The Last Disciple: Gospel of John

The Last Disciple #4

by Kurt Brouwer

Discover the Untold Story of the Last Disciple to Witness the Miracles of ChristIn a world shrouded in doubt and darkness, one man holds the key to the greatest story ever told.

The epic saga of the Last Disciple continues in this captivating new Christian historical novel from Kurt Brouwer. Witness the miracles of Jesus through the eyes of one who was there. John, a disciple of Christ, watched the Son of God sacrifice his life on the Cross and entered the empty tomb after Jesus rose from the grave.

Witness Jesus Through the Eyes of One Who Was with HimYears after witnessing the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Apostle John seeks to faithfully write down the life-changing events he experienced firsthand.

Go back in time with John to old Jerusalem as he describes the fateful meeting between the Messiah and Nicodemus in which Christ uttered the most beloved passage in the "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life."

John sets down the true story of Christ, contending with those who seek to water down the gospel message. Accompanied by trusted allies like Emmaus and Avram, John travels from Ephesus to Laodicea, Hierapolis, and beyond, determined to ensure the world never forgets the sacrifice and love of the Son of God.

John reunites with his old friend and fellow disciple, Philip, who is gravely ill. In a desperate bid to save Philip's life, John seeks out the help of Evangeline, a skilled herbalist and healer. After Philip recovers, a mob whipped up by a high priest of the goddess Cybele lays in wait to attack John and Philip.

Will violent enemies of the faith cut off the gospel message John carries?Witness the miracles of Jesus through the eyes of the Beloved Disciple—and discover how one man's courage can change the course of history.

If you're struggling with doubt, searching for meaning, or hungry to deepen your faith, The Last Gospel of John is the Christian novel you've been waiting for.

Don't miss this gripping tale of courage, conviction, and the eternal power of the gospel!

Genres: Historical Fiction

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2025

Reviews

[Celeste · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me. I’ve come to appreciate Biblical fiction, but I’ve noticed that it’s a very hit-or-miss field when it comes to my personal enjoyment. The Last Disciple: Gospel of John was a miss. There’s something about the writing that just didn’t land for me. The theological aspects were more successful than the narrative ones. All of the dialogue felt uncomfortably stilted. The rest of the prose was stiff, as well. The characters were flat, and the story threaded between the large swaths of Scripture were anemic and wholly unengaging.

I know quite a few people have loved this series, and I’m happy for them. But, in my opinion, there are a host of Biblical fiction works out there that better balance sound doctrine with excellent craft and compelling storytelling. I found the Gospel of John in Scripture far more engaging. However, I do appreciate how faithful the author was to Scripture, and the amount of research he included after the epilogue of the novel. While I wouldn’t personally recommend this one, you very well might enjoy it more than I did.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be transported through biblical history with The Last Disciple: Gospel of John by Kurt Brouwer. The setting is so vividly described that you feel as though you’re walking alongside John and the other disciples during their significant and unforgettable journeys.

Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genres when executed well, and it’s clear that the author has done extensive research, careful planning, and used just the right amount of creative license to convey the true message. This story is crafted in a way that transports you to another time and place, making it feel both new and familiar.

If you’re seeking biblical knowledge, understanding, and hope, or even if you just want to be entertained or inspired, this story (and series) is a wonderful read.

First Line: John, the son of Zebedee, leaned into the breeze blowing off the Aegean Sea.
Series: The Last Disciple, book 4
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Author: Kurt Brouwer
Page Count: 316

#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to start this review by saying I really hope there is another book coming to this series because of the ending. The Last Disciple: Gospel of John (The Last Disciple Book Four) by Kurt Brouwer is the fourth book and I have really enjoyed them all. I will say that the other 3 books were more enjoyable. So, I recommend reading the books in order. And yes, some of the things in these books are fictional but you can really feel the character's emotions as you read these books. I like that at the end of the book is a list of where the Scriptural parts of the book was taken from. I really felt like the author was telling me the story and I wasn't just reading it.
I posted this quote on my Facebook page because it made me think for a little bit. What is your thoughts on this quote. That is why I love to read Christian Historical Fiction and really all genres (most of them, there are a few genres I don't like), because you never know when something you read might impact your life and spirit and make you ponder and become a better person and Christian.

