Changes

A question asked by Philip was typical of their difficulties. Said Philip:  

A question asked by Philip was typical of their difficulties. Said Philip:  

*"Master, these Greeks and Romans make light of our message, saying that such teachings are fit for only weaklings and slaves. They assert that the religion of the heathen is superior to our teaching because it inspires to the acquirement of a strong, robust, and aggressive character. They affirm that we would convert all men into enfeebled specimens of passive non-resisters who would soon perish from the face of the earth. They like you, Master, and freely admit that your teaching is heavenly and ideal, but they will not take us seriously. They assert that your religion is not for this world, that men cannot live as you teach. And now, Master, '''what shall we say to these gentiles'''?"

*"Master, these Greeks and Romans make light of our message, saying that such teachings are fit for only weaklings and slaves. They assert that the religion of the heathen is superior to our teaching because it inspires to the acquirement of a strong, robust, and aggressive character. They affirm that we would convert all men into enfeebled specimens of passive non-resisters who would soon perish from the face of the earth. They like you, Master, and freely admit that your teaching is heavenly and ideal, but they will not take us seriously. They assert that your religion is not for this world, that men cannot live as you teach. '''And now, Master, what shall we say to these gentiles'''?"

After Jesus had heard similar objections to the gospel of the kingdom presented by Thomas, Nathaniel, Simon Zelotes, and Matthew, he said to the twelve:

After Jesus had heard similar objections to the gospel of the kingdom presented by Thomas, Nathaniel, Simon Zelotes, and Matthew, he said to the twelve:

About this time a state of great nervous and emotional '''tension''' developed among the apostles and their immediate disciple associates. Andrew was almost beside himself. He did not know what next to do, and so he went to the Master with his problems and perplexities.  

About this time a state of great nervous and emotional tension developed among the apostles and their immediate disciple associates. Andrew was almost beside himself. He did not know what next to do, and so he went to the Master with his problems and perplexities.  

When Jesus had listened to the apostolic chief relate his troubles, he said:

When Jesus had listened to the apostolic chief relate his troubles, he said:

*"Andrew, you cannot talk men out of their perplexities when they reach such a stage of involvement, and when so many persons with strong feelings are concerned. I cannot do what you ask of me -- I will not participate in these personal social difficulties -- but I will join you in the enjoyment of a three-day period of '''rest''' and '''relaxation'''. Go to your brethren and announce that all of you are to go with me up on Mount Sartaba, where I desire to '''rest''' for a day or two.

*"Andrew, you cannot talk men out of their perplexities when they reach such a stage of involvement, and when so many persons with strong feelings are concerned. I cannot do what you ask of me -- I will not participate in these personal social difficulties -- but I will join you in the enjoyment of a three-day period of rest and relaxation. Go to your brethren and announce that all of you are to go with me up on Mount Sartaba, where I desire to rest for a day or two.

*"Now you should go to each of your eleven brethren and talk with him privately, saying: `The Master desires that we go apart with him for a season to '''rest''' and '''relax'''. Since we all have recently experienced much vexation of spirit and stress of mind, I suggest that no mention be made of our trials and troubles while on this holiday. Can I depend upon you to co-operate with me in this matter?' In this way privately and personally approach each of your brethren."   

*"Now you should go to each of your eleven brethren and talk with him privately, saying: `The Master desires that we go apart with him for a season to rest and relax. Since we all have recently experienced much vexation of spirit and stress of mind, I suggest that no mention be made of our trials and troubles while on this holiday. Can I depend upon you to co-operate with me in this matter?' In this way privately and personally approach each of your brethren."   

Upon reaching the top of the mountain, Jesus seated them about him while he said:

Upon reaching the top of the mountain, Jesus seated them about him while he said:

*"'''My brethren, you must all learn the value of rest and the efficacy of relaxation'''. You must realize that the best method of solving some entangled '''problems''' is to forsake them for a time. Then when you go back fresh from your rest or worship, you are able to attack your troubles with a clearer head and a steadier hand, not to mention a more resolute heart. Again, many times your problem is found to have shrunk in size and proportions while you have been resting your mind and body."

*"'''My brethren, you must all learn the value of rest and the efficacy of relaxation'''. You must realize that the best method of solving some entangled problems is to forsake them for a time. Then when you go back fresh from your rest or worship, you are able to attack your troubles with a clearer head and a steadier hand, not to mention a more resolute heart. Again, many times your problem is found to have shrunk in size and proportions while you have been resting your mind and body."