The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch by Kurt Brouwer

Author:Kurt Brouwer [Brouwer, Kurt]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-05-28T16:00:00+00:00

On the appointed day, John waited for Evodius near the bridge that led onto the island. When Evodius joined him, they headed to the Imperial Palace, moving slowly. John thought they should proceed in a dignified manner today, for they were representatives of the Christians in Antioch. With a smile, he said, “Evodius, you look most impressive. I’m afraid I look rather paltry compared to you.”

Evodius smiled weakly but said nothing. He wore a scarlet ceremonial robe and turban while John wore a clean tunic and a deep-red robe. As usual, John wore no head covering, so his long, thick hair blew across his face in the breeze.

John glanced over. “My friend, you look like a high priest with your spotless white tunic set against the bright red of your robe. And the matching turban—or hat, I guess. It’s pointier than a turban. Impressive. And the cross on a metal staff. Does that have a name?”

Sounding a bit testy, Evodius said, “I don’t know, John. My wife said the staff with the cross lends me dignity. To be truthful, she loves all these things more than I. She had this cross mounted on the staff. When we do a procession, we often have a young man carry it to lead us. Anthusa thought it looked very stately for my appearance in front of the Romans.”

John held up a corner of his robe. “I’m glad you loaned me this dark red robe. Otherwise, I would feel rather dowdy. I have a staff, but it’s just acacia wood.”

“Aye.” Evodius glanced around anxiously. “John, why do you think we’ve been summoned?”

John pondered this question as they entered the outer courts of the Imperial Palace. A detachment of guards blocked their way, demanding identification.

John spoke for both of them. “John, son of Zebedee, and Evodius, the Christian bishop of Antioch. Here by summons from Governor Mucianus.”

Two of the guards escorted them inside the entryway and up a broad staircase. Behind them, they heard a stamp and clash of arms. At the sound, John turned and caught sight of Rabbi Jonah ben Nappaha approaching the guards.

John and Evodius entered an anteroom where they were told to wait. The rabbi joined them, and, after a few minutes, an aide came up to them and inquired as to their names and told them the governor would be with them soon. Evodius still seemed anxious, so John escorted him onto a broad verandah overlooking the Orontes.

John attempted to lighten the tension. “The good rabbi seems well turned-out. Reminds me of the times I stood before the Sanhedrin. All wore gorgeous robes and turbans. Bright blues and reds, embroidered with gold and silver. Extravagant, you might say. Perfectly laundered white tunics and soft leather sandals. Well-groomed beards, thick and full. In fact, now that I think of it, Evodius, your beard seems particularly symmetrical today.”

Evodius stroked his dark beard and sighed. “I wish I knew why we have been summoned. I have had one or two disputes with our Roman authorities.

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