Changes

139:0.1 It is an [[eloquent]] [[testimony]] to the [[charm]] and [[righteousness]] of [[Jesus]]' earth life that, although he repeatedly dashed to pieces the [[hopes]] of his [[apostles]] and tore to shreds their every [[ambition]] for [[personal]] exaltation, only one deserted him.

139:0.1 It is an [[eloquent]] [[testimony]] to the [[charm]] and [[righteousness]] of [[Jesus]]' earth life that, although he repeatedly dashed to pieces the [[hopes]] of his [[apostles]] and tore to shreds their every [[ambition]] for [[personal]] exaltation, only one deserted him.

139:0.2 The [[apostles]] learned from [[Jesus]] about the [[kingdom of heaven]], and Jesus learned much from them about the [[Human condition|kingdom of men]], [[human]] nature as it lives on [[Urantia]] and on the other [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49 evolutionary worlds] of [[time and space]]. These twelve men [[represented]] many [[different]] [[types]] of human [[temperament]], and they had not been made alike by schooling. Many of these [[Galilean]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fishermen] carried heavy strains of [[gentile]] blood as a result of the forcible [[conversion]] of the gentile population of [[Galilee]] one hundred years previously.

139:0.2 The [[apostles]] learned from [[Jesus]] about the [[kingdom of heaven]], and Jesus learned much from them about the [[Human condition|kingdom of men]], [[human]] nature as it lives on [[Urantia]] and on the other [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49 evolutionary worlds] of [[time and space]]. These twelve men [[represented]] many [[different]] [[types]] of human [[temperament]], and they had not been made alike by schooling. Many of these [[Galilean]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fishermen] carried heavy strains of [[gentile]] blood as a result of the forcible [[conversion]] of the gentile population of [[Galilee]] one hundred years previously.

139:0.3 Do not make the mistake of regarding the [[apostles]] as being altogether ignorant and unlearned. All of them, except the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:9_and_10._JAMES_AND_JUDAS_ALPHEUS Alpheus twins], were [[graduates]] of the [[synagogue]] schools, having been thoroughly [[trained]] in the [[Hebrew]] [[scriptures]] and in much of the current [[knowledge]] of that day. Seven were graduates of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] [[synagogue]] schools, and there were no better Jewish schools in all [[Galilee]].

139:0.3 Do not make the mistake of regarding the [[apostles]] as being altogether ignorant and unlearned. All of them, except the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:9_and_10._JAMES_AND_JUDAS_ALPHEUS Alpheus twins], were [[graduates]] of the [[synagogue]] schools, having been thoroughly [[trained]] in the [[Hebrew]] [[scriptures]] and in much of the current [[knowledge]] of that day. Seven were graduates of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] [[synagogue]] schools, and there were no better Jewish schools in all [[Galilee]].

139:0.4 When your [[records]] refer to these messengers of [[the kingdom]] as being " ignorant and unlearned, " it was [[intended]] to convey the [[idea]] that they were laymen, unlearned in the [[lore]] of the [[rabbis]] and untrained in the [[methods]] of rabbinical [[interpretation]] of the [[Scriptures]]. They were lacking in so-called [[Academic|higher education]]. In [[modern]] times they would certainly be considered uneducated, and in some circles of [[society]] even uncultured. One thing is [[certain]]: They had not all been put through the same rigid and [[stereotyped]] educational [[curriculum]]. From [[adolescence]] on they had enjoyed separate [[experiences]] of learning how to live.

139:0.4 When your [[records]] refer to these messengers of [[the kingdom]] as being " ignorant and unlearned, " it was [[intended]] to convey the [[idea]] that they were laymen, unlearned in the [[lore]] of the [[rabbis]] and untrained in the [[methods]] of rabbinical [[interpretation]] of the [[Scriptures]]. They were lacking in so-called [[Academic|higher education]]. In [[modern]] times they would certainly be considered uneducated, and in some circles of [[society]] even uncultured. One thing is [[certain]]: They had not all been put through the same rigid and [[stereotyped]] educational [[curriculum]]. From [[adolescence]] on they had enjoyed separate [[experiences]] of learning how to live.

==139:1. ANDREW, THE FIRST CHOSEN==

==139:1. ANDREW, THE FIRST CHOSEN==

139:1.1 Andrew, chairman of the apostolic corps of [[the kingdom]], was born in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum]. He was the oldest child in a [[family]] of five—himself, his brother [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon], and three sisters. His [[father]], now dead, had been a partner of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] in the fish-drying business at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida], the fishing harbor of Capernaum. When he became an [[apostle]], Andrew was unmarried but made his [[home]] with his married brother, Simon Peter. Both were [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fishermen] and [[partners]] of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:3._JAMES_ZEBEDEE James] and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] the sons of Zebedee.

139:1.1 Andrew, chairman of the apostolic corps of [[the kingdom]], was born in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum]. He was the oldest child in a [[family]] of five—himself, his brother [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon], and three sisters. His [[father]], now dead, had been a partner of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] in the fish-drying business at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida], the fishing harbor of Capernaum. When he became an [[apostle]], Andrew was unmarried but made his [[home]] with his married brother, Simon Peter. Both were [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fishermen] and [[partners]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:3._JAMES_ZEBEDEE James] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] the sons of Zebedee.

139:1.2 In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/26_AD A.D. 26], the year he was chosen as an [[apostle]], Andrew was 33, a full year older than [[Jesus]] and the oldest of [[the apostles]]. He sprang from an excellent line of [[ancestors]] and was the ablest man of the twelve. Excepting [[oratory]], he was the [[peer]] of his associates in almost every imaginable [[ability]]. Jesus never gave Andrew a nickname, a fraternal designation. But even as [[the apostles]] soon began to call Jesus Master, so they also designated Andrew by a term the equivalent of [[Chief]].

139:1.2 In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/26_AD A.D. 26], the year he was chosen as an [[apostle]], Andrew was 33, a full year older than [[Jesus]] and the oldest of [[the apostles]]. He sprang from an excellent line of [[ancestors]] and was the ablest man of the twelve. Excepting [[oratory]], he was the [[peer]] of his associates in almost every imaginable [[ability]]. Jesus never gave Andrew a nickname, a fraternal designation. But even as [[the apostles]] soon began to call Jesus Master, so they also designated Andrew by a term the equivalent of [[Chief]].

139:1.3 Andrew was a good [[organizer]] but a better [[administrator]]. He was one of the inner circle of four apostles, but his appointment by [[Jesus]] as the head of the apostolic [[group]] made it [[necessary]] for him to remain on [[duty]] with his brethren while the other [[three]] enjoyed very close [[communion]] with [[the Master]]. To the very end Andrew remained dean of the apostolic corps.

139:1.3 Andrew was a good [[organizer]] but a better [[administrator]]. He was one of the inner circle of four apostles, but his appointment by [[Jesus]] as the head of the apostolic [[group]] made it [[necessary]] for him to remain on [[duty]] with his brethren while the other [[three]] enjoyed very close [[communion]] with [[the Master]]. To the very end Andrew remained dean of the apostolic corps.

139:1.4 Although Andrew was never an [[effective]] [[preacher]], he was an [[efficient]] [[personal]] worker, being the [[pioneer]] missionary of [[the kingdom]] in that, as the first chosen apostle, he immediately brought to [[Jesus]] his brother, [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon], who subsequently became one of the greatest [[preachers]] of [[the kingdom]]. Andrew was the chief supporter of [[Jesus]]' policy of utilizing the [[program]] of [[personal]] work as a means of [[training]] the twelve as [[messengers]] of the kingdom.

139:1.4 Although Andrew was never an [[effective]] [[preacher]], he was an [[efficient]] [[personal]] worker, being the [[pioneer]] missionary of [[the kingdom]] in that, as the first chosen apostle, he immediately brought to [[Jesus]] his brother, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon], who subsequently became one of the greatest [[preachers]] of [[the kingdom]]. Andrew was the chief supporter of [[Jesus]]' policy of utilizing the [[program]] of [[personal]] work as a means of [[training]] the twelve as [[messengers]] of the kingdom.

139:1.5 Whether [[Jesus]] [[private]]ly taught the [[apostles]] or preached to the multitude, Andrew was usually conversant with what was going on; he was an [[understanding]] [[executive]] and an efficient [[administrator]]. He rendered a prompt [[decision]] on every matter brought to his notice unless he deemed the [[problem]] one beyond the [[domain]] of his [[authority]], in which [[event]] he would take it straight to [[Jesus]].

139:1.5 Whether [[Jesus]] [[private]]ly taught the [[apostles]] or preached to the multitude, Andrew was usually conversant with what was going on; he was an [[understanding]] [[executive]] and an efficient [[administrator]]. He rendered a prompt [[decision]] on every matter brought to his notice unless he deemed the [[problem]] one beyond the [[domain]] of his [[authority]], in which [[event]] he would take it straight to [[Jesus]].

139:1.6 Andrew and [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] were very [[Different|unlike]] in [[character]] and [[temperament]], but it must be recorded everlastingly to their credit that they got along together splendidly. Andrew was never [[jealous]] of Peter's [[orator]]ical [[ability]]. Not often will an older man of Andrew's [[type]] be observed exerting such a [[profound]] [[influence]] over a younger and [[talent]]ed [[brother]]. Andrew and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:2._SIMON_PETER Peter] never seemed to be in the least [[jealous]] of each other's abilities or achievements. Late on the evening of the day of [[Pentecost]], when, largely through the energetic and [[inspiring]] preaching of Peter, two thousand [[souls]] were added to [[the kingdom]], Andrew said to his [[brother]]: " I could not do that, but I am glad I have a brother who could. " To which Peter replied: " And but for your bringing me to [[the Master]] and by your [[steadfast]]ness keeping me with him, I should not have been here to do this. " Andrew and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:2._SIMON_PETER Peter] were the exceptions to the rule, proving that even [[brothers]] can live together peaceably and work together effectively.

139:1.6 Andrew and [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] were very [[Different|unlike]] in [[character]] and [[temperament]], but it must be recorded everlastingly to their credit that they got along together splendidly. Andrew was never [[jealous]] of Peter's [[orator]]ical [[ability]]. Not often will an older man of Andrew's [[type]] be observed exerting such a [[profound]] [[influence]] over a younger and [[talent]]ed [[brother]]. Andrew and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:2._SIMON_PETER Peter] never seemed to be in the least [[jealous]] of each other's abilities or achievements. Late on the evening of the day of [[Pentecost]], when, largely through the energetic and [[inspiring]] preaching of Peter, two thousand [[souls]] were added to [[the kingdom]], Andrew said to his [[brother]]: " I could not do that, but I am glad I have a brother who could. " To which Peter replied: " And but for your bringing me to [[the Master]] and by your [[steadfast]]ness keeping me with him, I should not have been here to do this. " Andrew and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:2._SIMON_PETER Peter] were the exceptions to the rule, proving that even [[brothers]] can live together peaceably and work together effectively.

139:1.7 After [[Pentecost]] Peter was [[famous]], but it never irritated the older Andrew to spend the rest of his life being introduced as " Simon Peter's brother. "

139:1.7 After [[Pentecost]] Peter was [[famous]], but it never irritated the older Andrew to spend the rest of his life being introduced as " Simon Peter's brother. "

139:1.8 Of all the [[apostles]], Andrew was the best judge of men. He knew that trouble was brewing in the [[heart]] of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:12._JUDAS_ISCARIOT Judas Iscariot] even when none of the others [[suspected]] that anything was wrong with their treasurer; but he told none of them his [[fears]]. Andrew's great [[service]] to [[the kingdom]] was in advising [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:2._SIMON_PETER Peter], [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:3._JAMES_ZEBEDEE James], and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] concerning the [[choice]] of the first missionaries who were sent out to [[proclaim]] the [[gospel]], and also in [[counseling]] these early [[leaders]] about the [[organization]] of the [[administrative]] affairs of the kingdom. Andrew had a great gift for [[discovering]] the hidden [[resources]] and [[latent]] [[talents]] of [[young people]].

139:1.8 Of all the [[apostles]], Andrew was the best judge of men. He knew that trouble was brewing in the [[heart]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:12._JUDAS_ISCARIOT Judas Iscariot] even when none of the others [[suspected]] that anything was wrong with their treasurer; but he told none of them his [[fears]]. Andrew's great [[service]] to [[the kingdom]] was in advising [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:2._SIMON_PETER Peter], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:3._JAMES_ZEBEDEE James], and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] concerning the [[choice]] of the first missionaries who were sent out to [[proclaim]] the [[gospel]], and also in [[counseling]] these early [[leaders]] about the [[organization]] of the [[administrative]] affairs of the kingdom. Andrew had a great gift for [[discovering]] the hidden [[resources]] and [[latent]] [[talents]] of [[young people]].

139:1.9 Very soon after [[Jesus]]' [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_193 ascension] on high, Andrew began the [[writing]] of a [[personal]] [[record]] of many of the sayings and doings of his departed Master. After Andrew's [[death]] other [[copies]] of this private record were made and [[circulated]] freely among the early [[teachers]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity Christian church]. These informal notes of Andrew's were subsequently [[edited]], amended, altered, and added to until they made up a fairly consecutive [[narrative]] of [[the Master]]'s life on earth. The last of these few altered and amended copies was destroyed by fire at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] about one hundred years after the [[original]] was written by the first chosen of the twelve [[apostles]].

139:1.9 Very soon after [[Jesus]]' [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_193 ascension] on high, Andrew began the [[writing]] of a [[personal]] [[record]] of many of the sayings and doings of his departed Master. After Andrew's [[death]] other [[copies]] of this private record were made and [[circulated]] freely among the early [[teachers]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity Christian church]. These informal notes of Andrew's were subsequently [[edited]], amended, altered, and added to until they made up a fairly consecutive [[narrative]] of [[the Master]]'s life on earth. The last of these few altered and amended copies was destroyed by fire at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] about one hundred years after the [[original]] was written by the first chosen of the twelve [[apostles]].

139:1.10 Andrew was a man of clear [[insight]], [[logical]] [[thought]], and firm [[decision]], whose great [[strength]] of [[character]] consisted in his superb [[stability]]. His [[temperament]]al [[handicap]] was his lack of [[enthusiasm]]; he many times failed to [[encourage]] his associates by judicious commendation. And this [[reticence]] to praise the [[worthy]] accomplishments of his [[friends]] grew out of his abhorrence of [[flattery]] and insincerity. Andrew was one of those all-round, even-tempered, self-made, and successful men of modest affairs.

139:1.10 Andrew was a man of clear [[insight]], [[logical]] [[thought]], and firm [[decision]], whose great [[strength]] of [[character]] consisted in his superb [[stability]]. His [[temperament]]al [[handicap]] was his lack of [[enthusiasm]]; he many times failed to [[encourage]] his associates by judicious commendation. And this [[reticence]] to praise the [[worthy]] accomplishments of his [[friends]] grew out of his abhorrence of [[flattery]] and insincerity. Andrew was one of those all-round, even-tempered, self-made, and successful men of modest affairs.

139:1.11 Every one of the [[apostles]] loved [[Jesus]], but it remains true that each of the twelve was drawn toward him because of some certain trait of [[personality]] which made a special [[appeal]] to the [[individual]] apostle. Andrew admired Jesus because of his consistent [[sincerity]], his unaffected [[dignity]]. When men once knew [[Jesus]], they were possessed with the urge to [[share]] him with their friends; they really wanted all the world to know him.

139:1.11 Every one of the [[apostles]] loved [[Jesus]], but it remains true that each of the twelve was drawn toward him because of some certain trait of [[personality]] which made a special [[appeal]] to the [[individual]] apostle. Andrew admired Jesus because of his consistent [[sincerity]], his unaffected [[dignity]]. When men once knew [[Jesus]], they were possessed with the urge to [[share]] him with their friends; they really wanted all the world to know him.

139:1.12 When the later [[persecutions]] finally scattered the [[apostles]] from [[Jerusalem]], Andrew journeyed through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenia Armenia], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_Minor Asia Minor], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonia Macedonia] and, after bringing many thousands into the kingdom, was finally apprehended and [[crucified]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrae Patrae] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achaea Achaia]. It was two full days before this robust man expired on the cross, and throughout these [[tragic]] hours he continued effectively to [[proclaim]] the glad tidings of the [[salvation]] of the [[kingdom of heaven]].

139:1.12 When the later [[persecutions]] finally scattered the [[apostles]] from [[Jerusalem]], Andrew journeyed through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenia Armenia], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_Minor Asia Minor], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonia Macedonia] and, after bringing many thousands into the kingdom, was finally apprehended and [[crucified]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrae Patrae] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achaea Achaia]. It was two full days before this robust man expired on the cross, and throughout these [[tragic]] hours he continued effectively to [[proclaim]] the glad tidings of the [[salvation]] of the [[kingdom of heaven]].

==139:2. SIMON PETER==

==139:2. SIMON PETER==

139:2.1 When [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon]] joined the [[apostles]], he was thirty years of age. He was [[married]], had three children, and lived at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida], near [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum]. His brother, [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew], and his [[wife]]'s [[mother]] lived with him. Both Peter and Andrew were [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisher] [[partners]] of the sons of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee].

139:2.1 When [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon]] joined the [[apostles]], he was thirty years of age. He was [[married]], had three children, and lived at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida], near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum]. His brother, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew], and his [[wife]]'s [[mother]] lived with him. Both Peter and Andrew were [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisher] [[partners]] of the sons of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee].

139:2.2 [[The Master]] had known [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon]] for some time before [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] presented him as the second of the [[apostles]]. When [[Jesus]] gave Simon the name [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], he did it with a smile; it was to be a sort of nickname. Simon was well known to all his [[friends]] as an erratic and [[impulsive]] fellow. True, later on, [[Jesus]] did attach a new and significant import to this lightly bestowed nickname.

139:2.2 [[The Master]] had known [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon]] for some time before [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] presented him as the second of the [[apostles]]. When [[Jesus]] gave Simon the name [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], he did it with a smile; it was to be a sort of nickname. Simon was well known to all his [[friends]] as an erratic and [[impulsive]] fellow. True, later on, [[Jesus]] did attach a new and significant import to this lightly bestowed nickname.

