The Emperor and the Last Apostle: A Tale of Ancient Rome

by Lewis Ben Smith

John of Ephesus is the last of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus of Nazareth, ministering to the faithful and healing the sick. The new Emperor, Domitian, having poisoned his way to the throne, is determined to crush this new faith that threatens the old gods of Rome. He sends a young Praetorian guard, Junius Tullius, to arrest John and bring him to Rome for trial. As Tullius witnesses the strange powers the old fisherman wields, he finds himself torn between his loyalty to Domitian and his growing respect and affection for John. As Domitian's rule becomes increasingly cruel and oppressive, a fiery confrontation in the Colosseum will put Tullius' loyalty to the ultimate test!

250 pages, Paperback

Published July 22, 2025

About the author

Lewis Smith is a pastor, historian, teacher, husband, father of twins, and a third degree black belt in Uechi-Ryu karate. He is an avid collector of Indian artifacts and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. His first novel, THE TESTIMONIUM, was written in 2012 and published in 2014. His next novel, THE REDEMPTION OF PONTIUS PILATE, was released on May 19, 2015. His third novel, MATTHEW'S AUTOGRAPH, was released in December of 2015. He currently has one work being reviewed for publication and is working on his fifth novel.

Reviews

[M. B. Zucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Emperor and the Last Apostle" by Lewis Ben Smith is a captivating blend of historical fiction and spiritual drama that brings the early Christian era to life. Smith weaves the story of Apostle John’s unyielding faith with the moral struggles of Junius Tullius, a Roman soldier caught between duty and truth. The novel’s rich historical detail and compelling character development draw readers into the tense atmosphere of Domitian’s Rome, where persecution and miracles collide.

I have read and reviewed Smith’s prior novel, "President Hamilton: A Novel of Alternate History," and he has proven that he is adept at writing about multiple eras and is an excellent literary craftsman. "The Emperor and the Last Apostle" is a great read for fans of Roman history but particularly for fans of Christian fiction. Churches and book clubs with a Christian focus should check this out. Highly recommended.

[Ladekar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a fascinating and immersive read. The story brings ancient Rome to life with incredible detail from the bustling streets to the tensions within the empire. What I loved most was how it blended political intrigue with a deeper spiritual journey, showing the clash between imperial power and the quiet strength of faith.

The characters felt real and their struggles believable, especially the moral choices they faced in such a turbulent time. The pacing was steady, with moments of suspense and reflection that kept me turning the pages. It’s the kind of book that not only entertains but also makes you think about history, belief, and resilience.

A powerful and memorable tale highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with depth and meaning.

[MARILYN D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A powerful blend of faith, history, and drama

The Emperor and the Last Apostle swept me in from the very first page. Lewis brings the world of ancient Rome vividly to life, with all its grandeur, brutality, and political intrigue, while also capturing the tenderness and resilience of the early Christian faith.

I especially loved the way Junius Tullius, the Praetorian guard, is portrayed. His inner struggle between loyalty to Emperor Domitian and the quiet, miraculous strength of John of Ephesus is both gripping and deeply moving. The historical detail feels authentic without ever slowing the story, and the emotional weight makes the stakes feel timeless.

This isn’t just historical fiction, it’s a story about courage, conviction, and the cost of belief in a world hostile to it. The Colosseum scenes in particular left me breathless, both for their intensity and their deeper meaning.

If you enjoy novels that weave faith and history together with strong characters and page-turning drama, this is absolutely a must-read!!

[Samdom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished The Emperor and the Last Apostle, and I found it to be both powerful and deeply thought-provoking. From the very first pages, the novel drew me in with its vivid depiction of the clash between Christian faith and imperial authority in ancient Rome.

What struck me most was the relationship between John, the last Apostle, and Junius Tullius, the Praetorian guard assigned to arrest him. Their bond forms the emotional center of the story: John’s quiet strength and unshakable faith stand in stark contrast to Emperor Domitian’s cruelty, while Tullius’ inner struggle unfolds with authenticity and emotional weight.

