Other Friends of Jesus

The fourth in a series of books following Other Temptations of Jesus; Other Communions of Jesus; and Other Prayers of Jesus. The book offers a non-conformist approach to a traditional way of thinking. Other Friends of Jesus questions the traditional list of the first disciple/apostles of Jesus. It provides pen portraits of an alternative list found in the gospels, including an unmasking of the Beloved Disciple. The book also demonstrates Jesus' networking skills and his underestimated gift of organisation. From the start there was not one Christian community, but several. Up to now history has been written by the surviving most successful. This book turns the verdict of history on its head. As Jesus taught, "The first shall be last, and the last shall be first." Like all John Henson's books this one will appeal to the enquirer and the open minded. Other Friends of Jesus takes an alternative look at those who were Jesus' closest companions and truest friends, offering a nonconformist perspective. It challenges the order of priority among the first Christian leaders as traditionally presented by the churches, and brings to light the importance of those who have been kept in the background.