139:2.3 [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon Peter]] was a man of [[impulse]], an [[optimist]]. He had grown up permitting himself freely to indulge strong [[feelings]]; he was constantly getting into [[difficulties]] because he [[persisted]] in [[speaking]] without [[thinking]]. This sort of thoughtlessness also made incessant trouble for all of his [[friends]] and associates and was the cause of his receiving many mild [[rebuke]]s from his Master. The only reason [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] did not get into more trouble because of his thoughtless [[speaking]] was that he very early learned to talk over many of his [[plans]] and [[schemes]] with his [[brother]], [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], before he ventured to make [[public]] [[proposals]].

139:2.3 [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon Peter]] was a man of [[impulse]], an [[optimist]]. He had grown up permitting himself freely to indulge strong [[feelings]]; he was constantly getting into [[difficulties]] because he [[persisted]] in [[speaking]] without [[thinking]]. This sort of thoughtlessness also made incessant trouble for all of his [[friends]] and associates and was the cause of his receiving many mild [[rebuke]]s from his Master. The only reason [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] did not get into more trouble because of his thoughtless [[speaking]] was that he very early learned to talk over many of his [[plans]] and [[schemes]] with his [[brother]], [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], before he ventured to make [[public]] [[proposals]].

139:2.4 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] was a fluent [[speaker]], [[eloquent]] and [[dramatic]]. He was also a [[natural]] and [[inspirational]] [[leader]] of men, a quick [[thinker]] but not a deep reasoner. He asked many questions, more than all the [[apostles]] put together, and while the [[majority]] of these questions were good and relevant, many of them were thoughtless and [[foolish]]. Peter did not have a deep [[mind]], but he knew his mind fairly well. He was therefore a man of quick [[decision]] and sudden [[action]]. While others talked in their astonishment at seeing [[Jesus]] on the beach, [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] jumped in and swam ashore to meet [[the Master]].

139:2.4 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] was a fluent [[speaker]], [[eloquent]] and [[dramatic]]. He was also a [[natural]] and [[inspirational]] [[leader]] of men, a quick [[thinker]] but not a deep reasoner. He asked many questions, more than all the [[apostles]] put together, and while the [[majority]] of these questions were good and relevant, many of them were thoughtless and [[foolish]]. Peter did not have a deep [[mind]], but he knew his mind fairly well. He was therefore a man of quick [[decision]] and sudden [[action]]. While others talked in their astonishment at seeing [[Jesus]] on the beach, [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] jumped in and swam ashore to meet [[the Master]].

139:2.5 The one trait which [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] most admired in [[Jesus]] was his [[supernal]] [[tenderness]]. Peter never grew weary of [[contemplating]] [[Jesus]]' forbearance. He never forgot the lesson about forgiving the wrongdoer, not only seven times but seventy times and seven. He [[thought]] much about these impressions of [[the Master]]'s forgiving [[character]] during those [[dark]] and dismal days [[immediately]] following his thoughtless and unintended [[denial]] of [[Jesus]] in the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_184#184:2._PETER_IN_THE_COURTYARD high priest's courtyard].

139:2.5 The one trait which [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] most admired in [[Jesus]] was his [[supernal]] [[tenderness]]. Peter never grew weary of [[contemplating]] [[Jesus]]' forbearance. He never forgot the lesson about forgiving the wrongdoer, not only seven times but seventy times and seven. He [[thought]] much about these impressions of [[the Master]]'s forgiving [[character]] during those [[dark]] and dismal days [[immediately]] following his thoughtless and unintended [[denial]] of [[Jesus]] in the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_184#184:2._PETER_IN_THE_COURTYARD high priest's courtyard].

139:2.6 [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon Peter]] was distressingly vacillating; he would suddenly swing from one [[extreme]] to the other. First he refused to let [[Jesus]] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_179#179:3._WASHING_THE_APOSTLES.27_FEET wash his feet] and then, on hearing the Master's reply, begged to be washed all over. But, after all, [[Jesus]] knew that Peter's faults were of the head and not of the [[heart]]. He was one of the most inexplicable combinations of [[courage]] and cowardice that ever lived on [[earth]]. His great [[strength]] of [[character]] was [[loyalty]], [[friendship]]. Peter really and truly [[love]]d [[Jesus]]. And yet despite this towering [[strength]] of [[devotion]] he was so unstable and inconstant that he [[permitted]] a servant girl to tease him into denying his Lord and Master. Peter could withstand [[persecution]] and any other form of direct [[assault]], but he withered and shrank before [[ridicule]]. He was a [[brave]] soldier when facing a frontal [[attack]], but he was a fear-cringing coward when [[surprised]] with an assault from the rear.

139:2.6 [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon Peter]] was distressingly vacillating; he would suddenly swing from one [[extreme]] to the other. First he refused to let [[Jesus]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_179#179:3._WASHING_THE_APOSTLES.27_FEET wash his feet] and then, on hearing the Master's reply, begged to be washed all over. But, after all, [[Jesus]] knew that Peter's faults were of the head and not of the [[heart]]. He was one of the most inexplicable combinations of [[courage]] and cowardice that ever lived on [[earth]]. His great [[strength]] of [[character]] was [[loyalty]], [[friendship]]. Peter really and truly [[love]]d [[Jesus]]. And yet despite this towering [[strength]] of [[devotion]] he was so unstable and inconstant that he [[permitted]] a servant girl to tease him into denying his Lord and Master. Peter could withstand [[persecution]] and any other form of direct [[assault]], but he withered and shrank before [[ridicule]]. He was a [[brave]] soldier when facing a frontal [[attack]], but he was a fear-cringing coward when [[surprised]] with an assault from the rear.

139:2.7 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] was the first of [[Jesus]]' [[apostles]] to come forward to defend the [[work]] of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:5._PHILIP_THE_CURIOUS Philip] among the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaritan Samaritans] and [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] among the [[gentiles]]; yet later on at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioch Antioch] he reversed himself when [[confronted]] by ridiculing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaritan#Rejection_by_Judeans Judaizers], temporarily withdrawing from the [[gentiles]] only to bring down upon his head the fearless denunciation of [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]].

139:2.7 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] was the first of [[Jesus]]' [[apostles]] to come forward to defend the [[work]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:5._PHILIP_THE_CURIOUS Philip] among the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaritan Samaritans] and [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] among the [[gentiles]]; yet later on at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioch Antioch] he reversed himself when [[confronted]] by ridiculing [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaritan#Rejection_by_Judeans Judaizers], temporarily withdrawing from the [[gentiles]] only to bring down upon his head the fearless denunciation of [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]].

139:2.8 He was the first one of the [[apostles]] to make wholehearted [[confession]] of [[Jesus]]' combined [[humanity]] and [[divinity]] and the first—save [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:12._JUDAS_ISCARIOT Judas]—to deny him. [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] was not so much of a [[dreamer]], but he disliked to [[descend]] from the clouds of [[ecstasy]] and the [[enthusiasm]] of [[dramatic]] indulgence to the plain and matter-of-[[fact]] world of [[reality]].

139:2.8 He was the first one of the [[apostles]] to make wholehearted [[confession]] of [[Jesus]]' combined [[humanity]] and [[divinity]] and the first—save [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:12._JUDAS_ISCARIOT Judas]—to deny him. [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] was not so much of a [[dreamer]], but he disliked to [[descend]] from the clouds of [[ecstasy]] and the [[enthusiasm]] of [[dramatic]] indulgence to the plain and matter-of-[[fact]] world of [[reality]].

139:2.9 In following [[Jesus]], [[literally]] and figuratively, he was either [[leading]] the [[procession]] or else trailing behind—" following afar off. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_14] But he was the outstanding [[preacher]] of the twelve; he did more than any other one man, aside from [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]], to [[establish]] [[the kingdom]] and send its [[messengers]] to the four corners of the [[earth]] in one [[generation]].

139:2.9 In following [[Jesus]], [[literally]] and figuratively, he was either [[leading]] the [[procession]] or else trailing behind—" following afar off. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_14] But he was the outstanding [[preacher]] of the twelve; he did more than any other one man, aside from [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]], to [[establish]] [[the kingdom]] and send its [[messengers]] to the four corners of the [[earth]] in one [[generation]].

139:2.10 After his rash denials of [[the Master]] he found himself, and with [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew]'s [[sympathetic]] and [[understanding]] [[guidance]] he again led the way back to the fish nets while the [[apostles]] tarried to find out what was to happen after the [[crucifixion]]. When he was fully [[assured]] that [[Jesus]] had [[forgiven]] him and knew he had been received back into [[the Master]]'s fold, the fires of [[the kingdom]] burned so brightly within his [[soul]] that he became a great and saving light to thousands who sat in [[darkness]].

139:2.10 After his rash denials of [[the Master]] he found himself, and with [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew]'s [[sympathetic]] and [[understanding]] [[guidance]] he again led the way back to the fish nets while the [[apostles]] tarried to find out what was to happen after the [[crucifixion]]. When he was fully [[assured]] that [[Jesus]] had [[forgiven]] him and knew he had been received back into [[the Master]]'s fold, the fires of [[the kingdom]] burned so brightly within his [[soul]] that he became a great and saving light to thousands who sat in [[darkness]].

139:2.11 After leaving [[Jerusalem]] and before [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] became the [[leading]] spirit among the [[gentile]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity Christian churches], Peter traveled extensively, visiting all the churches from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon Babylon] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corinth Corinth]. He even visited and ministered to many of the churches which had been raised up by [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]. Although [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] and [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] differed much in [[temperament]] and [[education]], even in [[theology]], they worked together [[harmoniously]] for the upbuilding of the churches during their later years.

139:2.11 After leaving [[Jerusalem]] and before [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] became the [[leading]] spirit among the [[gentile]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity Christian churches], Peter traveled extensively, visiting all the churches from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon Babylon] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corinth Corinth]. He even visited and ministered to many of the churches which had been raised up by [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]]. Although [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] and [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]] differed much in [[temperament]] and [[education]], even in [[theology]], they worked together [[harmoniously]] for the upbuilding of the churches during their later years.

139:2.12 Something of [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]'s style and teaching is shown in the [[sermons]] partially recorded by [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles Luke] and in the [[Gospel of Mark]]. His vigorous style was better shown in his letter known as the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Peter First Epistle of Peter]; at least this was true before it was subsequently altered by a [[disciple]] of [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]].

139:2.12 Something of [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]'s style and teaching is shown in the [[sermons]] partially recorded by [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Acts_of_the_Apostles Luke] and in the [[Gospel of Mark]]. His vigorous style was better shown in his letter known as the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Peter First Epistle of Peter]; at least this was true before it was subsequently altered by a [[disciple]] of [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]].

139:2.13 But [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] [[persisted]] in making the mistake of trying to convince the [[Jews]] that [[Jesus]] was, after all, really and truly the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Jewish Messiah]. Right up to the day of his [[death]], Simon Peter continued to suffer [[confusion]] in his [[mind]] between the [[concepts]] of [[Jesus]] as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Jewish Messiah], [[Christ]] as the world's redeemer, and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] as the [[revelation]] of [[God]], the loving [[Father]] of all [[mankind]].

139:2.13 But [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] [[persisted]] in making the mistake of trying to convince the [[Jews]] that [[Jesus]] was, after all, really and truly the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Jewish Messiah]. Right up to the day of his [[death]], Simon Peter continued to suffer [[confusion]] in his [[mind]] between the [[concepts]] of [[Jesus]] as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Jewish Messiah], [[Christ]] as the world's redeemer, and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] as the [[revelation]] of [[God]], the loving [[Father]] of all [[mankind]].

139:2.14 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]'s [[wife]] was a very able [[woman]]. For years she labored acceptably as a member of the women's corps, and when Peter was driven out of [[Jerusalem]], she accompanied him upon all his [[journeys]] to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity churches] as well as on all his missionary excursions. And the day her illustrious [[husband]] yielded up his life, she was thrown to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians_in_the_Roman_Empire#Under_Nero wild beasts] in the arena at [[Rome]].

139:2.14 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]'s [[wife]] was a very able [[woman]]. For years she labored acceptably as a member of the women's corps, and when Peter was driven out of [[Jerusalem]], she accompanied him upon all his [[journeys]] to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity churches] as well as on all his missionary excursions. And the day her illustrious [[husband]] yielded up his life, she was thrown to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians_in_the_Roman_Empire#Under_Nero wild beasts] in the arena at [[Rome]].

139:2.15 And so this man [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], an intimate of [[Jesus]], one of the inner circle, went forth from [[Jerusalem]] proclaiming the glad tidings of [[the kingdom]] with [[power]] and [[glory]] until the fullness of his ministry had been accomplished; and he regarded himself as the recipient of high [[honors]] when his captors informed him that he must die as his Master had died—[[Crucifixion|on the cross]]. And thus was [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_the_Apostle#Martyrdom Simon Peter crucified in Rome].

139:2.15 And so this man [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], an intimate of [[Jesus]], one of the inner circle, went forth from [[Jerusalem]] proclaiming the glad tidings of [[the kingdom]] with [[power]] and [[glory]] until the fullness of his ministry had been accomplished; and he regarded himself as the recipient of high [[honors]] when his captors informed him that he must die as his Master had died—[[Crucifixion|on the cross]]. And thus was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_the_Apostle#Martyrdom Simon Peter crucified in Rome].

==139:3. JAMES ZEBEDEE==

==139:3. JAMES ZEBEDEE==

139:3.1 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], the older of the two [[apostle]] sons of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee], whom [[Jesus]] nicknamed " sons of thunder, "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_mark#Chapter_3] was thirty years old when he became an [[apostle]]. He was [[married]], had four [[children]], and lived near his [[parents]] in the outskirts of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida]. He was a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisherman], plying his calling in company with his younger [[brother]][ [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] and in association with [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon]. James and his brother [[John, the Apostle|John]] enjoyed the [[advantage]] of having known [[Jesus]] longer than any of the other [[apostles]].

139:3.1 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Zebedee], the older of the two [[apostle]] sons of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee], whom [[Jesus]] nicknamed " sons of thunder, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_mark#Chapter_3] was thirty years old when he became an [[apostle]]. He was [[married]], had four [[children]], and lived near his [[parents]] in the outskirts of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida]. He was a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisherman], plying his calling in company with his younger [[brother]][ [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] and in association with [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:2._SIMON_PETER Simon]. James and his brother [[John, the Apostle|John]] enjoyed the [[advantage]] of having known [[Jesus]] longer than any of the other [[apostles]].

139:3.2 This able [[apostle]] was a temperamental [[contradiction]]; he seemed really to [[possess]] [[two]] [[natures]], both of which were actuated by strong [[feelings]]. He was particularly vehement when his [[indignation]] was once fully aroused. He had a fiery temper when once it was adequately provoked, and when the storm was over, he was always wont to [[justify]] and excuse his anger under the pretense that it was wholly a [[manifestation]] of [[righteous]] [[indignation]]. Except for these periodic upheavals of [[wrath]], James's [[personality]] was much like that of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew]. He did not have Andrew's [[discretion]] or [[insight]] into human nature, but he was a much better [[public]] [[speaker]]. Next to [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:2._SIMON_PETER Peter], unless it was [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:7._MATTHEW_LEVI Matthew], James was the best public [[orator]] among the twelve.

139:3.2 This able [[apostle]] was a temperamental [[contradiction]]; he seemed really to [[possess]] [[two]] [[natures]], both of which were actuated by strong [[feelings]]. He was particularly vehement when his [[indignation]] was once fully aroused. He had a fiery temper when once it was adequately provoked, and when the storm was over, he was always wont to [[justify]] and excuse his anger under the pretense that it was wholly a [[manifestation]] of [[righteous]] [[indignation]]. Except for these periodic upheavals of [[wrath]], James's [[personality]] was much like that of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:1._ANDREW.2C_THE_FIRST_CHOSEN Andrew]. He did not have Andrew's [[discretion]] or [[insight]] into human nature, but he was a much better [[public]] [[speaker]]. Next to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:2._SIMON_PETER Peter], unless it was [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:7._MATTHEW_LEVI Matthew], James was the best public [[orator]] among the twelve.

139:3.3 Though James was in no sense [[moody]], he could be [[quiet]] and taciturn one day and a very good talker and [[storyteller]] the next. He usually talked freely with [[Jesus]], but among the twelve, for days at a time he was the [[silent]] man. His one great weakness was these spells of unaccountable [[silence]].

139:3.3 Though James was in no sense [[moody]], he could be [[quiet]] and taciturn one day and a very good talker and [[storyteller]] the next. He usually talked freely with [[Jesus]], but among the twelve, for days at a time he was the [[silent]] man. His one great weakness was these spells of unaccountable [[silence]].

139:3.4 The outstanding feature of James's [[personality]] was his [[ability]] to see all sides of a [[proposition]]. Of all the twelve, he came the nearest to grasping the real import and significance of [[Jesus]]' teaching. He, too, was slow at first to [[comprehend]] [[the Master]]'s [[meaning]], but ere they had finished their [[training]], he had acquired a superior [[concept]] of Jesus' [[message]]. James was able to [[understand]] a wide range of human nature; he got along well with the [[versatile]] [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], the impetuous [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], and his self-contained brother [[John, the Apostle|John]].

139:3.4 The outstanding feature of James's [[personality]] was his [[ability]] to see all sides of a [[proposition]]. Of all the twelve, he came the nearest to grasping the real import and significance of [[Jesus]]' teaching. He, too, was slow at first to [[comprehend]] [[the Master]]'s [[meaning]], but ere they had finished their [[training]], he had acquired a superior [[concept]] of Jesus' [[message]]. James was able to [[understand]] a wide range of human nature; he got along well with the [[versatile]] [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], the impetuous [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], and his self-contained brother [[John, the Apostle|John]].