" I still wonder about Jesus’s sorrow over the death of his friend. Even though Jesus knew Lazarus would be raised, he still wept when we got to Bethany and heard that his friend had died. Why?” Timothy walked over and put his arm around John. “My brother, it could be that Jesus cried not just for Lazarus, but for all of us. We all stand condemned to die. That is the fate of humanity. As both God and man, Jesus could truly see and feel both sides. He knew what had to come, and yet he could not help but feel our misery too.”

I truly recommend this series if you want to learn more about what it might have been to be John and the disciples spending time in the days before and after Jesus's death.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find it interesting to read about believers in Bible times, learning what life was like in those days, especially for those who knew Jesus in person while He was on earth. The setting in the story seems quite authentic, but the characterization of well-known characters comes from the author’s mind—giving them personalities, words, and actions that are not found in God’s Word. I realize one has to use imagination to create a story based on true events, but making Nicodemus and John with some negative characteristics rubbed me wrong. I think the author read too much into the men from the Bible, but it does make for interesting reading. I encourage those who read the novel to also read Scripture and know the truth dictated by the Holy Spirit. In this novel, John and his helpers record the events he recalls from being with Jesus as a disciple and his own responses. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Mike Harnish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the (fictional) life of John, the Last Disciple, who along with his friends, this volume tells of John's decision to write his own Gospel and to tell his recollections of life with Jesus. Kurt Brouwer tells a great story that almost has the reader sharing in the story as a participant rather than just an observer.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The biggest strength for me was that this book felt very Biblically based. I loved the imagined way that John and his friends reminisced about his time with Jesus and recorded the Book of John in the process. I loved seeing the actually scriptures come up in the text of the book. The side stories added a personal element to the delivery of these scriptures, and I could see it happening in this way. I enjoyed reading this and imagining what these disciples might have felt and experienced years after Jesus and how they shared their experiences with Him with others around him. I would definitely recommend this for fans of Biblical fiction. Have your Bible handy so that you can read John's actual account while you are reading this, or shortly after you have finished this narrative!

I recieved a free e-copy of this book. My thoughts and review are my own honest opinion.

[Frode · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series; I have read the previous three. A fifth is being written. John, the Apostle, is the main character. Emmaus and Avram are his companions and are involved in most of the book. All three have good character development. They are good friends and not above poking a bit of fun at one another. The relationship between Priscilla and John is nicely done. Phillip the evangelist and the last disciple other than John plays a limited but important part in this book.

The story is primarily based in Ephesus, but trips to Hierapolis, Laodicea, and Magnesia occur. The novel covers about two years, fall 78 to winter 80 AD. The focus is on the writing down the thoughts and memories of John to ultimately compose the Gospel of John. The interchanges between Phillip and John also bring out memories that are written down. Avram and Emmaus are taking notes and asking questions, but at times John will write things down as he ponders the past.

The author works in the Scriptures easily and naturally into the conversations along with explanations for context and probably some of his own ideas. It makes for easy reading and doesn’t come across as preachy. A reader who is familiar with the Bible will find it helpful and enriching when reading this novel.

The story moves along nicely. The trips back and forth help to keep the action going. There are descriptions of the landscape and the cities, and the mention of mundane items such as what they eat fill in the blanks and give a flavor of the times and places. Not everything is easy or nice; there are those who don’t like Christians, so conflicts arise. That adds to the drama and keeps the pages turning at times.

The author has done his homework. At the end of the book, there are two sections; one is where the Bible passages occur in our modern Bibles, and the second lists the resources he has consulted. The two sections combined are a bit more than 40 pages. Just to make sure you know, this is not a scholarly work; it is a novel, but the history is accurate. It is an enjoyable way to learn about biblical times.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn to the story as we witness John baptizing others. It gave me chills as I remembered when I was baptized. What a thrill it must have been for those who were in presence of John. You can feel the excitement as each one is lifted from the water as a new person in Christ. This first scene sets the book up as we follow John on his journey.

I really enjoyed walking with John as he shares what he witnessed. The life of Jesus is illustrated beautifully through the eyes and words of John. There was a deep bond between these two and I loved how special it was. John witnesses miracles, learns knowledge and feels the unconditional love we all receive from Jesus.

The book is like going back in time as John walks beside Jesus. John at times is in awe of Jesus and knows that this time with him is precious. The first miracle Jesus did is one that some were in disbelief of. When we see a miracle do we thank Jesus or still have disbelief? Throughout the book John gives us a glance of what it may have been like to stand beside Jesus. What an honor it was to be chosen by Jesus to be a disciple. John soaks in the wisdom he is surrounded by and continues to honor Jesus as he continues his journey. The book is well written and allows us to understand Jesus better.

