Product Information

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Format: DRM Protected ePub
Vendor: Tyndale House
Publication Date: 2012

ISBN: 9781414373812
ISBN-13: 9781414373812
Series: Last Disciple

Publisher's Description

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Set in the turbulent years just before one of the most horrendous events in Jewish history, The Last Temple concludes the trilogy of The Last Disciple and The Last Sacrifice. Vitas is reunited with his wife and retires to Alexandria, determined to live a quiet, domestic life. But he can’t avoid the debts that he owes to the men who saved him, and he becomes a key figure in the plot to rid the empire of Nero. It sweeps him into the “year of four emperors,” when the Roman Empire is nearly destroyed, and takes him back to Jerusalem as Titus lays siege to the great city. Only then, as the prophecy of Jesus begins to unfold, does Vitas discover the true mission set before him and the astounding conspiracy behind it.

ChristianBookPreviews.com

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The Last Temple, written by Hank Hanegraaff and Sigmund Brouwer, is the last book of a historical fiction trilogy which also contains The Last Sacrifice and The Last Disciple. Interesting snippets within this book give enough information to understand the flow of the series and to encourage the reading of the two previous volumes.

Gallus Sergius Vitas, a former Roman soldier, now a fugitive from Nero, narrowly escapes death by crucifixion. While relaxing at the villa of Bernice, the Queen of the Jews, in Alexandria, Vitas continues to mull over several things: a mysterious note that was sent with him when he was rescued from Rome, a token given to him by Joseph Ben-Matthias (a prominent man of Jerusalem), which Vitas has promised to redeem if requested, no questions asked, and the intrigue by which Bernice hopes to rescue her people if the worst should happen. Vitas does not think it strategically possible for Jerusalem and the Temple to fall. Yet, unless the prophecy is fulfilled, Vitas cannot logically believe in the Christos, in whom his beloved wife Sophia has put her trust.

The time comes, however, when Vitas is summoned to Jerusalem by his friend and former fellow-soldier, Titus Flavius Vespasianus. Although there on personal business, Vitas cannot help appraising the situation: two factions of Jews led by John of Gischala and Simon Ben-Gioras have been destroying each other inside the walls. Titus has found a way to breech the walls. Could the Temple fall after all? Then, the redemption of the token is demanded.

The story writing is excellent and the research is thorough. There is one apparent gap in logic that needs explaining: if crucifixion deaths most often occurred by dehydration, as the book says, how did water gush out of the body when death was proven by spear point? Wouldnt any remaining fluid drain to the feet by gravity?

This book is a wonderful story. Readers who do not agree with the interpretation of prophecy espoused by the authors can still enjoy the story if they consider that interpretation as background for the story, separating it from the readers own belief. Men will enjoy this story more than women because the roles of women are subdued, although they appear at pivotal times. However, anyone who loves historical fiction will relish this book. - Lynn Brown, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

Product Reviews

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Elijah

5 Stars Out Of 5

Very Engaging

June 12, 2015

Elijah

Quality: 5

Value: 5

Meets Expectations: 5

This review was written for The Last Temple, The Last Disciple Series #3.

This series reflects much time paid to historical accuracy but the candor of a true novel series. As you begin to read are brought to a period time where Jesus's life was fresh and not so far off, and you are seeing the perspectives and struggles of those who lived a life testifying to the Christ. This series also brings you into the perspective of the nonbelievers of this era and how they view those that have the light of Christ in their souls; how there testimony of persistence and trust in God lead they themselves to believe.

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JT

4 Stars Out Of 5

Worth the read

March 20, 2015

JT

Quality: 5

Value: 4

Meets Expectations: 4

This review was written for The Last Temple, The Last Disciple Series #3.

I had already read the first two books before buying this one. While it was not on the same level of quality as the first two, it was still worth the read. the book was a little smashed when it arrived.

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Valerie Garvin

California

Age: 45-54

Gender: female

5 Stars Out Of 5

Interesting read

January 3, 2013

Valerie Garvin

California

Age: 45-54

Gender: female

Quality: 5

Value: 5

Meets Expectations: 5

This review was written for The Last Temple, The Last Disciple Series #3.

My daughter and I greatly enjoyed this series. While it is a work of fiction, it is also historically and biblically accurate and has an interesting storyline.

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Eliza S

Tucson, AZ

Age: 45-54

Gender: female

3 Stars Out Of 5

CBD Reader

September 24, 2012

Eliza S

Tucson, AZ

Age: 45-54

Gender: female

Quality: 4

Value: 5

Meets Expectations: 3

The book is great and the ease of reading is wonderful. However, the bookmarks for the CBDReader leave much to be desired. I have to scroll to the page I was reading because the bookmark will only take me to the beginning of the chapter (and other annoyances).

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Blooming with Books

Bloomer, WI

Age: 35-44

Gender: female

5 Stars Out Of 5

The Last Temple a look at the fall of Jerusalem

September 16, 2012

Blooming with Books

Bloomer, WI

Age: 35-44

Gender: female

Quality: 5

Value: 5

Meets Expectations: 5

This review was written for The Last Temple, The Last Disciple Series #3.

THE LAST TEMPLE

by Hank Hanegraff and Sigmund Brouwer

Before His death the Christos prophesied that the Temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed. But how can this impregnable structure ever fall? But Jewish rebellion continues as the Roman Empire is caught up in the turmoil of Nero's reign.

As the Jews continue in their defiance after Nero's fall, Rome again turns her attention on the chosen nation. Confident that the Temple will never fall before the long awaited Messiah comes, Israel refuses to submit or surrender to Roman authority. But Rome won't be stopped.

Vitas is conflicted - he is Roman and yet his heart belongs to Sophia a Jewish follower of Christos. Could the Nazarene crucified all those years ago truly have come back to life? As events unfold, it appears that that the Letter of The Revelation is being fulfilled before his very eyes. Does this mean that the Temple could indeed fall?

When the imminent destruction of Jerusalem seems certain, Titus son of Emperor Vespasian offers the Jews a compromise that could save the Temple. But Titus's offer of peace and surrender are rejected.

But throughout Vitas is being directed by a secret benefactor who has entrusted him with a token to both identify himself and to identify one to whom he would have to repay a debt if the Temple were to fall.

As time grows short Vitas finally learns of the debt he must repay, a debt that could cost him his very life. Can Vitas fulfill his obligation or will he fall before he comes to know the Christos?

The Last Temple is the concluding novel in the series that includes The Last Disciple and The Last Sacrifice.

I received a copy of this book through the Tyndale Blogger Network for the purpose of this review. A favorable review was not required.

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