139:3.5 Though James and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] had their troubles trying to [[work]] together, it was [[inspiring]] to observe how well they got along. They did not succeed quite so well as [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] and [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], but they did much better than would ordinarily be [[expected]] of two brothers, especially such headstrong and determined brothers. But, [[strange]] as it may seem, these two sons of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] were much more [[tolerant]] of each other than they were of strangers. They had great [[affection]] for one another; they had always been [[happy]] playmates. It was these " sons of thunder "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_3] who wanted to call [[fire]] down from [[heaven]] to destroy the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaritan Samaritans] who presumed to show disrespect for their Master. But the untimely [[death]] of James greatly [[modified]] the vehement [[temperament]] of his younger brother [[John, the Apostle|John]].

139:3.5 Though James and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:4._JOHN_ZEBEDEE John] had their troubles trying to [[work]] together, it was [[inspiring]] to observe how well they got along. They did not succeed quite so well as [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] and [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], but they did much better than would ordinarily be [[expected]] of two brothers, especially such headstrong and determined brothers. But, [[strange]] as it may seem, these two sons of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] were much more [[tolerant]] of each other than they were of strangers. They had great [[affection]] for one another; they had always been [[happy]] playmates. It was these " sons of thunder "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_3] who wanted to call [[fire]] down from [[heaven]] to destroy the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaritan Samaritans] who presumed to show disrespect for their Master. But the untimely [[death]] of James greatly [[modified]] the vehement [[temperament]] of his younger brother [[John, the Apostle|John]].

139:3.6 That characteristic of [[Jesus]] which [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Great James] most admired was [[the Master]]'s [[sympathetic]] [[affection]]. [[Jesus]]' [[understanding]] interest in the small and the great, the [[rich]] and the [[poor]], made a great [[appeal]] to him.

139:3.6 That characteristic of [[Jesus]] which [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Great James] most admired was [[the Master]]'s [[sympathetic]] [[affection]]. [[Jesus]]' [[understanding]] interest in the small and the great, the [[rich]] and the [[poor]], made a great [[appeal]] to him.

139:3.7 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Great James Zebedee] was a well-[[balance]]d [[thinker]] and [[plan]]ner. Along with [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], he was one of the more level-headed of the apostolic group. He was a [[vigorous]] [[individual]] but was never in a hurry. He was an excellent [[balance]] wheel for [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]].

139:3.7 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Great James Zebedee] was a well-[[balance]]d [[thinker]] and [[plan]]ner. Along with [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], he was one of the more level-headed of the apostolic group. He was a [[vigorous]] [[individual]] but was never in a hurry. He was an excellent [[balance]] wheel for [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]].

139:3.8 He was [[modest]] and undramatic, a daily server, an unpretentious worker, seeking no special reward when he once grasped something of the real [[meaning]] of [[the kingdom]]. And even in the [[story]] about the [[mother]] of James and John, who asked that her sons be granted places on the right hand and the left hand of [[Jesus]][http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_20], it should be [[remembered]] that it was the [[mother]] who made this request. And when they [[signified]] that they were ready to assume such [[responsibilities]], it should be recognized that they were cognizant of the [[dangers]] accompanying [[the Master]]'s supposed revolt against the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman power], and that they were also willing to pay the price. When [[Jesus]] asked if they were ready to drink the cup, they replied that they were. And as concerns James, it was [[literally]] true—he did drink the cup with [[the Master]], seeing that he was the first of the [[apostles]] to [[experience]] [[martyrdom]], being early put to [[death]] with the sword by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Agrippa Herod Agrippa]. James was thus the first of the twelve to [[sacrifice]] his life upon the new battle line of [[the kingdom]]. Herod Agrippa feared [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] above all the other [[apostles]]. He was indeed often [[quiet]] and [[silent]], but he was [[brave]] and determined when his [[convictions]] were aroused and challenged.

139:3.8 He was [[modest]] and undramatic, a daily server, an unpretentious worker, seeking no special reward when he once grasped something of the real [[meaning]] of [[the kingdom]]. And even in the [[story]] about the [[mother]] of James and John, who asked that her sons be granted places on the right hand and the left hand of [[Jesus]][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_20], it should be [[remembered]] that it was the [[mother]] who made this request. And when they [[signified]] that they were ready to assume such [[responsibilities]], it should be recognized that they were cognizant of the [[dangers]] accompanying [[the Master]]'s supposed revolt against the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman power], and that they were also willing to pay the price. When [[Jesus]] asked if they were ready to drink the cup, they replied that they were. And as concerns James, it was [[literally]] true—he did drink the cup with [[the Master]], seeing that he was the first of the [[apostles]] to [[experience]] [[martyrdom]], being early put to [[death]] with the sword by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Agrippa Herod Agrippa]. James was thus the first of the twelve to [[sacrifice]] his life upon the new battle line of [[the kingdom]]. Herod Agrippa feared [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Zebedee James] above all the other [[apostles]]. He was indeed often [[quiet]] and [[silent]], but he was [[brave]] and determined when his [[convictions]] were aroused and challenged.

139:3.9 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] lived his life to the full, and when the end came, he bore himself with such [[grace]] and [[fortitude]] that even his accuser and informer, who attended his [[trial]] and [[execution]], was so [[touched]] that he rushed away from the scene of James's death to join himself to the [[disciples]] of [[Jesus]].

139:3.9 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Zebedee James] lived his life to the full, and when the end came, he bore himself with such [[grace]] and [[fortitude]] that even his accuser and informer, who attended his [[trial]] and [[execution]], was so [[touched]] that he rushed away from the scene of James's death to join himself to the [[disciples]] of [[Jesus]].

==139:4. JOHN ZEBEDEE==

==139:4. JOHN ZEBEDEE==

139:4.1 When he became an [[apostle]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John] was twenty-four years old and was the youngest of the twelve. He was unmarried and lived with his [[parents]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida]; he was a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisherman] and worked with his [[brother]] [[James, the Apostle|James]] in [[partnership]] with [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] and [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]. Both before and after becoming an [[apostle]], John functioned as the [[personal]] [[agent]] of [[Jesus]] in dealing with [[the Master]]'s [[family]], and he continued to bear this [[responsibility]] as long as [[Mother Mary|Mary]] the mother of [[Jesus]] lived.

139:4.1 When he became an [[apostle]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John] was twenty-four years old and was the youngest of the twelve. He was unmarried and lived with his [[parents]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida]; he was a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisherman] and worked with his [[brother]] [[James, the Apostle|James]] in [[partnership]] with [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] and [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]. Both before and after becoming an [[apostle]], John functioned as the [[personal]] [[agent]] of [[Jesus]] in dealing with [[the Master]]'s [[family]], and he continued to bear this [[responsibility]] as long as [[Mother Mary|Mary]] the mother of [[Jesus]] lived.

139:4.2 Since [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John] was the youngest of the twelve and so closely associated with [[Jesus]] in his [[family]] affairs, he was very dear to [[the Master]], but it cannot be truthfully said that he was " the disciple whom Jesus loved. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_13] You would hardly suspect such a [[magnanimous]] [[personality]] as [[Jesus]] to be [[guilty]] of showing favoritism, of loving one of his [[apostles]] more than the others. The [[fact]] that John was one of the [[three]] personal aides of Jesus lent further color to this mistaken [[idea]], not to mention that John, along with his brother [[James, the Apostle|James]], had known [[Jesus]] longer than the others.

139:4.2 Since [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John] was the youngest of the twelve and so closely associated with [[Jesus]] in his [[family]] affairs, he was very dear to [[the Master]], but it cannot be truthfully said that he was " the disciple whom Jesus loved. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_13] You would hardly suspect such a [[magnanimous]] [[personality]] as [[Jesus]] to be [[guilty]] of showing favoritism, of loving one of his [[apostles]] more than the others. The [[fact]] that John was one of the [[three]] personal aides of Jesus lent further color to this mistaken [[idea]], not to mention that John, along with his brother [[James, the Apostle|James]], had known [[Jesus]] longer than the others.

139:4.3 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John] were assigned as [[personal]] aides to [[Jesus]] soon after they became [[apostles]]. Shortly after the selection of the twelve and at the time [[Jesus]] appointed [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] to act as director of the group, he said to him: " And now I [[desire]] that you assign two or three of your associates to be with me and to remain by my side, to [[comfort]] me and to minister to my daily needs. " And [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] thought best to select for this special [[duty]] the next three first-chosen [[apostles]]. He would have liked to [[volunteer]] for such a [[blessed]] [[service]] himself, but [[the Master]] had already given him his commission; so he immediately directed that [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and John attach themselves to [[Jesus]].

139:4.3 [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John] were assigned as [[personal]] aides to [[Jesus]] soon after they became [[apostles]]. Shortly after the selection of the twelve and at the time [[Jesus]] appointed [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] to act as director of the group, he said to him: " And now I [[desire]] that you assign two or three of your associates to be with me and to remain by my side, to [[comfort]] me and to minister to my daily needs. " And [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] thought best to select for this special [[duty]] the next three first-chosen [[apostles]]. He would have liked to [[volunteer]] for such a [[blessed]] [[service]] himself, but [[the Master]] had already given him his commission; so he immediately directed that [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and John attach themselves to [[Jesus]].

139:4.4 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John Zebedee] had many lovely traits of [[character]], but one which was not so lovely was his inordinate but usually well-concealed [[conceit]]. His long [[association]] with [[Jesus]] made many and great [[changes]] in his [[character]]. This conceit was greatly lessened, but after growing old and becoming more or less childish, this [[self]]-[[esteem]] reappeared to a certain extent, so that, when [[engaged]] in directing Nathan in the [[writing]] of [[Gospel of John|the Gospel]] which now bears his name, the aged [[apostle]] did not hesitate repeatedly to refer to himself as the " disciple whom Jesus loved. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_21] In view of the [[fact]] that John came nearer to being the chum of [[Jesus]] than any other earth [[mortal]], that he was his chosen [[personal]] [[representative]] in so many matters, it is not strange that he should have come to regard himself as the " disciple whom Jesus loved " since he most certainly knew he was the [[disciple]] whom [[Jesus]] so frequently [[trust]]ed.

139:4.4 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John Zebedee] had many lovely traits of [[character]], but one which was not so lovely was his inordinate but usually well-concealed [[conceit]]. His long [[association]] with [[Jesus]] made many and great [[changes]] in his [[character]]. This conceit was greatly lessened, but after growing old and becoming more or less childish, this [[self]]-[[esteem]] reappeared to a certain extent, so that, when [[engaged]] in directing Nathan in the [[writing]] of [[Gospel of John|the Gospel]] which now bears his name, the aged [[apostle]] did not hesitate repeatedly to refer to himself as the " disciple whom Jesus loved. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_21] In view of the [[fact]] that John came nearer to being the chum of [[Jesus]] than any other earth [[mortal]], that he was his chosen [[personal]] [[representative]] in so many matters, it is not strange that he should have come to regard himself as the " disciple whom Jesus loved " since he most certainly knew he was the [[disciple]] whom [[Jesus]] so frequently [[trust]]ed.

139:4.5 The strongest trait in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John]'s [[character]] was his dependability; he was prompt and [[courageous]], [[faithful]] and [[devoted]]. His greatest weakness was this characteristic [[conceit]]. He was the youngest member of his [[father]]'s [[family]] and the youngest of the apostolic group. Perhaps he was just a bit spoiled; maybe he had been humored slightly too much. But the John of after years was a very [[different]] [[type]] of [[person]] than the self-admiring and [[arbitrary]] young man who joined the ranks of [[Jesus]]' [[apostles]] when he was twenty-four.

139:4.5 The strongest trait in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John]'s [[character]] was his dependability; he was prompt and [[courageous]], [[faithful]] and [[devoted]]. His greatest weakness was this characteristic [[conceit]]. He was the youngest member of his [[father]]'s [[family]] and the youngest of the apostolic group. Perhaps he was just a bit spoiled; maybe he had been humored slightly too much. But the John of after years was a very [[different]] [[type]] of [[person]] than the self-admiring and [[arbitrary]] young man who joined the ranks of [[Jesus]]' [[apostles]] when he was twenty-four.

139:4.6 Those characteristics of [[Jesus]] which John most [[appreciated]] were [[the Master]]'s [[love]] and unselfishness; these traits made such an impression on him that his whole subsequent life became [[dominated]] by the sentiment of [[love]] and brotherly [[devotion]]. He talked about love and wrote about love. This " son of thunder "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_3] became the " apostle of love "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_John#1st_Letter_of_John.2C_IV]; and at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus Ephesus], when the aged bishop was no longer able to stand in the [[pulpit]] and [[preach]] but had to be carried to church in a chair, and when at the close of the service he was asked to say a few [[words]] to the believers, for years his only utterance was, " My little [[children]], [[love]] one another. "

139:4.6 Those characteristics of [[Jesus]] which John most [[appreciated]] were [[the Master]]'s [[love]] and unselfishness; these traits made such an impression on him that his whole subsequent life became [[dominated]] by the sentiment of [[love]] and brotherly [[devotion]]. He talked about love and wrote about love. This " son of thunder "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_3] became the " apostle of love "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_John#1st_Letter_of_John.2C_IV]; and at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus Ephesus], when the aged bishop was no longer able to stand in the [[pulpit]] and [[preach]] but had to be carried to church in a chair, and when at the close of the service he was asked to say a few [[words]] to the believers, for years his only utterance was, " My little [[children]], [[love]] one another. "

139:4.7[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle  John] was a man of few [[words]] except when his [[temper]] was aroused. He [[thought]] much but said little. As he grew older, his temper became more subdued, better [[controlled]], but he never overcame his disinclination to talk; he never fully mastered this [[reticence]]. But he was gifted with a remarkable and [[creative]] [[imagination]].

139:4.7[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle  John] was a man of few [[words]] except when his [[temper]] was aroused. He [[thought]] much but said little. As he grew older, his temper became more subdued, better [[controlled]], but he never overcame his disinclination to talk; he never fully mastered this [[reticence]]. But he was gifted with a remarkable and [[creative]] [[imagination]].

139:4.8 There was another side to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John] that one would not expect to find in this [[quiet]] and introspective [[type]]. He was somewhat [[bigot]]ed and inordinately intolerant. In this respect he and [[James, the Apostle|James]] were much alike—they both wanted to call down [[fire]] from heaven on the heads of the disrespectful [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaritan Samaritans]. When John encountered some strangers teaching in [[Jesus]]' name, he promptly forbade them. But he was not the only one of the twelve who was tainted with this kind of [[self-esteem]] and superiority consciousness.

139:4.8 There was another side to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John] that one would not expect to find in this [[quiet]] and introspective [[type]]. He was somewhat [[bigot]]ed and inordinately intolerant. In this respect he and [[James, the Apostle|James]] were much alike—they both wanted to call down [[fire]] from heaven on the heads of the disrespectful [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaritan Samaritans]. When John encountered some strangers teaching in [[Jesus]]' name, he promptly forbade them. But he was not the only one of the twelve who was tainted with this kind of [[self-esteem]] and superiority consciousness.

139:4.9 John's life was tremendously influenced by the [[sight]] of [[Jesus]]' going about without a [[home]] as he knew how [[faithfully]] he had made [[provision]] for the care of his [[mother]] and [[family]]. John also deeply [[sympathized]] with [[Jesus]] because of his [[family]]'s failure to [[understand]] him, being aware that they were [[gradually]] withdrawing from him. This entire situation, together with [[Jesus]]' ever deferring his slightest wish to the will of [[the Father]] in heaven and his daily life of implicit [[trust]], made such a [[profound]] impression on John that it produced marked and permanent [[changes]] in his [[character]], changes which [[manifested]] themselves throughout his entire subsequent life.

139:4.9 John's life was tremendously influenced by the [[sight]] of [[Jesus]]' going about without a [[home]] as he knew how [[faithfully]] he had made [[provision]] for the care of his [[mother]] and [[family]]. John also deeply [[sympathized]] with [[Jesus]] because of his [[family]]'s failure to [[understand]] him, being aware that they were [[gradually]] withdrawing from him. This entire situation, together with [[Jesus]]' ever deferring his slightest wish to the will of [[the Father]] in heaven and his daily life of implicit [[trust]], made such a [[profound]] impression on John that it produced marked and permanent [[changes]] in his [[character]], changes which [[manifested]] themselves throughout his entire subsequent life.

139:4.10 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John] had a cool and daring [[courage]] which few of the other [[apostles]] possessed. He was the one apostle who followed right along with [[Jesus]] the night of his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_183 arrest] and dared to accompany his Master into the very jaws of [[death]]. He was present and near at hand right up to the last earthly hour and was found [[faithfully]] carrying out his [[trust]] with regard to [[Jesus]]' [[mother]] and ready to [[receive]] such additional instructions as might be given during the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_187 last moments of the Master's mortal existence]. One thing is certain, John was thoroughly dependable. John usually sat on [[Jesus]]' right hand when the twelve were at meat. He was the first of the twelve really and fully to [[believe]] in the [[resurrection]], and he was the first to [[recognize]] [[the Master]] when he came to them [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_192#192:1._APPEARANCE_BY_THE_LAKE on the seashore after his resurrection].

139:4.10 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John] had a cool and daring [[courage]] which few of the other [[apostles]] possessed. He was the one apostle who followed right along with [[Jesus]] the night of his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_183 arrest] and dared to accompany his Master into the very jaws of [[death]]. He was present and near at hand right up to the last earthly hour and was found [[faithfully]] carrying out his [[trust]] with regard to [[Jesus]]' [[mother]] and ready to [[receive]] such additional instructions as might be given during the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_187 last moments of the Master's mortal existence]. One thing is certain, John was thoroughly dependable. John usually sat on [[Jesus]]' right hand when the twelve were at meat. He was the first of the twelve really and fully to [[believe]] in the [[resurrection]], and he was the first to [[recognize]] [[the Master]] when he came to them [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_192#192:1._APPEARANCE_BY_THE_LAKE on the seashore after his resurrection].

139:4.11 This son of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] was very closely associated with [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] in the early activities of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity Christian movement], becoming one of the chief supporters of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity#Jerusalem Jerusalem church]. He was the right-hand [[support]] of [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] on the day of [[Pentecost]].