The book also captures the atmosphere of the era in remarkable detail. The Colosseum scenes, in particular, are intense, unforgettable, and bring the brutality of the age vividly to life. Yet beyond the drama, the narrative raises timeless questions: What does it mean to stay true to one’s convictions? How does faith survive in the face of oppression? These themes give the novel a lasting resonance that lingers well after the final page.

Overall, The Emperor and the Last Apostle is a compelling blend of history, drama, and spiritual reflection. It is clear that both the research and storytelling were handled with great care. I would highly recommend it to readers of Christian historical fiction, or to anyone interested in the enduring tension between power and conscience.

Would you like me to make it shorter and punchier for a review site (Amazon/Goodreads), or keep this longer, essay-style tone for something like a blog or personal reflection?

[Maria K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished The Emperor and the Last Apostle and found it to be a powerful and thought, provoking read. From the very beginning, the novel drew me in with its vivid portrayal of the clash between faith and imperial power in ancient Rome. What resonated with me most was the relationship between John, the last Apostle, and Junius Tullius, the Praetorian guard sent to arrest him. Their connection forms the emotional heart of the story, John’s quiet strength and unwavering faith stand in stark contrast to Emperor Domitian’s cruelty, while Tullius’ growing inner conflict felt both authentic and compelling.

The novel brings the atmosphere of the era to life in striking detail, particularly in the Colosseum scenes, which are both intense and unforgettable. Yet, beyond the drama, the story raises timeless questions: What does it mean to remain steadfast in one’s convictions? How does faith endure in the face of oppression? These themes give the book a depth that lingers long after the last page.

Overall, The Emperor and the Last Apostle is a compelling blend of history, drama, and spiritual reflection. It is clear that great care went into both the historical research and the storytelling. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy Christian historical fiction, or to anyone interested in the enduring tension between power and conscience.

[Samuel tropen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Emperor and the Last Apostle by Lewis Ben Smith, and I found it to be a thoughtful and engaging work of historical fiction. The novel brings together the last Apostle, John of Ephesus, and Emperor Domitian in a vivid reimagining of the tension between early Christianity and imperial Rome.

What stood out to me most was the relationship between John and Junius Tullius, the Praetorian guard sent to arrest him. Watching Tullius wrestle with his duty to Rome and his growing admiration for John gave the story both depth and heart. The contrast between Domitian’s cruelty and John’s quiet strength made for a compelling moral struggle.

The descriptions of Rome and its politics were immersive I could picture the Colosseum scenes and feel the weight of the empire’s hostility toward this new faith. While the pacing slowed at times, the buildup led to a powerful climax that stayed with me after finishing the book.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. It is well-researched, meaningful, and raises timeless questions about loyalty, truth, and conviction. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a strong spiritual dimension.

[Diane Brinkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect this book to hit me the way it did. The Emperor and the Last Apostle isn’t just about ancient Rome or biblical history, it’s about people making impossible choices when faith and power collide.

John of Ephesus came across so real, not just a figure from scripture, but a man whose quiet strength could change the heart of someone sent to destroy him. The tension between him and Junius Tullius was probably my favorite part, you could feel the guard’s inner conflict building with every encounter.

The Rome setting is painted vividly, from Domitian’s paranoia down to the brutal atmosphere of the Colosseum, but what stuck with me most was the personal side: loyalty, respect, and the cost of standing firm in what you believe.

By the time I reached the final confrontation, I was holding my breath. This isn’t a dry history lesson, it’s a story that feels alive and meaningful, with moments that stay with you after you turn the last page.

[Valentina Witley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Emperor and the Last Apostle by Lewis Ben Smith is one of those rare stories that stays with you long after you finish reading. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the tension, faith, and emotional depth of John of Ephesus portrayed here as the last living Apostle of Jesus. His wisdom, compassion, and quiet strength shine through every scene.

What truly surprised me was how gripping the relationship becomes between John and Julius Tullius, the young Praetorian guard ordered to arrest him. Watching Tullius struggle between his loyalty to a ruthless emperor and his growing admiration for John adds a powerful emotional pull to the story. Their journey feels real, heartfelt, and full of conflict.

