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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James,_son_of_Alphaeus James] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Judas] the sons of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphaeus Alpheus], the twin fishermen living near [http://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.

139:9.1 [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 [http://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.

139:9.2 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, 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]].

139:9.3 [[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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James,_son_of_Alphaeus James] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle Judas], who were also called [http://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.

139:9.5 [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 [http://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]].

139:9.6 [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 [http://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]].

139:9.7 [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]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James,_son_of_Alphaeus James] and [http://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]].

139:9.8 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]]. [http://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]]? "

139:9.10 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 [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_184 trial], [http://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]].

139:9.11 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 [http://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 [http://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]].

139:11.1 [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 [http://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.

139:11.2 [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 [http://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.

139:11.4 [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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Zealotes 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 [http://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. "[http://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.

139:11.6 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 [http://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.

139:11.9 [[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]], [http://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]].

139:11.10 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] and, after working up the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_river Nile], penetrated into the [[heart]] of [http://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.

139:11.11 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]]