139:4.11 This son of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebedee Zebedee] was very closely associated with [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] in the early activities of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity Christian movement], becoming one of the chief supporters of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity#Jerusalem Jerusalem church]. He was the right-hand [[support]] of [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] on the day of [[Pentecost]].

139:4.12 Several years after the [[martyrdom]] of [[James, the Apostle|James]], John married his brother's [[widow]]. The last twenty years of his life he was cared for by a loving granddaughter.

139:4.12 Several years after the [[martyrdom]] of [[James, the Apostle|James]], John married his brother's [[widow]]. The last twenty years of his life he was cared for by a loving granddaughter.

139:4.13 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John] was in [[prison]] several times and was banished to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patmos Isle of Patmos] for a period of four years until [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Roman_Emperors#The_Principate another emperor came to power in Rome]. Had not John been [[tactful]] and [[sagacious]], he would undoubtedly have been killed as was his more outspoken brother [[James, the Apostle|James]]. As the years passed, John, together with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_just James the Lord's brother], learned to [[practice]] wise conciliation when they appeared before the civil [[magistrates]]. They found that a " soft answer turns away wrath. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.15] They also learned to [[represent]] the church as a " spiritual brotherhood devoted to the [[social]] [[service]] of [[mankind]] " rather than as " the kingdom of heaven. " They taught loving [[service]] rather than ruling [[power]]—kingdom and king.

139:4.13 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John] was in [[prison]] several times and was banished to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patmos Isle of Patmos] for a period of four years until [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Roman_Emperors#The_Principate another emperor came to power in Rome]. Had not John been [[tactful]] and [[sagacious]], he would undoubtedly have been killed as was his more outspoken brother [[James, the Apostle|James]]. As the years passed, John, together with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_just James the Lord's brother], learned to [[practice]] wise conciliation when they appeared before the civil [[magistrates]]. They found that a " soft answer turns away wrath. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.15] They also learned to [[represent]] the church as a " spiritual brotherhood devoted to the [[social]] [[service]] of [[mankind]] " rather than as " the kingdom of heaven. " They taught loving [[service]] rather than ruling [[power]]—kingdom and king.

139:4.14 When in temporary [[exile]] on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_the_Apocalypse Patmos], John wrote the [[Book of Revelation]], which you now have in greatly abridged and distorted form. This [[Book of Revelation]] contains the surviving fragments of a great [[revelation]], large portions of which were lost, other portions of which were removed, subsequent to John's [[writing]]. It is preserved in only fragmentary and adulterated form.[http://www.press.daynal.org/catalog/secret.html]

139:4.14 When in temporary [[exile]] on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_the_Apocalypse Patmos], John wrote the [[Book of Revelation]], which you now have in greatly abridged and distorted form. This [[Book of Revelation]] contains the surviving fragments of a great [[revelation]], large portions of which were lost, other portions of which were removed, subsequent to John's [[writing]]. It is preserved in only fragmentary and adulterated form.[https://www.press.daynal.org/catalog/secret.html]

139:4.15 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John] traveled much, labored incessantly, and after becoming bishop of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity Asia churches], settled down at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus Ephesus]. He directed his associate, Nathan, in the [[writing]] of the so-called " [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_john#Composition Gospel according to John], " at Ephesus, when he was ninety-nine years old. Of all the twelve [[apostles]], John Zebedee eventually became the outstanding [[theologian]]. He died a natural [[death]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus Ephesus] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/103_AD A.D. 103] when he was one hundred and one years of age.

139:4.15 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle John] traveled much, labored incessantly, and after becoming bishop of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity Asia churches], settled down at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus Ephesus]. He directed his associate, Nathan, in the [[writing]] of the so-called " [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_john#Composition Gospel according to John], " at Ephesus, when he was ninety-nine years old. Of all the twelve [[apostles]], John Zebedee eventually became the outstanding [[theologian]]. He died a natural [[death]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus Ephesus] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/103_AD A.D. 103] when he was one hundred and one years of age.

==139:5. PHILIP THE CURIOUS==

==139:5. PHILIP THE CURIOUS==

139:5.1 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] was the fifth [[apostle]] to be chosen, being called when [[Jesus]] and his first four apostles were on their way from [John the Baptist|John]]'s rendezvous on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] of [[Galilee]]. Since he lived at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida], Philip had for some time known of [[Jesus]], but it had not occurred to him that [[Jesus]] was a really great man until that day in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Valley_(Middle_East) Jordan valley] when he said, " Follow me. " Philip was also somewhat influenced by the fact that [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]] had accepted [[Jesus]] as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Deliverer].

139:5.1 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] was the fifth [[apostle]] to be chosen, being called when [[Jesus]] and his first four apostles were on their way from [John the Baptist|John]]'s rendezvous on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana] of [[Galilee]]. Since he lived at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida], Philip had for some time known of [[Jesus]], but it had not occurred to him that [[Jesus]] was a really great man until that day in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Valley_(Middle_East) Jordan valley] when he said, " Follow me. " Philip was also somewhat influenced by the fact that [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]] had accepted [[Jesus]] as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism Deliverer].

139:5.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] was twenty-seven years of age when he joined the [[apostles]]; he had recently been [[married]], but he had no [[children]] at this time. The nickname which the apostles gave him signified " [[curiosity]]. " Philip was always wanting to be shown. He never seemed to see very far into any [[proposition]]. He was not necessarily dull, but he lacked [[imagination]]. This lack of imagination was the great weakness of his [[character]]. He was a commonplace and matter-of-fact [[individual]].

139:5.2 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] was twenty-seven years of age when he joined the [[apostles]]; he had recently been [[married]], but he had no [[children]] at this time. The nickname which the apostles gave him signified " [[curiosity]]. " Philip was always wanting to be shown. He never seemed to see very far into any [[proposition]]. He was not necessarily dull, but he lacked [[imagination]]. This lack of imagination was the great weakness of his [[character]]. He was a commonplace and matter-of-fact [[individual]].

139:5.3 When the [[apostles]] were [[organized]] for [[service]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] was made steward; it was his [[duty]] to see that they were at all times supplied with [[provisions]]. And he was a good steward. His strongest characteristic was his [[methodical]] thoroughness; he was both [[mathematical]] and [[systematic]].

139:5.3 When the [[apostles]] were [[organized]] for [[service]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] was made steward; it was his [[duty]] to see that they were at all times supplied with [[provisions]]. And he was a good steward. His strongest characteristic was his [[methodical]] thoroughness; he was both [[mathematical]] and [[systematic]].

139:5.4 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] came from a [[family]] of seven, three boys and four girls. He was next to the oldest, and after [[the resurrection]] he [[baptized]] his entire [[family]] into [[the kingdom]]. Philip's people were [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisherfolk]. His [[father]] was a very able man, a deep [[thinker]], but his [[mother]] was of a very mediocre family. Philip was not a man who could be [[expected]] to do big things, but he was a man who could do little things in a big way, do them well and acceptably. Only a few times in four years did he fail to have [[food]] on hand to [[satisfy]] the needs of all. Even the many [[emergency]] demands attendant upon the life they lived seldom found him unprepared. The commissary department of the apostolic family was [[intelligently]] and [[efficiently]] [[managed]].

139:5.4 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] came from a [[family]] of seven, three boys and four girls. He was next to the oldest, and after [[the resurrection]] he [[baptized]] his entire [[family]] into [[the kingdom]]. Philip's people were [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisherfolk]. His [[father]] was a very able man, a deep [[thinker]], but his [[mother]] was of a very mediocre family. Philip was not a man who could be [[expected]] to do big things, but he was a man who could do little things in a big way, do them well and acceptably. Only a few times in four years did he fail to have [[food]] on hand to [[satisfy]] the needs of all. Even the many [[emergency]] demands attendant upon the life they lived seldom found him unprepared. The commissary department of the apostolic family was [[intelligently]] and [[efficiently]] [[managed]].

139:5.5 The [[strong]] point about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] was his [[methodical]] [[reliability]]; the weak point in his make-up was his utter lack of [[imagination]], the [[absence]] of the [[ability]] to put two and two together to obtain four. He was [[mathematical]] in the [[abstract]] but not constructive in his [[imagination]]. He was almost entirely lacking in certain types of [[imagination]]. He was the typical everyday and commonplace [[average]] man. There were a great many such [[men]] and [[women]] among the multitudes who came to hear [[Jesus]] [[teach]] and [[preach]], and they derived great [[comfort]] from [[observing]] one like themselves elevated to an honored position in the [[councils]] of [[the Master]]; they derived [[courage]] from the fact that one like themselves had already found a high place in the affairs of [[the kingdom]]. And [[Jesus]] learned much about the way some [[human]] [[minds]] [[function]] as he so [[patiently]] [[listened]] to Philip's foolish questions and so many times complied with his steward's request to " be shown. "

139:5.5 The [[strong]] point about [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] was his [[methodical]] [[reliability]]; the weak point in his make-up was his utter lack of [[imagination]], the [[absence]] of the [[ability]] to put two and two together to obtain four. He was [[mathematical]] in the [[abstract]] but not constructive in his [[imagination]]. He was almost entirely lacking in certain types of [[imagination]]. He was the typical everyday and commonplace [[average]] man. There were a great many such [[men]] and [[women]] among the multitudes who came to hear [[Jesus]] [[teach]] and [[preach]], and they derived great [[comfort]] from [[observing]] one like themselves elevated to an honored position in the [[councils]] of [[the Master]]; they derived [[courage]] from the fact that one like themselves had already found a high place in the affairs of [[the kingdom]]. And [[Jesus]] learned much about the way some [[human]] [[minds]] [[function]] as he so [[patiently]] [[listened]] to Philip's foolish questions and so many times complied with his steward's request to " be shown. "

139:5.6 The one [[quality]] about [[Jesus]] which [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] so continuously admired was [[the Master]]'s unfailing [[generosity]]. Never could Philip find anything in [[Jesus]] which was small, niggardly, or stingy, and he [[worshiped]] this ever-present and unfailing liberality.

139:5.6 The one [[quality]] about [[Jesus]] which [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] so continuously admired was [[the Master]]'s unfailing [[generosity]]. Never could Philip find anything in [[Jesus]] which was small, niggardly, or stingy, and he [[worshiped]] this ever-present and unfailing liberality.

139:5.7 There was little about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip]'s [[personality]] that was impressive. He was often spoken of as " Philip of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida], the town where [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] and [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] live. " He was almost without [[discerning]] [[vision]]; he was unable to grasp the [[dramatic]] [[possibilities]] of a given situation. He was not [[pessimistic]]; he was simply prosaic. He was also greatly lacking in [[spiritual]] [[insight]]. He would not [[hesitate]] to interrupt [[Jesus]] in the midst of one of [[the Master]]'s most [[profound]] [[discourses]] to ask an apparently foolish question. But [[Jesus]] never reprimanded him for such thoughtlessness; he was [[patient]] with him and [[considerate]] of his inability to grasp the deeper [[meanings]] of the teaching. [[Jesus]] well knew that, if he once [[rebuked]] Philip for asking these annoying questions, he would not only wound this [[honest]] [[soul]], but such a reprimand would so hurt [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] that he would never again feel free to ask questions. [[Jesus]] knew that on his [[worlds of space]] there were untold billions of similar slow-[[thinking]] [[mortals]], and he wanted to [[encourage]] them all to look to him and always to feel [[free]] to come to him with their questions and [[problems]]. After all, [[Jesus]] was really more interested in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip]'s foolish questions than in the [[sermon]] he might be [[preaching]]. Jesus was [[supremely]] interested in men, all kinds of men.

139:5.7 There was little about [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip]'s [[personality]] that was impressive. He was often spoken of as " Philip of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethsaida Bethsaida], the town where [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] and [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] live. " He was almost without [[discerning]] [[vision]]; he was unable to grasp the [[dramatic]] [[possibilities]] of a given situation. He was not [[pessimistic]]; he was simply prosaic. He was also greatly lacking in [[spiritual]] [[insight]]. He would not [[hesitate]] to interrupt [[Jesus]] in the midst of one of [[the Master]]'s most [[profound]] [[discourses]] to ask an apparently foolish question. But [[Jesus]] never reprimanded him for such thoughtlessness; he was [[patient]] with him and [[considerate]] of his inability to grasp the deeper [[meanings]] of the teaching. [[Jesus]] well knew that, if he once [[rebuked]] Philip for asking these annoying questions, he would not only wound this [[honest]] [[soul]], but such a reprimand would so hurt [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] that he would never again feel free to ask questions. [[Jesus]] knew that on his [[worlds of space]] there were untold billions of similar slow-[[thinking]] [[mortals]], and he wanted to [[encourage]] them all to look to him and always to feel [[free]] to come to him with their questions and [[problems]]. After all, [[Jesus]] was really more interested in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip]'s foolish questions than in the [[sermon]] he might be [[preaching]]. Jesus was [[supremely]] interested in men, all kinds of men.

139:5.8 The apostolic steward was not a good [[public]] [[speaker]], but he was a very persuasive and successful [[personal]] worker. He was not easily discouraged; he was a plodder and very [[tenacious]] in anything he undertook. He had that great and rare gift of saying, " Come. " When his first [[convert]], [[Nathaniel]], wanted to [[argue]] about the merits and demerits of [[Jesus]] and [[Nazareth]], Philip's [[effective]] reply was, " Come and see. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_1] He was not a [[dogmatic]] [[preacher]] who exhorted his hearers to " Go "—do this and do that. He met all situations as they arose in his [[work]] with " Come "—" come with me; I will show you the way. " And that is always the [[effective]] [[technique]] in all forms and phases of teaching. Even [[parents]] may learn from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] the better way of saying to their [[children]] not " Go do this and go do that, " but rather, " Come with us while we show and share with you the better way. "

139:5.8 The apostolic steward was not a good [[public]] [[speaker]], but he was a very persuasive and successful [[personal]] worker. He was not easily discouraged; he was a plodder and very [[tenacious]] in anything he undertook. He had that great and rare gift of saying, " Come. " When his first [[convert]], [[Nathaniel]], wanted to [[argue]] about the merits and demerits of [[Jesus]] and [[Nazareth]], Philip's [[effective]] reply was, " Come and see. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_1] He was not a [[dogmatic]] [[preacher]] who exhorted his hearers to " Go "—do this and do that. He met all situations as they arose in his [[work]] with " Come "—" come with me; I will show you the way. " And that is always the [[effective]] [[technique]] in all forms and phases of teaching. Even [[parents]] may learn from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] the better way of saying to their [[children]] not " Go do this and go do that, " but rather, " Come with us while we show and share with you the better way. "

139:5.9 The inability of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] to [[adapt]] himself to a new situation was well shown when the [[Greeks]] came to him at [[Jerusalem]], saying: " Sir, we [[desire]] to see [[Jesus]]. " Now Philip would have said to any Jew asking such a question, " Come. " But these men were foreigners, and Philip could [[remember]] no instructions from his superiors regarding such matters; so the only thing he could [[think]] to do was to consult the chief, [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], and then they both escorted the [[inquiring]] Greeks to [[Jesus]]. Likewise, when he went into [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria] preaching and [[baptizing]] believers, as he had been instructed by his Master, he refrained from[[Baptism| laying hands]] on his [[converts]] in token of their having received the [[Spirit of Truth]]. This was done by [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] and [[John, the Apostle|John]], who presently came down from [[Jerusalem]] to [[observe]] his work in behalf of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity mother church].

139:5.9 The inability of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] to [[adapt]] himself to a new situation was well shown when the [[Greeks]] came to him at [[Jerusalem]], saying: " Sir, we [[desire]] to see [[Jesus]]. " Now Philip would have said to any Jew asking such a question, " Come. " But these men were foreigners, and Philip could [[remember]] no instructions from his superiors regarding such matters; so the only thing he could [[think]] to do was to consult the chief, [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], and then they both escorted the [[inquiring]] Greeks to [[Jesus]]. Likewise, when he went into [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria] preaching and [[baptizing]] believers, as he had been instructed by his Master, he refrained from[[Baptism| laying hands]] on his [[converts]] in token of their having received the [[Spirit of Truth]]. This was done by [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] and [[John, the Apostle|John]], who presently came down from [[Jerusalem]] to [[observe]] his work in behalf of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity mother church].

139:5.10 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] went on through the trying times of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_187 the Master's death], [[participated]] in the reorganization of the twelve, and was the first to go forth to win [[souls]] for [[the kingdom]] outside of the immediate Jewish ranks, being most successful in his work for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaritans] and in all his subsequent labors in behalf of the [[gospel]].

139:5.10 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip] went on through the trying times of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_187 the Master's death], [[participated]] in the reorganization of the twelve, and was the first to go forth to win [[souls]] for [[the kingdom]] outside of the immediate Jewish ranks, being most successful in his work for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaritans] and in all his subsequent labors in behalf of the [[gospel]].

139:5.11 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip]'s [[wife]], who was an [[efficient]] member of the women's corps, became actively associated with her [[husband]] in his [[evangelistic]] work after their flight from the [[Jerusalem]] [[persecutions]]. His [[wife]] was a fearless woman. She stood at the foot of Philip's cross [[encouraging]] him to proclaim the glad tidings even to his [[murder]]ers, and when his [[strength]] failed, she began the [[recital]] of the [[story]] of [[salvation]] by [[faith]] in [[Jesus]] and was silenced only when the irate [[Jews]] rushed upon her and stoned her to [[death]]. Their eldest daughter, Leah, continued their [[work]], later on becoming the renowned prophetess of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierapolis Hierapolis].

139:5.11 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip]'s [[wife]], who was an [[efficient]] member of the women's corps, became actively associated with her [[husband]] in his [[evangelistic]] work after their flight from the [[Jerusalem]] [[persecutions]]. His [[wife]] was a fearless woman. She stood at the foot of Philip's cross [[encouraging]] him to proclaim the glad tidings even to his [[murder]]ers, and when his [[strength]] failed, she began the [[recital]] of the [[story]] of [[salvation]] by [[faith]] in [[Jesus]] and was silenced only when the irate [[Jews]] rushed upon her and stoned her to [[death]]. Their eldest daughter, Leah, continued their [[work]], later on becoming the renowned prophetess of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierapolis Hierapolis].

