Philochristus: Memoirs of a Disciple of the Lord by Edwin Abbott Abbott

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Philochristus: Memoirs of a Disciple of the Lord by Edwin Abbott Abbott

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By Abil Kile Posted on Nov 15, 2025

In Category - Romance

Authors: Abbott, Edwin Abbott, 1838-1926 Published By : Abbott, Edwin Abbott, 1838-1926

Book Language: English

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to witness the life of Jesus not as a gospel writer, but as an ordinary, flawed friend? That's the magic of 'Philochristus.' This isn't a dry biblical retelling. It's a gripping first-person account from a fictional follower, Philochristus, who joins Jesus's movement full of political hope, only to have his world turned upside down. The book's power comes from watching this very human character wrestle with disappointment, fear, and a faith he doesn't fully understand. If you're curious about the personal, messy, and profoundly human side of a story you think you know, this is your next read.

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_All the more need seemeth thereof because the Lord delayeth his coming. For now these ten years Jerusalem hath been trodden down of the Gentiles, and the words of the Lord concerning the destruction of the Holy City have been fulfilled; and yet he cometh not. Yea, and sometimes my mind presageth that his coming __may be yet longer delayed, even till all they that knew him in the flesh have fallen asleep._ _For this cause I was long ago moved, even from the second or third year after the destruction of the Holy City, to leave some record behind me to testify of the Lord. But when I adventured to write, behold, it was an hard matter and well‐nigh impossible, to set forth such an image of the Lord Jesus as should be at once according to the truth, and yet not altogether too bright for mortal eye to look upon and love. Therefore at the last, when I perceived that it was not given unto me to portray any character of the Lord as he was in himself, I determined rather to set forth an history of mine own life; wherein, as in a mirror, might perchance be discerned some lineaments of the countenance of Christ, seen as by reflexion, in the life of one that loved him._ THE TABLE _Chapter_ 1 _Of my childhood in Galilee; and how I gave myself wholly to the study of the Law._ 2 _Of my doubts concerning the Law; and of the Patriots or Galileans; and of the expectation concerning John the son of Zachariah._ 3 _Concerning the casting out of unclean Spirits; and of the nature of the Redemption of Israel; and how I first saw Jesus of Nazareth._ 4 _Of the doctrine of John the Prophet, how it suited with the people of the land; and how I was baptized of the Prophet._ 5 _Of the Greek philosophers in Alexandria; and how I had discourse with Philo the Alexandrine._ 6 _How I found not salvation in the worship of the Temple; nor in the teachers of Galilee; nor in the Essenes; and how I first spake with Jesus of Nazareth._ 7 _Of the Good News; and concerning the Kingdom of God; and how we desired of Jesus new laws._ 8 _Of the New Law._ 9 _How Quartus interpreted the New Law._ 10 _How some desired Jesus to mix the New Law with the Old Law; and concerning the legion of swine; and how Jesus began to teach in parables._ 11 _Concerning the new power of the Forgiveness of Sins._ 12 _How the Forgiveness of Sins is the Key that openeth the New Kingdom; and how the Old Law and the New Law must not be mixed._ 13 _Of the plotting of the Pharisees against Jesus, how they said he had a devil; and concerning the Holy Spirit._ 14 _How John the Prophet doubted concerning Jesus; and concerning them that are __“__born of women;__”__ and of the beheading of John the Prophet._ 15 _How Jesus fled from Capernaum, and the Galileans at first fell away from him; and concerning the levy in Galilee; and of the visit of Jesus to Nazareth._ 16 _How, after the death of John the Prophet, Jesus foresaw that he also must be slain; and of the Bread of Life, and the feeding of the five thousand; and concerning the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees._ 17 _How Xanthias the Alexandrine said that the philosophy of Jesus aimed at the taking in of the Gentiles into the Kingdom, and at the enfranchisement of slaves; and how...

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Imagine finding a long-lost diary from someone who walked beside Jesus. That's the feeling Edwin Abbott Abbott creates in Philochristus.

The Story

The book is written as the memoirs of Philochristus, a young, educated Jew living in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. He's drawn to Jesus not just as a teacher, but as a potential political liberator who might free Judea from Roman rule. We follow his journey from hopeful disciple through moments of confusion and doubt, all the way to the shattering events of the crucifixion and the puzzling rumors of resurrection. The narrative is anchored in his personal struggle to reconcile his expectations with the reality of Jesus's mission.

Why You Should Read It

Abbott makes the ancient world feel immediate. Philochristus isn't a saint; he's jealous, ambitious, and often gets things wrong. Seeing the gospel story through his skeptical, questioning eyes is refreshing. It strips away centuries of stained-glass imagery and asks: what would it really be like to encounter this man? The book is less about doctrine and more about the slow, difficult birth of faith in a person's heart. It’s a deeply psychological and emotional take on a foundational story.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who love historical fiction that makes you think, especially if you enjoy perspectives from the sidelines of major events. It’s for anyone who’s ever asked 'Yes, but what did the people around him think?' Don't go in expecting a simple affirmation of faith; go in expecting a compelling, human drama about hope, disillusionment, and finding meaning where you least expect it. A truly unique and moving book.

📜 Open Access

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