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

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't really give much thought as to how the books in the New Testament came to be written. But Brouwer really gives us a sense of what might have taken place as John was compiling his gospel. It was interesting to read how he might have gotten together with others, reminiscing about their time with Jesus, comparing stories, sharing insights.

Brouwer does a great job of describing cities, temples, etc. I like how he takes us through some of the events of early church history such as how Christians faced the possibility of less work, not wanting to join the pagan guilds. I also liked how we see that Christians were still trying to understand the teachings of Jesus, sometimes disagreeing.

It was also interesting Brouwer wrote that Jesus' mother and John's mother were sisters. Some conclude it from John 9:25 but there is nothing specific in Scripture stating that. There were some early traditions that did include it.

This is a very interesting series, bringing to life people and events we might just gloss over as we read the New Testament. I recommend it.

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

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

Readers who are fans of the TV series “The Chosen” will enjoy this book series entitled “The Last Disciple” by author Kurt Brower. These books are based on the life of the Apostle John. In this fourth book of the series, the elderly John has felt the Holy Spirit impressing on him that the time has come for him to write down his memories of his time walking with Jesus as His disciple. As we follow John through the storyline, the author gives a us a heart-touching look at the love John had for Jesus, and for the love that Jesus has for us.

This book also gives us a look at what life might have been like for the new believers at that time. We get to participate in their joys, difficulties, and sorrows. By the time I finished the book, I felt as if I had walked along the dusty roads with them. But the highlight of the book is seeing, once again, the life of Jesus through the eyes of the beloved disciple. It’s not necessary to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this one. However, I would recommend the whole series to you. The author does a beautiful job of presenting Biblical truth in this series.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical Fiction, especially Christian Historical Fiction, is a great genre. The Last Disciple: Gospel of John by Kurt Brouwer is Book 4 in the Last Disciple series. I read Book 1 in this series and was truly excited to read this book.

WOW, this book is very intriguing from the very beginning! I really enjoyed the retelling of the Journey of John the Disciple and his travels and walking with Jesus. John seeing the Cruxifiction and Resurrection of Jesus, the healing of Phillip were the miracle highlights in this book. I felt as I was there with John as he experienced the Love of Jesus. I really LOVE that this novel is Historically accurate. The author has done a GREAT job doing the research to retell the Gospel of John. I can honestly say that the novel format made things really click for me as it was more of story, then a study. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction with Biblical Facts. AMAZING BOOK!

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this historical re-telling of the Gospel of John. It had my attention from the beginning. All the historical aspects of the novel appear to be well researched and helped bring the story to life.

The story is emotional, offering the reader a glimpse into the struggles, dangers, and faith that the followers of Jesus endured. The main event is the retelling of Jesus' death and resurrection. I felt as though I was right there with the disciples.

As I read through the story, I was transported to biblical times, which felt remarkably real. The disciples' account of their struggles touched my heart. I can't wait for the next installment in the series. This is another excellent read from this author.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gospel of John in 3-D

When the apostle John was fairly old, probably about 80, he decided to write down everything he knew about his life with Jesus. This is the story of how he finally got it written down, and it was as if we were living with him in 3-D. I have studied the Gospel of John, and Kurt Brouwer tells us much of what John wrote. It was very well written and we got more of an insight into the great apostle’s life. Of course, we know that John went on to write the book of Revelation, and also his three epistles written to the church. I am excited to read these other compilations which I’m sure Mr. Brouwer has in his mind.

[Verlyn Victor Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Disciple

What an amazing book! Thank you Kurt. I learned so much. I feel as if I was able to travel with John and his scribes while they went around the country remembering and writing and giving me the opportunity to get the chance to actually be there with them. Meeting the people and sharing their experiences. Seeing the cities and the countryside. It waa almost as if I was there. And to learn so much more about Jesus' life and teaching. The same stories that I have studied and learned in the Bible, but filled out and colored in. I am sorry that this is the final book. Again thank you Kurt. You did an amazing job!

[Lesley Mackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book ! Too often we take the Bible for granted. This series woke me up to the need to memorize scripture afresh and the power of contains. Truth is so desperately need in our society, and the clear message of compromise and how much it ultimately costs us, is a timely warning.