139:5.12 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip], the onetime steward of the twelve, was a mighty man in [[the kingdom]], winning [[souls]] wherever he went; and he was finally [[crucified]] for his [[faith]] and [[buried]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierapolis#St._Philippe_Martyrion Hierapolis].

139:5.12 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle Philip], the onetime steward of the twelve, was a mighty man in [[the kingdom]], winning [[souls]] wherever he went; and he was finally [[crucified]] for his [[faith]] and [[buried]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierapolis#St._Philippe_Martyrion Hierapolis].

==139:6. HONEST NATHANIEL==

==139:6. HONEST NATHANIEL==

139:6.1 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel], the sixth and last of the [[apostles]] to be chosen by [[the Master]] himself, was brought to [[Jesus]] by his [[friend]] [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]]. He had been associated in several [[business]] [[enterprise]]s with Philip and, with him, was on the way down to see [[John the Baptist]] when they encountered [[Jesus]].

139:6.1 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel], the sixth and last of the [[apostles]] to be chosen by [[the Master]] himself, was brought to [[Jesus]] by his [[friend]] [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]]. He had been associated in several [[business]] [[enterprise]]s with Philip and, with him, was on the way down to see [[John the Baptist]] when they encountered [[Jesus]].

139:6.2 When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel] joined the [[apostles]], he was twenty-five years old and was the next to the youngest of the [[group]]. He was the youngest of a [[family]] of seven, was unmarried, and the only [[support]] of aged and infirm [[parents]], with whom he lived at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana]; his brothers and sister were either [[married]] or deceased, and none lived there. [[Nathaniel]] and [[Judas Iscariot]] were the two best [[educated]] men among the twelve. [[Nathaniel]] had thought to become a merchant.

139:6.2 When [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel] joined the [[apostles]], he was twenty-five years old and was the next to the youngest of the [[group]]. He was the youngest of a [[family]] of seven, was unmarried, and the only [[support]] of aged and infirm [[parents]], with whom he lived at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana]; his brothers and sister were either [[married]] or deceased, and none lived there. [[Nathaniel]] and [[Judas Iscariot]] were the two best [[educated]] men among the twelve. [[Nathaniel]] had thought to become a merchant.

139:6.3 [[Jesus]] did not himself give [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel] a nickname, but the twelve soon began to speak of him in terms that signified [[honesty]], [[sincerity]]. He was " without guile. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_1] And this was his great [[virtue]]; he was both [[honest]] and [[sincere]]. The weakness of his [[character]] was his pride; he was very proud of his [[family]], his [[city]], his [[reputation]], and his [[nation]], all of which is commendable if it is not carried too far. But [[Nathaniel]] was inclined to go to [[extreme]]s with his personal [[prejudices]]. He was disposed to prejudge [[individuals]] in accordance with his personal [[opinions]]. He was not slow to ask the question, even before he had met [[Jesus]], " Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_1] But [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel] was not obstinate, even if he was [[proud]]. He was quick to reverse himself when he once looked into [[Jesus]]' face.

139:6.3 [[Jesus]] did not himself give [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel] a nickname, but the twelve soon began to speak of him in terms that signified [[honesty]], [[sincerity]]. He was " without guile. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_1] And this was his great [[virtue]]; he was both [[honest]] and [[sincere]]. The weakness of his [[character]] was his pride; he was very proud of his [[family]], his [[city]], his [[reputation]], and his [[nation]], all of which is commendable if it is not carried too far. But [[Nathaniel]] was inclined to go to [[extreme]]s with his personal [[prejudices]]. He was disposed to prejudge [[individuals]] in accordance with his personal [[opinions]]. He was not slow to ask the question, even before he had met [[Jesus]], " Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_1] But [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel] was not obstinate, even if he was [[proud]]. He was quick to reverse himself when he once looked into [[Jesus]]' face.

139:6.4 In many respects [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel] was the odd [[genius]] of the twelve. He was the apostolic [[philosopher]] and [[dreamer]], but he was a very [[practical]] sort of dreamer. He alternated between [[seasons]] of [[profound]] [[philosophy]] and periods of rare and droll [[humor]]; when in the proper [[mood]], he was probably the best [[storyteller]] among the twelve. [[Jesus]] greatly enjoyed hearing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel] [[discourse]] on things both serious and frivolous. Nathaniel [[progressively]] took [[Jesus]] and [[the kingdom]] more seriously, but never did he take himself seriously.

139:6.4 In many respects [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel] was the odd [[genius]] of the twelve. He was the apostolic [[philosopher]] and [[dreamer]], but he was a very [[practical]] sort of dreamer. He alternated between [[seasons]] of [[profound]] [[philosophy]] and periods of rare and droll [[humor]]; when in the proper [[mood]], he was probably the best [[storyteller]] among the twelve. [[Jesus]] greatly enjoyed hearing [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel] [[discourse]] on things both serious and frivolous. Nathaniel [[progressively]] took [[Jesus]] and [[the kingdom]] more seriously, but never did he take himself seriously.

139:6.5 The [[apostles]] all [[loved]] and [[respected]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel], and he got along with them splendidly, excepting [[Judas Iscariot]]. Judas did not think [[Nathaniel]] took his apostleship sufficiently seriously and once had the temerity to go [[secretly]] to [[Jesus]] and lodge complaint against him. Said [[Jesus]]: " Judas, watch carefully your steps; do not overmagnify your office. Who of us is competent to [[judge]] his [[brother]]? It is not [[the Father]]'s will that his [[children]] should partake only of the serious things of life. Let me repeat: I have come that my brethren in the flesh may have [[joy]], gladness, and life more [[abundantly]]. Go then, Judas, and do well that which has been intrusted to you but leave [[Nathaniel]], your brother, to give account of himself to [[God]]. " And the memory of this, with that of many similar [[experiences]], long lived in the [[self]]-[[deceiving]] [[heart]] of [[Judas Iscariot]].

139:6.5 The [[apostles]] all [[loved]] and [[respected]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel], and he got along with them splendidly, excepting [[Judas Iscariot]]. Judas did not think [[Nathaniel]] took his apostleship sufficiently seriously and once had the temerity to go [[secretly]] to [[Jesus]] and lodge complaint against him. Said [[Jesus]]: " Judas, watch carefully your steps; do not overmagnify your office. Who of us is competent to [[judge]] his [[brother]]? It is not [[the Father]]'s will that his [[children]] should partake only of the serious things of life. Let me repeat: I have come that my brethren in the flesh may have [[joy]], gladness, and life more [[abundantly]]. Go then, Judas, and do well that which has been intrusted to you but leave [[Nathaniel]], your brother, to give account of himself to [[God]]. " And the memory of this, with that of many similar [[experiences]], long lived in the [[self]]-[[deceiving]] [[heart]] of [[Judas Iscariot]].

139:6.6 Many times, when [[Jesus]] was away on the [[mountain]] with [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]], and things were becoming tense and tangled among the [[apostles]], when even [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] was in [[doubt]] about what to say to his disconsolate brethren, [[Nathaniel]] would relieve the [[tension]] by a bit of [[philosophy]] or a flash of [[humor]]; good humor, too.

139:6.6 Many times, when [[Jesus]] was away on the [[mountain]] with [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], [[James, the Apostle|James]], and [[John, the Apostle|John]], and things were becoming tense and tangled among the [[apostles]], when even [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] was in [[doubt]] about what to say to his disconsolate brethren, [[Nathaniel]] would relieve the [[tension]] by a bit of [[philosophy]] or a flash of [[humor]]; good humor, too.

139:6.7 [[Nathaniel]]'s duty was to look after the [[families]] of the twelve. He was often absent from the apostolic [[councils]], for when he heard that sickness or anything out of the ordinary had happened to one of his charges, he lost no time in getting to that [[home]]. The twelve rested [[securely]] in the [[knowledge]] that their [[families]]' welfare was safe in the hands of [[Nathaniel]].

139:6.7 [[Nathaniel]]'s duty was to look after the [[families]] of the twelve. He was often absent from the apostolic [[councils]], for when he heard that sickness or anything out of the ordinary had happened to one of his charges, he lost no time in getting to that [[home]]. The twelve rested [[securely]] in the [[knowledge]] that their [[families]]' welfare was safe in the hands of [[Nathaniel]].

139:6.8 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel] most [[revered]] [[Jesus]] for his tolerance. He never grew weary of [[contemplating]] the broadmindedness and [[generous]] [[sympathy]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man].

139:6.8 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel] most [[revered]] [[Jesus]] for his tolerance. He never grew weary of [[contemplating]] the broadmindedness and [[generous]] [[sympathy]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man].

139:6.9 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel]'s [[father]] (''Bartholomew'') died shortly after [[Pentecost]], after which this [[apostle]] went into [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_India India] proclaiming the glad tidings of [[the kingdom]] and [[baptizing]] believers. His brethren never knew what became of their onetime [[philosopher]], [[poet]], and humorist. But he also was a great man in [[the kingdom]] and did much to spread his Master's teachings, even though he did not [[participate]] in the [[organization]] of the subsequent [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity Christian church]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel] died in India.

139:6.9 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel]'s [[father]] (''Bartholomew'') died shortly after [[Pentecost]], after which this [[apostle]] went into [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_India India] proclaiming the glad tidings of [[the kingdom]] and [[baptizing]] believers. His brethren never knew what became of their onetime [[philosopher]], [[poet]], and humorist. But he also was a great man in [[the kingdom]] and did much to spread his Master's teachings, even though he did not [[participate]] in the [[organization]] of the subsequent [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity Christian church]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle Nathaniel] died in India.

==139:7. MATTHEW LEVI==

==139:7. MATTHEW LEVI==

139:7.1 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew], the seventh [[apostle]], was chosen by [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]. Matthew belonged to a [[family]] of [[tax]] gatherers, or publicans, but was himself a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs customs] collector in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], where he lived. He was thirty-one years old and [[married]] and had four [[children]]. He was a man of moderate [[wealth]], the only one of any means belonging to the apostolic corps. He was a good [[business]] man, a good social mixer, and was [[gifted]] with the [[ability]] to make [[friends]] and to get along smoothly with a great variety of people.

139:7.1 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew], the seventh [[apostle]], was chosen by [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]. Matthew belonged to a [[family]] of [[tax]] gatherers, or publicans, but was himself a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs customs] collector in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], where he lived. He was thirty-one years old and [[married]] and had four [[children]]. He was a man of moderate [[wealth]], the only one of any means belonging to the apostolic corps. He was a good [[business]] man, a good social mixer, and was [[gifted]] with the [[ability]] to make [[friends]] and to get along smoothly with a great variety of people.

139:7.2 [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] appointed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] the financial [[representative]] of the [[apostles]]. In a way he was the fiscal [[agent]] and publicity spokesman for the apostolic [[organization]]. He was a keen [[judge]] of [[human]] [[nature]] and a very [[efficient]] [[propagandist]]. His is a [[personality]] difficult to [[visualize]], but he was a very [[earnest]] [[disciple]] and an increasing believer in the [[mission]] of [[Jesus]] and in the [[certainty]] of [[the kingdom]]. [[Jesus]] never gave Levi a nickname, but his fellow apostles commonly referred to him as the " [[money]]-getter. "

139:7.2 [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] appointed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] the financial [[representative]] of the [[apostles]]. In a way he was the fiscal [[agent]] and publicity spokesman for the apostolic [[organization]]. He was a keen [[judge]] of [[human]] [[nature]] and a very [[efficient]] [[propagandist]]. His is a [[personality]] difficult to [[visualize]], but he was a very [[earnest]] [[disciple]] and an increasing believer in the [[mission]] of [[Jesus]] and in the [[certainty]] of [[the kingdom]]. [[Jesus]] never gave Levi a nickname, but his fellow apostles commonly referred to him as the " [[money]]-getter. "

139:7.3 Levi's strong point was his wholehearted [[devotion]] to the [[cause]]. That he, a publican, had been taken in by [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]] was the [[cause]] for overwhelming [[gratitude]] on the part of the former revenue collector. However, it required some little time for the rest of the [[apostles]], especially Simon Zelotes and [[Judas Iscariot]], to become [[reconciled]] to the publican's [[presence]] in their midst. Matthew's weakness was his shortsighted and [[materialistic]] [[viewpoint]] of life. But in all these matters he made great [[progress]] as the months went by. He, of course, had to be absent from many of the most precious [[seasons]] of instruction as it was his [[duty]] to keep the treasury replenished.

139:7.3 Levi's strong point was his wholehearted [[devotion]] to the [[cause]]. That he, a publican, had been taken in by [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]] was the [[cause]] for overwhelming [[gratitude]] on the part of the former revenue collector. However, it required some little time for the rest of the [[apostles]], especially Simon Zelotes and [[Judas Iscariot]], to become [[reconciled]] to the publican's [[presence]] in their midst. Matthew's weakness was his shortsighted and [[materialistic]] [[viewpoint]] of life. But in all these matters he made great [[progress]] as the months went by. He, of course, had to be absent from many of the most precious [[seasons]] of instruction as it was his [[duty]] to keep the treasury replenished.

139:7.4 It was [[the Master]]'s [[forgiving]] disposition which Matthew most [[appreciated]]. He would never cease to recount that [[faith]] only was [[necessary]] in the [[business]] of finding [[God]]. He always liked to speak of [[the kingdom]] as " this [[business]] of finding [[God]]. "

139:7.4 It was [[the Master]]'s [[forgiving]] disposition which Matthew most [[appreciated]]. He would never cease to recount that [[faith]] only was [[necessary]] in the [[business]] of finding [[God]]. He always liked to speak of [[the kingdom]] as " this [[business]] of finding [[God]]. "

139:7.5 Though [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] was a man with a [[past]], he gave an excellent account of himself, and as time went on, his associates became [[proud]] of the publican's [[performance]]s. He was one of the [[apostles]] who made extensive notes on the sayings of [[Jesus]], and these notes were used as the basis of Isador's subsequent [[narrative]] of the sayings and doings of Jesus, which has become known as the [[Gospel according to Matthew]].

139:7.5 Though [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] was a man with a [[past]], he gave an excellent account of himself, and as time went on, his associates became [[proud]] of the publican's [[performance]]s. He was one of the [[apostles]] who made extensive notes on the sayings of [[Jesus]], and these notes were used as the basis of Isador's subsequent [[narrative]] of the sayings and doings of Jesus, which has become known as the [[Gospel according to Matthew]].

139:7.6 The great and useful life of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew], the [[business]] man and customs collector of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], has been the means of leading thousands upon thousands of other business men, [[public]] officials, and [[politicians]], down through the subsequent ages, also to hear that [[engaging]] [[voice]] of [[the Master]] saying, " Follow me. " Matthew really was a shrewd [[politician]], but he was [[intensely]] [[loyal]] to [[Jesus]] and supremely [[devoted]] to the task of seeing that the [[messengers]] of the coming kingdom were adequately financed.

139:7.6 The great and useful life of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew], the [[business]] man and customs collector of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], has been the means of leading thousands upon thousands of other business men, [[public]] officials, and [[politicians]], down through the subsequent ages, also to hear that [[engaging]] [[voice]] of [[the Master]] saying, " Follow me. " Matthew really was a shrewd [[politician]], but he was [[intensely]] [[loyal]] to [[Jesus]] and supremely [[devoted]] to the task of seeing that the [[messengers]] of the coming kingdom were adequately financed.

139:7.7 The [[presence]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] among the twelve was the means of keeping the doors of [[the kingdom]] wide open to hosts of downhearted and outcast [[souls]] who had regarded themselves as long since without the bounds of [[religious]] consolation. Outcast and despairing [[men]] and [[women]] flocked to hear [[Jesus]], and he never turned one away.

139:7.7 The [[presence]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] among the twelve was the means of keeping the doors of [[the kingdom]] wide open to hosts of downhearted and outcast [[souls]] who had regarded themselves as long since without the bounds of [[religious]] consolation. Outcast and despairing [[men]] and [[women]] flocked to hear [[Jesus]], and he never turned one away.

139:7.8 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] received freely tendered offerings from believing [[disciples]] and the immediate auditors of [[the Master]]'s teachings, but he never openly solicited funds from the multitudes. He did all his [[financial]] [[work]] in a [[quiet]] and [[personal]] way and raised most of the [[money]] among the more substantial class of interested believers. He gave [[practically]] the whole of his modest fortune to the [[work]] of [[the Master]] and his [[apostles]], but they never knew of this [[generosity]], save [[Jesus]], who knew all about it. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] [[hesitated]] openly to contribute to the apostolic funds for [[fear]] that [[Jesus]] and his associates might regard his [[money]] as being tainted; so he gave much in the names of other believers. During the earlier months, when [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] knew his [[presence]] among them was more or less of a [[trial]], he was strongly tempted to let them know that his funds often supplied them with their daily bread, but he did not yield. When [[evidence]] of the disdain of the publican would become [[manifest]], Levi would burn to [[reveal]] to them his [[generosity]], but always he managed to keep still.

139:7.8 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] received freely tendered offerings from believing [[disciples]] and the immediate auditors of [[the Master]]'s teachings, but he never openly solicited funds from the multitudes. He did all his [[financial]] [[work]] in a [[quiet]] and [[personal]] way and raised most of the [[money]] among the more substantial class of interested believers. He gave [[practically]] the whole of his modest fortune to the [[work]] of [[the Master]] and his [[apostles]], but they never knew of this [[generosity]], save [[Jesus]], who knew all about it. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] [[hesitated]] openly to contribute to the apostolic funds for [[fear]] that [[Jesus]] and his associates might regard his [[money]] as being tainted; so he gave much in the names of other believers. During the earlier months, when [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] knew his [[presence]] among them was more or less of a [[trial]], he was strongly tempted to let them know that his funds often supplied them with their daily bread, but he did not yield. When [[evidence]] of the disdain of the publican would become [[manifest]], Levi would burn to [[reveal]] to them his [[generosity]], but always he managed to keep still.