[William J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read The Emperor and the Last Apostle: A Tale of Ancient Rome, I was thoroughly impressed by its depth and historical authenticity. The narrative immerses the reader in the political intrigue, moral conflicts, and spiritual tensions of Ancient Rome, all brought to life through richly developed, compelling characters. The author balances meticulous historical detail with a fluid, engaging story, creating a reading experience that is both intellectually satisfying and emotionally resonant.

This is a remarkable work of historical fiction that offers insight, suspense, and profound character exploration, a book that stays with you long after the final page.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a powerful blend of faith, history, and suspense! The author brings the ancient world vividly to life, weaving together the courage of John of Ephesus with the turmoil of Domitian’s reign. The character of Junius Tullius is especially compelling torn between duty to the emperor and the profound truth he encounters in John. The tension builds beautifully, leading to an unforgettable climax in the Colosseum. A moving and thought provoking read that captures both the brutality of Rome and the hope of a faith that could not be silenced. Highly recommended.

[Smith Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised by how human this story felt. John isn’t portrayed as some distant saint but as a warm, grounded man whose faith affects everyone around him. Tullius’ inner conflict was the real highlight for me—it made the Roman world feel messy, complicated, and real. The ending in the Colosseum had me holding my breath.

[Leila Johansson]

I wasn’t expecting to connect so strongly with Junius Tullius. His loyalty to Rome and his gradual admiration for John made for a really compelling character arc. The story moves at a steady pace, and the political tension under Domitian felt authentic without being overwhelming. A solid historical read.

[Julian Carter]

This book surprised me in the best way. The dynamic between the old Apostle and the young Roman guard was thoughtful and emotional. Nothing felt rushed the trust between them builds slowly, which made the final decision Tullius faces much more impactful. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a moral backbone.

[Jessica Miler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Emperor and the Last Apostle is more than just a historical tale. It’s a story about faith under fire and the choices that define us. Junius Tullius’ struggle between duty and conscience felt so real, and John’s steadfastness inspired me deeply.

[Ayomikun Docus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fully immersed in this fictionalized version of Apostle John’s life. Lewis Ben Smith offers readers an enticing narrative style and captivating characters with an intriguing plot… It was an intoxicating experience. … A beautiful reminder of why we serve Almighty God.

[James O’Reilly]

Really engaging read. I don’t usually gravitate toward biblical historical fiction, but this one pulled me in. The tension between duty and conscience for Tullius was very believable. A few scenes felt slightly dramatized, but overall it captured what life under Domitian might’ve been like.

[Noah]

The author did a great job making the early Christian world feel alive. The relationship between John and Tullius felt genuine not rushed, not forced. I appreciated that the story didn’t shy away from the brutality of Domitian’s regime, yet it never felt gratuitous. Beautifully done.

[Kai Nakamura]

The author did a great job making the early Christian world feel alive. The relationship between John and Tullius felt genuine not rushed, not forced. I appreciated that the story didn’t shy away from the brutality of Domitian’s regime, yet it never felt gratuitous. Beautifully done.

[Isabella Costa]

A powerful, emotional story. I loved seeing the Apostolic age through the eyes of someone outside the faith. Tullius’ slow shift from suspicion to confusion to admiration felt incredibly real. The final confrontation was intense but believable, not over the top.

[Zara Haddad]

This is a thoughtful take on a turbulent time in history. The political angle with Domitian adds real stakes, and the miracles are handled in a subtle, respectful way. I would have liked a bit more development of the supporting characters, but the core story was excellent.

[Victor Santos]

Good story overall, but I felt like some of the miracle scenes were a bit too tidy. Still, the interactions between John and the people he helps were touching. The conflict with Domitian added urgency, and the climax in the Colosseum was definitely memorable.

[Adams loretta]

Beautifully written and surprisingly intimate. The author captures the weariness of John in his old age without losing the fire of his faith. Tullius’ growing doubts about Rome’s cruelty were portrayed in a very believable way. By the end, I felt genuinely invested in both men.