer a city of peace. Ongoing threats from Rome, “rebels” who pressure others to join them, and the explosion of unchecked crime make leaving the city the best option.

Mary’s death hit John hard. Many of his fellow disciples had already passed away, and caring for the mother of Jesus was one of John’s great comforts. But now, she was gone, and the city John loved was unrecognizable. It was time to move on. With the help of Cleophas’s grandson, Emmaus, John begins his journey toward the cosmopolitan city of Antioch. This was where the term “Christian” was coined and where he and his young charge could begin their ministries anew.

But the robust church of Antioch is caught between the two warring factions, and the persecution against Christians is on the rise.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read about John after Jesus’s death and His return to Heaven. I suggest that you read the first book in this series first because this book starts where the other one ends.this book has Scripture verses as part of the storyline but the author doesn’t include the book or verse in the story but he has them listed at the back of the book. I found the book to be really good, but we have to remember that this book is fiction so I am sure that not all readers will agreed with all that was written. I recommend these two books and am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this book as much as its predecessor, but I did like it. The first book had some suspense and had such an atmosphere of violence and threat because of the infighting among the Jewish sects who opposed the Roman occupation. This book was mostly a story of how John and a young friend traveled to Antioch and worked with Christians there. It is interesting, but I was ready for it to be done.

[J Hargraves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well constructed tail about the last Apostle. He inspired people to write the the writing of the NEW TESTAMENT . John the beloved apostle caretaker of Mother of Jesus, Mary. John inspires the writing of the Gospels & their distribution to the young Christian Communities. Eventually the maniacs of the Romans try to quell the spread & what happens.. current Christians will enjoy the insight.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Understanding the life and Times of John AD

I know this if Fiction, however, the story helps the human mind to relate to the emotions as well as the details of that era's lifestyle. Expressing their achievements in relatiable stories enhances ones ability to remember names of the disciples and cities where they traveled, along with their amazing accomplishments of their lifetimes.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sure keeps your attention

I've been enjoying this series and am looking forward to reading the next book. This was another good one that kept me reading past my bed time many a night. It really makes you think too. I hadn't thought about the fact that John would have lived long enough to see the end of Israel, like this book poits out. That must have been hard on him, yet he persevered. I recommend this book and the series. It's very good!

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch is written by Kurt Brouwer. This is book two in the Last Disciple Series. I’ve read the first book. One of the things I love about this book is how the author has brought Biblical times to life.



I really enjoyed getting to see a glimpse into what John’s life may have been like as he tried to continue Jesus’ Gospel. We know that after the death of Jesus Jerusalem is in an uproar. People are at each others throats and we see countries wanting to escape the Roman rule.



The author does a great job covering the arrival in Antioch and how John started to write his Gospel. It appears we may get to see more in this series.



Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Mike Harnish · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in Kurt Brouwer's The Last Disciple trilogy is even more captivating of a read than the first book. It tells of John's stay in Antioch and some of the beginnings of the early Christian church. While historical fiction, it also makes you more aware of both the beginnings of the church and of the Jewish rebellion of the time.

[gilmore james · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

This book has made me smile at times and others made me sad for our Lords disciples and all they suffered for the glory to be revealed in them. A very hard book to put down once started but well worth the lack of sleep!

[Kenneth Garrard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super great books

I just finished the second book and it was so great!
Now waiting on the third book to release.
As a pastor I have suggested this book to others in our congregation.

[linda smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

John, the last disciple

I’ve read books one and two of the last disciple books. I found them enlightening and entertaining. I found the characters to be familiar and wish I would’ve known them personally. I highly recommend this series.

[james blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtfully present

The Last Disciple series brings the mind closer to the lives of Christian martyrs as we study the lives of the twelve disciples with Scripture blended into their daily lives as they walk through the days following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ our Savior.

[Barbara Keigher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great series!
It is about one of my favorite apostles....John!
A great deal of historical research went into this, which only made it more interesting!
Plus there is a lot of scriptures!
This is book 2, and I plan on reading the next 2 in the series.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

John settles in Antioch as the Romans begin to crush the Jewish rebellion. The Last Disciple is a wonderful blend of theology and historical fiction.

[Jill Kloewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disciple John leaves Jerusalem for Antioch. Here they start copying scrolls from Matthew and spreading the gospel. Not as good as the first book but still engaging.

[Betty Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, Captivating

This book is powerful! So captivating. It made you feel like you were right there with John on his journey.

[Stacey A Hammerle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing description of what life was like after the death of Jesus and how the gospel spread.