139:7.9 When the funds for the week were short of the estimated requirements, Levi would often draw heavily upon his own [[personal]] [[resources]]. Also, sometimes when he became greatly interested in [[Jesus]]' teaching, he preferred to remain and hear the instruction, even though he knew he must [[personally]] make up for his failure to solicit the [[necessary]] [[funds]]. But Levi did so [[wish]] that [[Jesus]] might know that much of the [[money]] came from his pocket! He little [[realized]] that [[the Master]] knew all about it. The [[apostles]] all died without knowing that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] was their [[benefactor]] to such an extent that, when he went forth to [[proclaim]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] after the beginning of the [[persecutions]], he was practically penniless.

139:7.9 When the funds for the week were short of the estimated requirements, Levi would often draw heavily upon his own [[personal]] [[resources]]. Also, sometimes when he became greatly interested in [[Jesus]]' teaching, he preferred to remain and hear the instruction, even though he knew he must [[personally]] make up for his failure to solicit the [[necessary]] [[funds]]. But Levi did so [[wish]] that [[Jesus]] might know that much of the [[money]] came from his pocket! He little [[realized]] that [[the Master]] knew all about it. The [[apostles]] all died without knowing that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] was their [[benefactor]] to such an extent that, when he went forth to [[proclaim]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] after the beginning of the [[persecutions]], he was practically penniless.

139:7.10 When these [[persecutions]] caused the believers to forsake [[Jerusalem]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] [[journeyed]] north, [[preaching]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] and [[baptizing]] believers. He was lost to the [[knowledge]] of his former apostolic associates, but on he went, [[preaching]] and [[baptizing]], through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syria], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cappadocia Cappadocia], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galatia Galatia], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bithynia Bithynia], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrace Thrace]. And it was in Thrace, at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lysimachia_(Thrace) Lysimachia], that certain unbelieving [[Jews]] conspired with the Roman soldiers to encompass his [[death]]. And this regenerated publican died triumphant in the [[faith]] of a [[salvation]] he had so surely learned from the teachings of [[the Master]] during his recent [[sojourn]] on [[earth]].

139:7.10 When these [[persecutions]] caused the believers to forsake [[Jerusalem]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Matthew Matthew] [[journeyed]] north, [[preaching]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] and [[baptizing]] believers. He was lost to the [[knowledge]] of his former apostolic associates, but on he went, [[preaching]] and [[baptizing]], through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syria], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cappadocia Cappadocia], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galatia Galatia], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bithynia Bithynia], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrace Thrace]. And it was in Thrace, at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lysimachia_(Thrace) Lysimachia], that certain unbelieving [[Jews]] conspired with the Roman soldiers to encompass his [[death]]. And this regenerated publican died triumphant in the [[faith]] of a [[salvation]] he had so surely learned from the teachings of [[the Master]] during his recent [[sojourn]] on [[earth]].

==139:8. THOMAS DIDYMUS==

==139:8. THOMAS DIDYMUS==

139:8.1 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] was the eighth [[apostle]], and he was chosen by [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]. In later times he has become known as " [[doubting]] Thomas, "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_20] but his fellow [[apostles]] hardly looked upon him as a chronic doubter. True, his was a [[logical]], [[skeptical]] type of [[mind]], but he had a form of [[courageous]] [[loyalty]] which forbade those who knew him [[intimate]]ly to regard him as a trifling skeptic.

139:8.1 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] was the eighth [[apostle]], and he was chosen by [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]. In later times he has become known as " [[doubting]] Thomas, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_20] but his fellow [[apostles]] hardly looked upon him as a chronic doubter. True, his was a [[logical]], [[skeptical]] type of [[mind]], but he had a form of [[courageous]] [[loyalty]] which forbade those who knew him [[intimate]]ly to regard him as a trifling skeptic.

139:8.2 When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] joined the [[apostles]], he was twenty-nine years old, was [[married]], and had four [[children]]. Formerly he had been a [[carpenter]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonry stone mason], but latterly he had become a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisherman] and resided at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarichea Tarichea], situated on the west bank of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan] where it flows out of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee Sea of Galilee], and he was regarded as the leading [[citizen]] of this little village. He had little [[education]], but he possessed a keen, reasoning [[mind]] and was the son of excellent [[parents]], who lived at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiberias Tiberias]. Thomas had the one truly [[analytical]] [[mind]] of the twelve; he was the real [[scientist]] of the apostolic group.

139:8.2 When [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] joined the [[apostles]], he was twenty-nine years old, was [[married]], and had four [[children]]. Formerly he had been a [[carpenter]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonry stone mason], but latterly he had become a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisherman] and resided at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarichea Tarichea], situated on the west bank of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan] where it flows out of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee Sea of Galilee], and he was regarded as the leading [[citizen]] of this little village. He had little [[education]], but he possessed a keen, reasoning [[mind]] and was the son of excellent [[parents]], who lived at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiberias Tiberias]. Thomas had the one truly [[analytical]] [[mind]] of the twelve; he was the real [[scientist]] of the apostolic group.

139:8.3 The early [[home]] life of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] had been unfortunate; his [[parents]] were not altogether [[happy]] in their [[married]] life, and this was reflected in Thomas's adult [[experience]]. He grew up having a very disagreeable and quarrelsome disposition. Even his [[wife]] was glad to see him join the [[apostles]]; she was relieved by the [[thought]] that her [[pessimistic]] [[husband]] would be away from [[home]] most of the time. Thomas also had a streak of [[suspicion]] which made it very [[difficult]] to get along peaceably with him. [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] was very much upset by Thomas at first, complaining to his brother, [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], that Thomas was " mean, ugly, and always [[suspicious]]. " But the better his associates knew [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas], the more they liked him. They found he was superbly [[honest]] and unflinchingly [[loyal]]. He was [[perfectly]] [[sincere]] and unquestionably [[truthful]], but he was a [[natural]]-born faultfinder and had grown up to become a real [[pessimist]]. His [[analytical]] [[mind]] had become [[cursed]] with [[suspicion]]. He was rapidly losing [[faith]] in his fellow men when he became associated with the twelve and thus came in [[contact]] with the [[noble]] [[character]] of [[Jesus]]. This association with [[the Master]] began at once to [[transform]] Thomas's whole disposition and to effect great [[changes]] in his mental [[reactions]] to his fellow men.

139:8.3 The early [[home]] life of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] had been unfortunate; his [[parents]] were not altogether [[happy]] in their [[married]] life, and this was reflected in Thomas's adult [[experience]]. He grew up having a very disagreeable and quarrelsome disposition. Even his [[wife]] was glad to see him join the [[apostles]]; she was relieved by the [[thought]] that her [[pessimistic]] [[husband]] would be away from [[home]] most of the time. Thomas also had a streak of [[suspicion]] which made it very [[difficult]] to get along peaceably with him. [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] was very much upset by Thomas at first, complaining to his brother, [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]], that Thomas was " mean, ugly, and always [[suspicious]]. " But the better his associates knew [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas], the more they liked him. They found he was superbly [[honest]] and unflinchingly [[loyal]]. He was [[perfectly]] [[sincere]] and unquestionably [[truthful]], but he was a [[natural]]-born faultfinder and had grown up to become a real [[pessimist]]. His [[analytical]] [[mind]] had become [[cursed]] with [[suspicion]]. He was rapidly losing [[faith]] in his fellow men when he became associated with the twelve and thus came in [[contact]] with the [[noble]] [[character]] of [[Jesus]]. This association with [[the Master]] began at once to [[transform]] Thomas's whole disposition and to effect great [[changes]] in his mental [[reactions]] to his fellow men.

139:8.4 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas]'s great [[strength]] was his superb [[analytical]] [[mind]] coupled with his unflinching [[courage]]—when he had once made up his [[mind]]. His great weakness was his [[suspicious]] [[doubting]], which he never fully overcame throughout his whole lifetime in the flesh.

139:8.4 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas]'s great [[strength]] was his superb [[analytical]] [[mind]] coupled with his unflinching [[courage]]—when he had once made up his [[mind]]. His great weakness was his [[suspicious]] [[doubting]], which he never fully overcame throughout his whole lifetime in the flesh.

139:8.5 In the [[organization]] of the twelve [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] was assigned to arrange and [[manage]] the itinerary, and he was an able director of the [[work]] and movements of the apostolic corps. He was a good [[executive]], an excellent businessman, but he was [[handicapped]] by his many [[moods]]; he was one man one day and another man the next. He was inclined toward [[melancholic]] brooding when he joined the [[apostles]], but contact with [[Jesus]] and the apostles largely cured him of this morbid [[introspection]].

139:8.5 In the [[organization]] of the twelve [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] was assigned to arrange and [[manage]] the itinerary, and he was an able director of the [[work]] and movements of the apostolic corps. He was a good [[executive]], an excellent businessman, but he was [[handicapped]] by his many [[moods]]; he was one man one day and another man the next. He was inclined toward [[melancholic]] brooding when he joined the [[apostles]], but contact with [[Jesus]] and the apostles largely cured him of this morbid [[introspection]].

139:8.6 [[Jesus]] enjoyed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] very much and had many long, [[personal]] talks with him. His [[presence]] among the [[apostles]] was a great [[comfort]] to all honest doubters and [[encouraged]] many troubled [[minds]] to come into [[the kingdom]], even if they could not wholly [[understand]] everything about the [[spiritual]] and philosophic [[phases]] of the teachings of [[Jesus]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas]'s membership in the twelve was a standing [[declaration]] that Jesus loved even [[honest]] [[doubt]]ers.

139:8.6 [[Jesus]] enjoyed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] very much and had many long, [[personal]] talks with him. His [[presence]] among the [[apostles]] was a great [[comfort]] to all honest doubters and [[encouraged]] many troubled [[minds]] to come into [[the kingdom]], even if they could not wholly [[understand]] everything about the [[spiritual]] and philosophic [[phases]] of the teachings of [[Jesus]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas]'s membership in the twelve was a standing [[declaration]] that Jesus loved even [[honest]] [[doubt]]ers.

139:8.7 The other [[apostles]] held [[Jesus]] in [[reverence]] because of some special and outstanding trait of his replete [[personality]], but [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] [[revered]] his Master because of his superbly [[balanced]] [[character]]. Increasingly Thomas admired and honored one who was so lovingly [[merciful]] yet so inflexibly [[just]] and [[fair]]; so firm but never obstinate; so calm but never indifferent; so helpful and so [[sympathetic]] but never meddlesome or dictatorial; so strong but at the same time so [[gentle]]; so [[positive]] but never rough or rude; so [[tender]] but never vacillating; so [[pure]] and innocent but at the same time so [[virile]], [[aggressive]], and forceful; so truly [[courageous]] but never rash or foolhardy; such a lover of [[nature]] but so free from all tendency to [[revere]] nature; so [[humorous]] and so [[playful]], but so free from [[levity]] and frivolity. It was this matchless [[symmetry]] of [[personality]] that so [[charmed]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas]. He probably enjoyed the highest [[intellectual]] [[understanding]] and [[personality]] [[appreciation]] of [[Jesus]] of any of the twelve.

139:8.7 The other [[apostles]] held [[Jesus]] in [[reverence]] because of some special and outstanding trait of his replete [[personality]], but [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] [[revered]] his Master because of his superbly [[balanced]] [[character]]. Increasingly Thomas admired and honored one who was so lovingly [[merciful]] yet so inflexibly [[just]] and [[fair]]; so firm but never obstinate; so calm but never indifferent; so helpful and so [[sympathetic]] but never meddlesome or dictatorial; so strong but at the same time so [[gentle]]; so [[positive]] but never rough or rude; so tender but never vacillating; so [[pure]] and innocent but at the same time so [[virile]], [[aggressive]], and forceful; so truly [[courageous]] but never rash or foolhardy; such a lover of [[nature]] but so free from all tendency to [[revere]] nature; so [[humorous]] and so [[playful]], but so free from [[levity]] and frivolity. It was this matchless [[symmetry]] of [[personality]] that so [[charmed]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas]. He probably enjoyed the highest [[intellectual]] [[understanding]] and [[personality]] [[appreciation]] of [[Jesus]] of any of the twelve.

139:8.8 In the [[councils]] of the twelve [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] was always [[cautious]], advocating a [[policy]] of [[safety]] first, but if his [[conservatism]] was voted down or overruled, he was always the first fearlessly to move out in [[execution]] of the [[program]] [[decided]] upon. Again and again would he stand out against some project as being foolhardy and presumptuous; he would [[debate]] to the bitter end, but when [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] would put the [[proposition]] to a [[vote]], and after the twelve would elect to do that which he had so strenuously [[opposed]], Thomas was the first to say, " Let's go! " He was a good loser. He did not hold grudges nor nurse wounded [[feelings]]. Time and again did he [[oppose]] letting [[Jesus]] expose himself to [[danger]], but when [[the Master]] would [[decide]] to take such [[risks]], always was it [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] who rallied the [[apostles]] with his [[courageous]] [[words]], " Come on, [[comrades]], let's go and die with him. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_11]

139:8.8 In the [[councils]] of the twelve [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] was always [[cautious]], advocating a [[policy]] of [[safety]] first, but if his [[conservatism]] was voted down or overruled, he was always the first fearlessly to move out in [[execution]] of the [[program]] [[decided]] upon. Again and again would he stand out against some project as being foolhardy and presumptuous; he would [[debate]] to the bitter end, but when [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] would put the [[proposition]] to a [[vote]], and after the twelve would elect to do that which he had so strenuously [[opposed]], Thomas was the first to say, " Let's go! " He was a good loser. He did not hold grudges nor nurse wounded [[feelings]]. Time and again did he [[oppose]] letting [[Jesus]] expose himself to [[danger]], but when [[the Master]] would [[decide]] to take such [[risks]], always was it [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] who rallied the [[apostles]] with his [[courageous]] [[words]], " Come on, [[comrades]], let's go and die with him. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_11]

139:8.9 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] was in some respects like [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]]; he also wanted " to be shown, "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_20] but his outward [[expressions]] of [[doubt]] were based on entirely [[different]] [[intellectual]] operations. Thomas was [[analytical]], not merely [[skeptical]]. As far as [[personal]] [[physical]] [[courage]] was concerned, he was one of the bravest among the twelve.

139:8.9 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] was in some respects like [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]]; he also wanted " to be shown, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_20] but his outward [[expressions]] of [[doubt]] were based on entirely [[different]] [[intellectual]] operations. Thomas was [[analytical]], not merely [[skeptical]]. As far as [[personal]] [[physical]] [[courage]] was concerned, he was one of the bravest among the twelve.

139:8.10 [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_20 Thomas] had some very bad days; he was blue and downcast at times. The loss of his twin sister when he was nine years old had occasioned him much [[youth]]ful [[sorrow]] and had added to his [[temperament]]al [[problems]] of later life. When Thomas would become despondent, sometimes it was [[Nathaniel]] who helped him to recover, sometimes [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], and not infrequently one of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:9_and_10._JAMES_AND_JUDAS_ALPHEUS Alpheus twins]. When he was most [[depressed]], unfortunately he always tried to avoid coming in direct [[contact]] with [[Jesus]]. But [[the Master]] knew all about this and had an [[understanding]] [[sympathy]] for his [[apostle]] when he was thus afflicted with [[depression]] and harassed by [[doubts]].

139:8.10 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_20 Thomas] had some very bad days; he was blue and downcast at times. The loss of his twin sister when he was nine years old had occasioned him much [[youth]]ful [[sorrow]] and had added to his [[temperament]]al [[problems]] of later life. When Thomas would become despondent, sometimes it was [[Nathaniel]] who helped him to recover, sometimes [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]], and not infrequently one of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_apostles#139:9_and_10._JAMES_AND_JUDAS_ALPHEUS Alpheus twins]. When he was most [[depressed]], unfortunately he always tried to avoid coming in direct [[contact]] with [[Jesus]]. But [[the Master]] knew all about this and had an [[understanding]] [[sympathy]] for his [[apostle]] when he was thus afflicted with [[depression]] and harassed by [[doubts]].

139:8.11 Sometimes [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] would get [[permission]] from [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew] to go off by himself for a day or two. But he soon [[learned]] that such a [[course]] was not [[wise]]; he early found that it was best, when he was downhearted, to stick close to his [[work]] and to remain near his associates. But no matter what happened in his [[emotional]] life, he kept right on being an [[apostle]]. When the [[time]] actually came to move forward, it was always Thomas who said, " Let's go! "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_11]

139:8.11 Sometimes [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] would get [[permission]] from [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew] to go off by himself for a day or two. But he soon [[learned]] that such a [[course]] was not [[wise]]; he early found that it was best, when he was downhearted, to stick close to his [[work]] and to remain near his associates. But no matter what happened in his [[emotional]] life, he kept right on being an [[apostle]]. When the [[time]] actually came to move forward, it was always Thomas who said, " Let's go! "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_11]

139:8.12 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] is the great example of a [[human being]] who has [[doubts]], faces them, and wins. He had a great [[mind]]; he was no carping [[critic]]. He was a [[logical]] [[thinker]]; he was the acid test of [[Jesus]] and his fellow [[apostles]]. If [[Jesus]] and his [[work]] had not been [[genuine]], it could not have held a man like [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] from the start to the finish. He had a keen and sure sense of [[fact]]. At the first [[appearance]] of [[fraud]] or [[deception]] Thomas would have forsaken them all. [[Scientists]] may not fully [[understand]] all about [[Jesus]] and his work on [[earth]], but there lived and worked with [[the Master]] and his human associates a man whose [[mind]] was that of a true scientist—[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas Didymus]—and he believed in [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]].