Thank you so much for all the research that went into this book , the quirks and mannerisms attributed to John, really brought fresh air into this compilation of 'almost' John's gospel. Please don't stop here, can't wait for John's letters and the book of revelation.
An excellent series helpful to anyone at any stage of their walk to finding or with Christ.

[Dolores East · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a precious reading experience I have just had as I read "The Last Disciple: Gospel of John". As I continued to read this beautifully written book, the love for my precious Lord Jesus Christ was greatly enhanced. By this lovely book, the recollections of John brought the gospels more and more alive in my spirit. This book is one every Christian who is serious about their faith should read. I look forward to reading all of Kurt Browuer's extremely well written books, and I highly recommend his works to everyone.

[Candy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was instantly captivated by this epic story! We see the life of Jesus through his disciple's eyes and are transported ancient times when the Gospel message was new and spreading throughout by the Disciples then the Apostles. I long to see these ancient cities,experience the culture and meet the first Christians although that isn’t possible,this book does a great great job of painting a vivid picture of these things. We also see the thought process of John as he begins to formulate what would later become the Gospel of John. I wholeheartedly enjoyed and recommend this book!

[Kimijo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Gospel of John tells the story of the Apostle John, the final disciple to witness Jesus’ life and miracles, as he records the events that changed the world. From the streets of Jerusalem to distant cities like Ephesus and Laodicea, John faces danger, skepticism, and opposition, yet remains determined to preserve the gospel he knows is true. Through friendship, courage, and faith, this novel brings to life the challenges and triumphs of one man committed to sharing the story of Christ’s love and sacrifice.

[Charles Ozbirn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about the Beloved Apostle

I have read all four books and have been captivated by the author's ability to bring those last apostolic years to life. I am an avid Bible reader and student. These four books have enriched my study. The Book of John I read frequently for the ability to "hear" the words as Jesus spoke them. Although this is an imagined novel if his live I feel I know John better. I think the apostle would be pleased by this telling of his story.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wishing for More!

I have read the four books about John and would recommend them to all who want to know more about John.

Mr Brouwer brought him and the other disciples to life. You feel that you have walked with Jesus and learned at His side with John. He made the challenges that they faced not only with Rome and the Jewish leaders but the pagan worshippers.

Thank you and I sincerely hope you will continue through 1st, 2nd and 3rd John and Revelations.

Lorraine

[Mary Liechty · Rating 5 out of 5]

So surprisingly satisfying

My title isn’t to say that I expected anything less than what was given, but it far surpassed the ordinary. I even sent a portion of it to my bible study community and encouraged them to seek the books to read them all. Thank you Kurt Brouwer for the insight into the heart of John. I’m hoping the Lord leads you to continue on in your discovery of the Revelations..

[Joseph P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful timeline of Apostle John

Kurt Brouwer did a fantastic job depicting the life of John - and how it could have been like for the last original follow of Jesus. I thoroughly enjoyed the series. Looking forward to the final book when he writes about John writing of the Book of Revelation. Hint, hint.

[Sylvia Meese · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome series!

From the first paragraph of Book One to the last paragraph of Book Four of The Last Disciple series kept me wanting to NOT STOP reading. The Author brings life to the disciples of whom we read of in the Bible. From preteen thru golden age -- so easy to read, so hard to put down.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Brouwer once again is bringing the times & characters of the Bible to life. I would have given it five stars had I not struggled with the persona that he gave Priscilla.
Again, still, I will be excited when he gets the next one in the series ready.

[Shirley I Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

humbling yet challenging

What a wonderful book in novel form and yet covering the facts as the Word gives us. The background adds so much of life in those times for believers which couldn’t be covered in the Word. I have thoroughly enjoyed enjoyed reading this.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

John, the Last Disciple

Intriguing & I have learned so much in reading this series of books. Reliving thru reading this book made me feel like I was right there with Apostle John. Excellently written & I highly recommend it be read by Christians.

[Sharyl Thomsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening

Thrilling, moving, spiritually impacted
Hoping there’s more to come. What a visionary. Regretted finishing all 4 books… could read more every day. Thankful for all the insights

[Mrs. Bridget Wiltshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and emotional read.

Another brilliant book written around apostle Johns remembering his time with Jesus. Very special. Profound truths of the gospel seen through Johns eyes.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

as I read this book I felt as if I was with them!

Mr Brouwer had done a masterful job of putting the words together to impact the lives of all who love Jesus our Christ✝️ I’m so happy I have read all of his work regarding the life of Jesus and His disciples.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and remembrance; what a wonderful series.