139:8.12 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] is the great example of a [[human being]] who has [[doubts]], faces them, and wins. He had a great [[mind]]; he was no carping [[critic]]. He was a [[logical]] [[thinker]]; he was the acid test of [[Jesus]] and his fellow [[apostles]]. If [[Jesus]] and his [[work]] had not been [[genuine]], it could not have held a man like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] from the start to the finish. He had a keen and sure sense of [[fact]]. At the first [[appearance]] of [[fraud]] or [[deception]] Thomas would have forsaken them all. [[Scientists]] may not fully [[understand]] all about [[Jesus]] and his work on [[earth]], but there lived and worked with [[the Master]] and his human associates a man whose [[mind]] was that of a true scientist—[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas Didymus]—and he believed in [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]].

139:8.13 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] had a trying time during the days of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_185 trial] and [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_187 crucifixion]. He was for a [[season]] in the depths of [[despair]], but he rallied his [[courage]], stuck to the [[apostles]], and was present with them to welcome [[Jesus]] on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee Sea of Galilee]. For a while he succumbed to his doubting [[depression]] but [[eventually]] rallied his [[faith]] and [[courage]]. He gave [[wise]] [[counsel]] to the [[apostles]] after [[Pentecost]] and, when [[persecution]] scattered the believers, went to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus Cyprus], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crete Crete], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Africa North African] coast, and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicily Sicily], preaching the glad tidings of [[the kingdom]] and [[baptizing]] believers. And [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] continued [[preaching]] and [[baptizing]] until he was apprehended by the agents of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman government] and was put to [[death]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta Malta]. Just a few weeks before his [[death]] he had begun the [[writing]] of the life and teachings of [[Jesus]].

139:8.13 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] had a trying time during the days of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_185 trial] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_187 crucifixion]. He was for a [[season]] in the depths of [[despair]], but he rallied his [[courage]], stuck to the [[apostles]], and was present with them to welcome [[Jesus]] on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee Sea of Galilee]. For a while he succumbed to his doubting [[depression]] but [[eventually]] rallied his [[faith]] and [[courage]]. He gave [[wise]] [[counsel]] to the [[apostles]] after [[Pentecost]] and, when [[persecution]] scattered the believers, went to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus Cyprus], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crete Crete], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Africa North African] coast, and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicily Sicily], preaching the glad tidings of [[the kingdom]] and [[baptizing]] believers. And [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle Thomas] continued [[preaching]] and [[baptizing]] until he was apprehended by the agents of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman government] and was put to [[death]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta Malta]. Just a few weeks before his [[death]] he had begun the [[writing]] of the life and teachings of [[Jesus]].

==139:9 and 10. JAMES AND JUDAS ALPHEUS==

==139:9 and 10. JAMES AND JUDAS ALPHEUS==

139:9.1 James and Judas the sons of Alpheus, the twin fishermen living near Kheresa, were the ninth and tenth apostles and were chosen by James and John Zebedee. They were twenty-six years old and married, James having three children, Judas two.

139:9.1 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James,_son_of_Alphaeus James] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Judas] the sons of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphaeus Alpheus], the twin fishermen living near [https://urantiabook.org/jesus_photos/kheresa.html Kheresa], were the ninth and tenth [[apostles]] and were chosen by [[James, the Apostle|James]] and [[John, the Apostle|John Zebedee]]. They were twenty-six years old and [[married]], James having three children, Judas two.

139:9.2 There is not much to be said about these two commonplace fisherfolk. They loved their Master and Jesus loved them, but they never interrupted his discourses with questions. They understood very little about the philosophical discussions or the theological debates of their fellow apostles, but they rejoiced to find themselves numbered among such a group of mighty men. These two men were almost identical in personal appearance, mental characteristics, and extent of spiritual perception. What may be said of one should be recorded of the other.

139:9.2 There is not much to be said about these [[two]] commonplace [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisherfolk]. They [[loved]] their Master and [[Jesus]] loved them, but they never interrupted his [[discourses]] with questions. They [[understood]] very little about the [[philosophical]] [[discussions]] or the [[theological]] [[debates]] of their fellow [[apostles]], but they [[rejoiced]] to find themselves numbered among such a [[group]] of mighty men. These two men were almost [[identical]] in [[personal]] [[appearance]], [[mental]] characteristics, and extent of [[spiritual]] [[perception]]. What may be said of one should be recorded of the other.

139:9.3 Andrew assigned them to the work of policing the multitudes. They were the chief ushers of the preaching hours and, in fact, the general servants and errand boys of the twelve. They helped Philip with the supplies, they carried money to the families for Nathaniel, and always were they ready to lend a helping hand to any one of the apostles.

139:9.3 [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] assigned them to the [[work]] of [[policing]] the multitudes. They were the chief ushers of the [[preaching]] hours and, in [[fact]], the general servants and errand boys of the twelve. They helped [[Philip, the Apostle|Philip]] with the supplies, they carried [[money]] to the [[families]] for [[Nathaniel]], and always were they ready to lend a helping hand to any one of the [[apostles]].

139:9.4 The multitudes of the common people were greatly encouraged to find two like themselves honored with places among the apostles. By their very acceptance as apostles these mediocre twins were the means of bringing a host of fainthearted believers into the kingdom. And, too, the common people took more kindly to the idea of being directed and managed by official ushers who were very much like themselves.

139:9.4 The multitudes of the common people were greatly encouraged to find [[two]] like themselves honored with places among the [[apostles]]. By their very [[acceptance]] as [[apostles]] these mediocre twins were the means of bringing a host of fainthearted believers into [[the kingdom]]. And, too, the common people took more kindly to the [[idea]] of being directed and [[managed]] by official ushers who were very much like themselves.

139:9.5 James and Judas, who were also called Thaddeus and Lebbeus, had neither strong points nor weak points. The nicknames given them by the disciples were good-natured designations of mediocrity. They were " the least of all the apostles "; they knew it and felt cheerful about it.

139:9.5 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James,_son_of_Alphaeus James] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Judas], who were also called [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle#Possible_Identity_with_Thaddeus Thaddeus] and Lebbeus, had neither strong points nor weak points. The nicknames given them by the [[disciples]] were good-natured designations of mediocrity. They were " the least of all the apostles "; they knew it and felt [[cheerful]] about it.

139:9.6 James Alpheus especially loved Jesus because of the Master's simplicity. These twins could not comprehend the mind of Jesus, but they did grasp the sympathetic bond between themselves and the heart of their Master. Their minds were not of a high order; they might even reverently be called stupid, but they had a real experience in their spiritual natures. They believed in Jesus; they were sons of God and fellows of the kingdom.

139:9.6 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James,_son_of_Alphaeus James Alpheus] especially loved [[Jesus]] because of [[the Master]]'s [[simplicity]]. These twins could not [[comprehend]] the [[mind]] of [[Jesus]], but they did grasp the [[sympathetic]] bond between themselves and the [[heart]] of their Master. Their [[minds]] were not of a high order; they might even reverently be called stupid, but they had a real [[experience]] in their [[spiritual]] [[natures]]. They believed in Jesus; they were sons of God and fellows of [[the kingdom]].

139:9.7 Judas Alpheus was drawn toward Jesus because of the Master's unostentatious humility. Such humility linked with such personal dignity made a great appeal to Judas. The fact that Jesus would always enjoin silence regarding his unusual acts made a great impression on this simple child of nature.

139:9.7 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Judas Alpheus] was drawn toward [[Jesus]] because of [[the Master]]'s unostentatious [[humility]]. Such humility linked with such [[personal]] [[dignity]] made a great [[appeal]] to Judas. The [[fact]] that Jesus would always enjoin [[silence]] regarding his unusual [[acts]] made a great impression on this [[simple]] [[child]] of [[nature]].

139:9.8 The twins were good-natured, simple-minded helpers, and everybody loved them. Jesus welcomed these young men of one talent to positions of honor on his personal staff in the kingdom because there are untold millions of other such simple and fear-ridden souls on the worlds of space whom he likewise wishes to welcome into active and believing fellowship with himself and his outpoured Spirit of Truth. Jesus does not look down upon littleness, only upon evil and sin. James and Judas were little, but they were also faithful. They were simple and ignorant, but they were also big-hearted, kind, and generous.

139:9.8 The twins were [[good]]-natured, [[simple]]-minded helpers, and everybody loved them. [[Jesus]] welcomed these young men of one [[talent]] to positions of [[honor]] on his personal staff in [[the kingdom]] because there are untold millions of other such [[simple]] and [[fear]]-ridden [[souls]] on the [[worlds of space]] whom he likewise [[wishes]] to [[welcome]] into active and believing fellowship with himself and his outpoured [[Spirit of Truth]]. [[Jesus]] does not look down upon littleness, only upon [[evil]] and [[sin]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James,_son_of_Alphaeus James] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Judas] were little, but they were also [[faithful]]. They were [[simple]] and [[ignorant]], but they were also big-hearted, [[kind]], and [[generous]].

139:9.9 And how gratefully proud were these humble men on that day when the Master refused to accept a certain rich man as an evangelist unless he would sell his goods and help the poor. When the people heard this and beheld the twins among his counselors, they knew of a certainty that Jesus was no respecter of persons. But only a divine institution—the kingdom of heaven—could ever have been built upon such a mediocre human foundation!

139:9.9 And how [[gratefully]] [[proud]] were these [[humble]] men on that day when [[the Master]] refused to accept a certain rich man as an [[evangelist]] unless he would sell his goods and help the [[poor]]. When the people heard this and beheld the twins among his [[counselors]], they knew of a certainty that [[Jesus]] was no respecter of [[persons]]. But only a [[divine]] [[institution]]—the [[kingdom of heaven]]—could ever have been built upon such a mediocre [[human]] [[foundation]]!

139:9.10 Only once or twice in all their association with Jesus did the twins venture to ask questions in public. Judas was once intrigued into asking Jesus a question when the Master had talked about revealing himself openly to the world. He felt a little disappointed that there were to be no more secrets among the twelve, and he made bold to ask: " But, Master, when you do thus declare yourself to the world, how will you favor us with special manifestations of your goodness? "

139:9.10 Only once or twice in all their [[association]] with [[Jesus]] did the twins venture to ask questions in [[public]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Judas] was once [[intrigued]] into asking [[Jesus]] a question when [[the Master]] had talked about [[revealing]] himself openly to the world. He felt a little [[disappointed]] that there were to be no more [[secrets]] among the twelve, and he made bold to ask: " But, Master, when you do thus [[declare]] yourself to the world, how will you [[favor]] us with special [[manifestations]] of your [[goodness]]? "

139:9.11 The twins served faithfully until the end, until the dark days of trial, crucifixion, and despair. They never lost their heart faith in Jesus, and (save John) they were the first to believe in his resurrection. But they could not comprehend the establishment of the kingdom. Soon after their Master was crucified, they returned to their families and nets; their work was done. They had not the ability to go on in the more complex battles of the kingdom. But they lived and died conscious of having been honored and blessed with four years of close and personal association with a Son of God, the sovereign maker of a universe.

139:9.11 The twins served [[faithfully]] until the end, until the [[dark]] days of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_184 trial], [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_187 crucifixion], and [[despair]]. They never lost their [[heart]] [[faith]] in [[Jesus]], and (save [[John, the Apostle|John]]) they were the first to [[believe]] in his [[resurrection]]. But they could not [[comprehend]] the [[establishment]] of [[the kingdom]]. Soon after their Master was [[crucified]], they returned to their [[families]] and nets; their [[work]] was done. They had not the [[ability]] to go on in the more [[complex]] battles of [[the kingdom]]. But they lived and died [[conscious]] of having been [[honored]] and [[blessed]] with four years of close and [[personal]] [[association]] with a [[Son of God]], the [[Creator Son|sovereign maker]] of a [[Local Universe|universe]].

==139:11. SIMON THE ZEALOT==

==139:11. SIMON THE ZEALOT==

139:11.1 Simon Zelotes, the eleventh apostle, was chosen by Simon Peter. He was an able man of good ancestry and lived with his family at Capernaum. He was twenty-eight years old when he became attached to the apostles. He was a fiery agitator and was also a man who spoke much without thinking. He had been a merchant in Capernaum before he turned his entire attention to the patriotic organization of the Zealots.

139:11.1 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Zealotes '''''Simon Zelotes'''''], the eleventh [[apostle]], was [[chosen]] by [[Peter, the Apostle|Simon Peter]]. He was an able man of [[good]] [[ancestry]] and lived with his [[family]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum]. He was twenty-eight years old when he became attached to the [[apostles]]. He was a fiery [[agitator]] and was also a man who [[spoke]] much without [[thinking]]. He had been a merchant in Capernaum before he turned his entire [[attention]] to the [[patriotic]] [[organization]] of the [[Zealots]].

139:11.2 Simon Zelotes was given charge of the diversions and relaxation of the apostolic group, and he was a very efficient organizer of the play life and recreational activities of the twelve.

139:11.2 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Zealotes Simon Zelotes] was given charge of the diversions and [[relaxation]] of the apostolic group, and he was a very [[efficient]] organizer of the [[play]] life and [[recreation]]al [[activities]] of the twelve.

139:11.3 Simon's strength was his inspirational loyalty. When the apostles found a man or woman who floundered in indecision about entering the kingdom, they would send for Simon. It usually required only about fifteen minutes for this enthusiastic advocate of salvation through faith in God to settle all doubts and remove all indecision, to see a new soul born into the " liberty of faith and the joy of salvation. "

139:11.3 Simon's [[strength]] was his [[inspirational]] [[loyalty]]. When the [[apostles]] found a [[man]] or [[woman]] who floundered in indecision about entering [[the kingdom]], they would send for Simon. It usually required only about fifteen minutes for this [[enthusiastic]] [[advocate]] of [[salvation]] through [[faith]] in [[God]] to settle all [[doubts]] and remove all indecision, to see a new [[soul]] born into the " [[liberty]] of [[faith]] and the [[joy]] of [[salvation]]. "

139:11.4 Simon's great weakness was his material-mindedness. He could not quickly change himself from a Jewish nationalist to a spiritually minded internationalist. Four years was too short a time in which to make such an intellectual and emotional transformation, but Jesus was always patient with him.

139:11.4 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Zealotes Simon]'s great weakness was his [[material]]-mindedness. He could not quickly [[change]] himself from a [[Jewish]] [[nationalist]] to a [[spiritually]] minded internationalist. Four years was too short a time in which to make such an [[intellectual]] and [[emotional]] [[transformation]], but [[Jesus]] was always [[patient]] with him.

139:11.5 The one thing about Jesus which Simon so much admired was the Master's calmness, his assurance, poise, and inexplicable composure.

139:11.5 The one thing about [[Jesus]] which [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Zealotes Simon] so much admired was [[the Master]]'s [[calmness]], his [[assurance]], [[poise]], and inexplicable composure.

139:11.6 Although Simon was a rabid revolutionist, a fearless firebrand of agitation, he gradually subdued his fiery nature until he became a powerful and effective preacher of " Peace on earth and good will among men. " Simon was a great debater; he did like to argue. And when it came to dealing with the legalistic minds of the educated Jews or the intellectual quibblings of the Greeks, the task was always assigned to Simon.

139:11.6 Although [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Zealotes Simon] was a rabid [[revolutionist]], a fearless firebrand of [[agitation]], he [[gradually]] subdued his fiery [[nature]] until he became a [[powerful]] and effective [[preacher]] of " [[Peace]] on [[earth]] and good will among men. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2] Simon was a great [[debater]]; he did like to [[argue]]. And when it came to dealing with the legalistic [[minds]] of the [[educated]] Jews or the [[intellectual]] quibblings of the [[Greeks]], the task was always assigned to Simon.

139:11.7 He was a rebel by nature and an iconoclast by training, but Jesus won him for the higher concepts of the kingdom of heaven. He had always identified himself with the party of protest, but he now joined the party of progress, unlimited and eternal progression of spirit and truth. Simon was a man of intense loyalties and warm personal devotions, and he did profoundly love Jesus.

139:11.7 He was a [[rebel]] by [[nature]] and an [[iconoclast]] by [[training]], but [[Jesus]] won him for the higher [[concepts]] of the [[kingdom of heaven]]. He had always identified himself with the party of [[protest]], but he now joined the party of [[progress]], unlimited and [[eternal]] progression of [[spirit]] and [[truth]]. Simon was a man of [[intense]] [[loyalties]] and warm [[personal]] [[devotions]], and he did [[profoundly]] [[love]] [[Jesus]].

139:11.8 Jesus was not afraid to identify himself with business men, laboring men, optimists, pessimists, philosophers, skeptics, publicans, politicians, and patriots.

139:11.8 [[Jesus]] was not afraid to identify himself with [[business]] men, laboring men, [[optimists]], [[pessimists]], [[philosophers]], [[skeptics]], publicans, [[politicians]], and [[patriots]].

139:11.9 The Master had many talks with Simon, but he never fully succeeded in making an internationalist out of this ardent Jewish nationalist. Jesus often told Simon that it was proper to want to see the social, economic, and political orders improved, but he would always add: " That is not the business of the kingdom of heaven. We must be dedicated to the doing of the Father's will. Our business is to be ambassadors of a spiritual government on high, and we must not immediately concern ourselves with aught but the representation of the will and character of the divine Father who stands at the head of the government whose credentials we bear. " It was all difficult for Simon to comprehend, but gradually he began to grasp something of the meaning of the Master's teaching.

139:11.9 [[The Master]] had many talks with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Zealotes Simon], but he never fully succeeded in making an internationalist out of this ardent [[Jewish]] [[nationalist]]. [[Jesus]] often told Simon that it was proper to want to see the [[social]], [[economic]], and [[political]] orders improved, but he would always add: " That is not the [[business]] of [[the kingdom]] of heaven. We must be [[dedicated]] to [[the doing of the Father's will]]. Our [[business]] is to be [[ambassadors]] of a [[spiritual]] [[government]] on high, and we must not [[immediately]] concern ourselves with aught but the [[representation]] of the will and [[character]] of the [[Universal Father|divine Father]] who stands at the head of the [[government]] whose [[credentials]] we bear. " It was all [[difficult]] for Simon to [[comprehend]], but [[gradually]] he began to grasp something of the [[meaning]] of [[the Master]]'s teaching.

139:11.10 After the dispersion because of the Jerusalem persecutions, Simon went into temporary retirement. He was literally crushed. As a nationalist patriot he had surrendered in deference to Jesus' teachings; now all was lost. He was in despair, but in a few years he rallied his hopes and went forth to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom.

139:11.10 After the [[dispersion]] because of the [[Jerusalem]] [[persecutions]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Zealotes Simon] went into temporary [[retirement]]. He was [[literally]] crushed. As a [[nationalist]] [[patriot]] he had surrendered in deference to [[Jesus]]' teachings; now all was lost. He was in [[despair]], but in a few years he rallied his [[hopes]] and went forth to [[proclaim]] the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]].

139:11.11 He went to Alexandria and, after working up the Nile, penetrated into the heart of Africa, everywhere preaching the gospel of Jesus and baptizing believers. Thus he labored until he was an old man and feeble. And he died and was buried in the heart of Africa.

139:11.11 He went to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] and, after working up the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_river Nile], penetrated into the [[heart]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa Africa], everywhere [[preaching]] the [[gospel]] of [[Jesus]] and [[baptizing]] believers. Thus he [[labored]] until he was an old man and feeble. And he died and was [[buried]] in the heart of Africa.

==139:12. JUDAS ISCARIOT==

==139:12. JUDAS ISCARIOT==

139:12.1 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas Iscariot], the twelfth [[apostle]], was [[chosen]] by [[Nathaniel]]. He was born in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerioth Kerioth], a small town in southern [[Judea]]. When he was a lad, his [[parents]] moved to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho Jericho], where he lived and had been employed in his [[father]]'s various [[business]] enterprises until he became interested in the [[preaching]] and [[work]] of [[John the Baptist]]. Judas' [[parents]] were [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadducees Sadducees], and when their son joined [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[disciples]], they disowned him.

139:12.1 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas Iscariot], the twelfth [[apostle]], was [[chosen]] by [[Nathaniel]]. He was born in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerioth Kerioth], a small town in southern [[Judea]]. When he was a lad, his [[parents]] moved to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho Jericho], where he lived and had been employed in his [[father]]'s various [[business]] enterprises until he became interested in the [[preaching]] and [[work]] of [[John the Baptist]]. Judas' [[parents]] were [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadducees Sadducees], and when their son joined [[John the Baptist|John]]'s [[disciples]], they disowned him.

139:12.2 When [[Nathaniel]] met [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarichea Tarichea], he was seeking employment with a fish-drying [[enterprise]] at the lower end of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee Sea of Galilee]. He was thirty years of age and unmarried when he joined the [[apostles]]. He was probably the best-[[educated]] man among the twelve and the only [[Judean]] in [[the Master]]'s apostolic [[family]]. Judas had no outstanding trait of [[personal]] [[strength]], though he had many outwardly appearing traits of [[culture]] and [[habits]] of [[training]]. He was a good [[thinker]] but not always a truly [[honest]] thinker. Judas did not really [[understand]] himself; he was not really [[sincere]] in dealing with himself.

139:12.2 When [[Nathaniel]] met [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarichea Tarichea], he was seeking employment with a fish-drying [[enterprise]] at the lower end of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee Sea of Galilee]. He was thirty years of age and unmarried when he joined the [[apostles]]. He was probably the best-[[educated]] man among the twelve and the only [[Judean]] in [[the Master]]'s apostolic [[family]]. Judas had no outstanding trait of [[personal]] [[strength]], though he had many outwardly appearing traits of [[culture]] and [[habits]] of [[training]]. He was a good [[thinker]] but not always a truly [[honest]] thinker. Judas did not really [[understand]] himself; he was not really [[sincere]] in dealing with himself.

139:12.3 [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] appointed Judas treasurer of the twelve, a position which he was eminently fitted to hold, and up to the time of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_183 betrayal of his Master] he discharged the [[responsibilities]] of his office [[honestly]], [[faithfully]], and most [[efficiently]].

139:12.3 [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] appointed Judas treasurer of the twelve, a position which he was eminently fitted to hold, and up to the time of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_183 betrayal of his Master] he discharged the [[responsibilities]] of his office [[honestly]], [[faithfully]], and most [[efficiently]].

139:12.4 There was no special trait about [[Jesus]] which [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] admired above the generally [[attractive]] and exquisitely [[charming]] [[personality]] of [[the Master]]. Judas was never able to rise above his [[Judean]] [[prejudices]] against his [[Galilean]] associates; he would even [[criticize]] in his [[mind]] many things about [[Jesus]]. Him whom eleven of the [[apostles]] looked upon as the perfect man, as the " one altogether lovely and the chiefest among ten thousand, "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Song_of_Solomon#Canticle_5] this [[self]]-[[satisfied]] [[Judean]] often [[dared]] to [[criticize]] in his own [[heart]]. He really entertained the notion that [[Jesus]] was timid and somewhat afraid to assert his own [[power]] and [[authority]].

139:12.4 There was no special trait about [[Jesus]] which [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] admired above the generally [[attractive]] and exquisitely [[charming]] [[personality]] of [[the Master]]. Judas was never able to rise above his [[Judean]] [[prejudices]] against his [[Galilean]] associates; he would even [[criticize]] in his [[mind]] many things about [[Jesus]]. Him whom eleven of the [[apostles]] looked upon as the perfect man, as the " one altogether lovely and the chiefest among ten thousand, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Song_of_Solomon#Canticle_5] this [[self]]-[[satisfied]] [[Judean]] often [[dared]] to [[criticize]] in his own [[heart]]. He really entertained the notion that [[Jesus]] was timid and somewhat afraid to assert his own [[power]] and [[authority]].

139:12.5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] was a good [[business]] man. It required [[tact]], [[ability]], and [[patience]], as well as painstaking [[devotion]], to manage the [[financial]] affairs of such an [[idealist]] as [[Jesus]], to say nothing of wrestling with the helter-skelter business [[methods]] of some of his [[apostles]]. Judas really was a great [[executive]], a farseeing and able financier. And he was a stickler for [[organization]]. None of the twelve ever [[criticized]] Judas. As far as they could see, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas Iscariot] was a matchless treasurer, a [[learned]] man, a [[loyal]] (though sometimes [[critical]]) [[apostle]], and in every sense of the [[word]] a great success. The [[apostles]] [[loved]] Judas; he was really one of them. He must have believed in [[Jesus]], but we [[doubt]] whether he really [[loved]] [[the Master]] with a whole [[heart]]. The case of Judas [[illustrates]] the truthfulness of that saying: " There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is death. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.14] It is altogether possible to fall [[victim]] to the peaceful [[deception]] of pleasant [[adjustment]] to the paths of [[sin]] and [[death]]. Be [[assured]] that Judas was always [[financially]] [[loyal]] to his Master and his fellow [[apostles]]. [[Money]] could never have been the [[motive]] for his [[betrayal]] of [[the Master]].

139:12.5 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] was a good [[business]] man. It required [[tact]], [[ability]], and [[patience]], as well as painstaking [[devotion]], to manage the [[financial]] affairs of such an [[idealist]] as [[Jesus]], to say nothing of wrestling with the helter-skelter business [[methods]] of some of his [[apostles]]. Judas really was a great [[executive]], a farseeing and able financier. And he was a stickler for [[organization]]. None of the twelve ever [[criticized]] Judas. As far as they could see, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas Iscariot] was a matchless treasurer, a [[learned]] man, a [[loyal]] (though sometimes [[critical]]) [[apostle]], and in every sense of the [[word]] a great success. The [[apostles]] [[loved]] Judas; he was really one of them. He must have believed in [[Jesus]], but we [[doubt]] whether he really [[loved]] [[the Master]] with a whole [[heart]]. The case of Judas [[illustrates]] the truthfulness of that saying: " There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is death. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.14] It is altogether possible to fall [[victim]] to the peaceful [[deception]] of pleasant [[adjustment]] to the paths of [[sin]] and [[death]]. Be [[assured]] that Judas was always [[financially]] [[loyal]] to his Master and his fellow [[apostles]]. [[Money]] could never have been the [[motive]] for his [[betrayal]] of [[the Master]].

139:12.6 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] was an only son of unwise [[parents]]. When very young, he was pampered and petted; he was a spoiled child. As he grew up, he had exaggerated [[ideas]] about his [[self]]-importance. He was a poor loser. He had loose and distorted [[ideas]] about [[fairness]]; he was given to the indulgence of [[hate]] and [[suspicion]]. He was an expert at misinterpretation of the [[words]] and [[acts]] of his [[friends]]. All through his life [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] had cultivated the [[habit]] of getting even with those whom he fancied had mistreated him. His sense of [[values]] and [[loyalties]] was defective.

139:12.6 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] was an only son of unwise [[parents]]. When very young, he was pampered and petted; he was a spoiled child. As he grew up, he had exaggerated [[ideas]] about his [[self]]-importance. He was a poor loser. He had loose and distorted [[ideas]] about [[fairness]]; he was given to the indulgence of [[hate]] and [[suspicion]]. He was an expert at misinterpretation of the [[words]] and [[acts]] of his [[friends]]. All through his life [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] had cultivated the [[habit]] of getting even with those whom he fancied had mistreated him. His sense of [[values]] and [[loyalties]] was defective.

139:12.7 To [[Jesus]], Judas was a [[faith]] [[adventure]]. From the beginning [[the Master]] fully [[understood]] the weakness of this [[apostle]] and well knew the [[dangers]] of admitting him to fellowship. But it is the [[nature]] of the [[Sons of God]] to give every created being a full and [[equal]] [[chance]] for [[salvation]] and [[survival]]. [[Jesus]] wanted not only the [[mortals]] of this world but the onlookers of [[Paper 49 - The Inhabited Worlds|innumerable other worlds]] to know that, when [[doubts]] exist as to the [[sincerity]] and wholeheartedness of a [[creature]]'s [[devotion]] to [[the kingdom]], it is the invariable [[practice]] of the Judges of men fully to [[receive]] the doubtful [[candidate]]. The door of [[eternal]] life is wide open to all; " whosoever will may come "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_3]; there are no restrictions or qualifications save the [[faith]] of the one who comes.

139:12.7 To [[Jesus]], Judas was a [[faith]] [[adventure]]. From the beginning [[the Master]] fully [[understood]] the weakness of this [[apostle]] and well knew the [[dangers]] of admitting him to fellowship. But it is the [[nature]] of the [[Sons of God]] to give every created being a full and [[equal]] [[chance]] for [[salvation]] and [[survival]]. [[Jesus]] wanted not only the [[mortals]] of this world but the onlookers of [[Paper 49 - The Inhabited Worlds|innumerable other worlds]] to know that, when [[doubts]] exist as to the [[sincerity]] and wholeheartedness of a [[creature]]'s [[devotion]] to [[the kingdom]], it is the invariable [[practice]] of the Judges of men fully to [[receive]] the doubtful [[candidate]]. The door of [[eternal]] life is wide open to all; " whosoever will may come "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_3]; there are no restrictions or qualifications save the [[faith]] of the one who comes.

139:12.8 This is just the [[reason]] why [[Jesus]] permitted [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] to go on to the very end, always doing everything possible to [[transform]] and save this weak and [[confused]] [[apostle]]. But when [[light]] is not [[honestly]] [[received]] and lived up to, it tends to become [[darkness]] within the [[soul]]. Judas grew [[intellectually]] regarding Jesus' teachings about [[the kingdom]], but he did not make [[progress]] in the acquirement of [[spiritual]] [[character]] as did the other [[apostles]]. He failed to make [[satisfactory]] [[personal]] [[progress]] in [[spiritual]] [[experience]].

139:12.8 This is just the [[reason]] why [[Jesus]] permitted [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] to go on to the very end, always doing everything possible to [[transform]] and save this weak and [[confused]] [[apostle]]. But when [[light]] is not [[honestly]] [[received]] and lived up to, it tends to become [[darkness]] within the [[soul]]. Judas grew [[intellectually]] regarding Jesus' teachings about [[the kingdom]], but he did not make [[progress]] in the acquirement of [[spiritual]] [[character]] as did the other [[apostles]]. He failed to make [[satisfactory]] [[personal]] [[progress]] in [[spiritual]] [[experience]].

139:12.9 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] became increasingly a brooder over [[personal]] [[disappointment]], and finally he became a [[victim]] of resentment. His [[feelings]] had been many times hurt, and he grew abnormally [[suspicious]] of his best [[friends]], even of [[the Master]]. Presently he became [[obsessed]] with the [[idea]] of getting even, anything to avenge himself, yes, even [[betrayal]] of his associates and his Master.

139:12.9 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] became increasingly a brooder over [[personal]] [[disappointment]], and finally he became a [[victim]] of resentment. His [[feelings]] had been many times hurt, and he grew abnormally [[suspicious]] of his best [[friends]], even of [[the Master]]. Presently he became [[obsessed]] with the [[idea]] of getting even, anything to avenge himself, yes, even [[betrayal]] of his associates and his Master.

139:12.10 But these [[wicked]] and [[dangerous]] [[ideas]] did not take definite shape until the day when a [[grateful]] woman broke an expensive box of [[incense]] at [[Jesus]]' feet. This seemed wasteful to Judas, and when his [[public]] [[protest]] was so sweepingly disallowed by Jesus right there in the hearing of all, it was too much. That [[event]] determined the mobilization of all the accumulated [[hate]], hurt, malice, [[prejudice]], [[jealousy]], and revenge of a lifetime, and he made up his [[mind]] to get even with he knew not whom; but he crystallized all the [[evil]] of his [[nature]] upon the one [[innocent]] [[person]] in all the sordid [[drama]] of his unfortunate life just because [[Jesus]] happened to be the chief [[actor]] in the episode which marked his passing from the [[progressive]] kingdom of [[light]] into that [[self]]-chosen [[domain]] of [[darkness]].

139:12.10 But these [[wicked]] and [[dangerous]] [[ideas]] did not take definite shape until the day when a [[grateful]] woman broke an expensive box of [[incense]] at [[Jesus]]' feet. This seemed wasteful to Judas, and when his [[public]] [[protest]] was so sweepingly disallowed by Jesus right there in the hearing of all, it was too much. That [[event]] determined the mobilization of all the accumulated [[hate]], hurt, malice, [[prejudice]], [[jealousy]], and revenge of a lifetime, and he made up his [[mind]] to get even with he knew not whom; but he crystallized all the [[evil]] of his [[nature]] upon the one [[innocent]] [[person]] in all the sordid [[drama]] of his unfortunate life just because [[Jesus]] happened to be the chief [[actor]] in the episode which marked his passing from the [[progressive]] kingdom of [[light]] into that [[self]]-chosen [[domain]] of [[darkness]].

139:12.11 [[The Master]] many times, both [[private]]ly and [[public]]ly, had [[warned]] Judas that he was slipping, but [[divine]] [[warnings]] are usually useless in dealing with embittered [[human]] [[nature]]. Jesus did everything possible, [[consistent]] with man's [[moral]] [[freedom]], to prevent Judas's [[choosing]] to go the wrong way. The great test finally came. The son of resentment failed; he yielded to the sour and sordid dictates of a [[proud]] and vengeful [[mind]] of exaggerated self-importance and swiftly plunged on down into [[confusion]], [[despair]], and depravity.

139:12.11 [[The Master]] many times, both [[private]]ly and [[public]]ly, had [[warned]] Judas that he was slipping, but [[divine]] [[warnings]] are usually useless in dealing with embittered [[human]] [[nature]]. Jesus did everything possible, [[consistent]] with man's [[moral]] [[freedom]], to prevent Judas's [[choosing]] to go the wrong way. The great test finally came. The son of resentment failed; he yielded to the sour and sordid dictates of a [[proud]] and vengeful [[mind]] of exaggerated self-importance and swiftly plunged on down into [[confusion]], [[despair]], and depravity.

139:12.12 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] then entered into the base and [[shame]]ful [[intrigue]] to [[betray]] his Lord and Master and quickly carried the [[nefarious]] scheme into [[effect]]. During the outworking of his [[anger]]-conceived [[plans]] of traitorous [[betrayal]], he [[experienced]] moments of [[regret]] and [[shame]], and in these [[lucid]] intervals he faint-heartedly [[conceived]], as a [[defense]] in his own [[mind]], the [[idea]] that [[Jesus]] might possibly exert his [[power]] and deliver himself at the last moment.

139:12.12 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Iscariot Judas] then entered into the base and [[shame]]ful [[intrigue]] to [[betray]] his Lord and Master and quickly carried the [[nefarious]] scheme into [[effect]]. During the outworking of his [[anger]]-conceived [[plans]] of traitorous [[betrayal]], he [[experienced]] moments of [[regret]] and [[shame]], and in these [[lucid]] intervals he faint-heartedly [[conceived]], as a [[defense]] in his own [[mind]], the [[idea]] that [[Jesus]] might possibly exert his [[power]] and deliver himself at the last moment.

139:12.13 When the sordid and sinful business was all over, this renegade [[mortal]], who thought lightly of selling his [[friend]] for thirty pieces of silver to [[satisfy]] his long-nursed craving for [[revenge]], rushed out and committed the final [[act]] in the [[drama]] of fleeing from the [[realities]] of [[mortal]] [[existence]]—[[suicide]].

139:12.13 When the sordid and sinful business was all over, this renegade [[mortal]], who thought lightly of selling his [[friend]] for thirty pieces of silver to [[satisfy]] his long-nursed craving for [[revenge]], rushed out and committed the final [[act]] in the [[drama]] of fleeing from the [[realities]] of [[mortal]] [[existence]]—[[suicide]].

139:12.14 The eleven [[apostles]] were horrified, stunned. [[Jesus]] regarded the betrayer only with [[pity]]. The worlds have found it [[difficult]] to [[forgive]] Judas, and his name has become eschewed throughout a [[Nebadon|far-flung universe]].

139:12.14 The eleven [[apostles]] were horrified, stunned. [[Jesus]] regarded the betrayer only with [[pity]]. The worlds have found it [[difficult]] to [[forgive]] Judas, and his name has become eschewed throughout a [[Nebadon|far-flung universe]].

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[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]

[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]