ANCIENT APOSTLES
WRITTEN FOR
THE DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION
By David O. McKay
_General Superintendent_
Second Edition
Published by
Deseret Book Company
Salt Lake City, Utah
1921
PREFACE
"Ancient Apostles" is written as one of the series of text books
prepared for use in the Sunday Schools of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. Its purpose is to give a simple account of
the leading incidents in the lives of the chief Apostles of Christ
in the Holy Land, with the view of developing faith in the hearts
of the children in the principles of the Gospel, and in the divine
organization of the Church.
Prominent traits of character in the different disciples are pointed
out as the circumstances in the lessons permit. These should be so
emphasized in the presentation to the class that the pupils will be
led not only to appreciate them as commendable and emulative, but to
realize that by personal exertion all these good traits may become
theirs. Virtuous and honorable actions are the stones by which we build
the mansion of character.
Each chapter is planned, also, to emphasize one general aim, which
should be correlated with the incident or incidents with which the
personality of the Apostle and his companions is associated. Since it
is difficult, if not impossible to teach morality and doctrine without
personality, the wise teachers will ever keep in mind that the persons,
settings, actions, and conversations in this little work are only a
means of teaching truths and principles of conduct that will contribute
to the moulding of God-like character in their boys and girls.
The suggestive outlines and aims in the appendix are offered as helps
and guides to teachers. Only a few suggestive _applications_ are
offered; but no lesson should be given, or even prepared, without the
teachers attempting, at least, to devise the most efficient means of
introducing into the children's daily lives the aims and ideals taught.
The sincere wish of the author is that at least part of the pleasure
experienced in writing these lessons may be realized by those who
prepare to teach them, and by those who read them, and that their
studious efforts through the blessings of the Lord, will bring to them
that peace and satisfaction which come with the realization of having
helped to make better and more efficient the men and women of tomorrow.
CONTENTS
PART ONE
Peter and His Associates
I. "Light-Fountains"
II. Early Life and Surroundings
_John the Baptist, Andrew, John_
III. A Period of Preparation
_Jesus, James and John, Sons of Zebedec; Andrew_
IV. A Special Witness
_Names of the Twelve_
V. Peter's Faith Tested
VI. Peter's Testimony
VII. A Marvelous Manifestation
_Moses and Elias_
VIII. Lessons in True Leadership
IX. On the Night of the Betrayal
X. Out of Gloom Into Light
XI. A True Leader and Valiant Defender
_Matthias_
XII. Peter and John Arrested
XIII. Persecuted But Undismayed
_Gamaliel_
XIV. A Special Visit to Samaria
_Stephen, Philip_
XV. At Lydda and Joppa
_Eneas, Tabitha_
XVI. The Third Imprisonment
XVII. Closing Scenes of a Righteous Ministry
PART TWO
XVIII. James, the Son of Zebedee
_Salome, Mary Magdalene, Mary, mother of Jesus; the first martyr,
Apostle_
PART THREE
John the Beloved Disciple
XIX. With the Redeemer
XX. With Peter and the Twelve
XXI. Closing Scenes of His Ministry
PART FOUR
Paul and His Companions
XXII. Saul of Tarsus
_Gamaliel_
XXIII. Saul's Conversion
_Ananias_
XXIV. In Another School
_Barnabas_
XXV. Special Messengers to Jerusalem
_Agabus, John Mark_...
XXVI. First Missionary Journey
XXVII. First Missionary Journey--_Continued_
At Lystia and Derbe
_Timothy, Eunice, Lois_
XXVIII. A Great Controversy
XXIX. Paul Begins His Second Missionary Journey
_Silas, Luke_
XXX. At Philippi
_Lydia_
XXXI. At Thessalonica and Berea
_Jason_
XXXII. At Athens and Corinth
_Aquilla and Priscilla, Crispus, Justus_
XXXIII. Third Missionary Journey
From Antioch to Ephesus
_Apollos_
XXXIV. Third Missionary Journey--Continued
_Paul's farewell visit to the churches he had established_
XXXV. Exciting Experiences in Jerusalem
XXXVI. Two Years in Prison
XXXVII. The Voyage to Rome
XXXVIII. The World Enriched by a Prisoner Chained
[IMAGE: CHRIST'S CHARGE TO PETER.]
PART ONE--PETER.
LESSON 1
"LIGHT-FOUNTAINS"
"No man has come to true greatness who has not felt in some degree that
his life belongs to his race, and that what God gives him He gives him
for mankind."
"If any man seek for greatness, let him forget greatness and ask for
truth, and he will find both."
"Nothing can make a man truly great but being truly good, and partaking
of God's holiness."
[Sidenote: Influence of Great Men.]
Everybody likes to read and to hear about great men. Children, and
grown people, too, delight to learn how the leaders of men in the past
have made the world better and happier by their noble deeds. And when,
after many years have passed, people still see how much good those
leaders of men did in the world, worthy aspirations are awakened, and
boys and girls of today desire to emulate the lives of these heroes of
the past; for, as the poet Longfellow says:
"Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime;
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time."
[Sidenote: Boy's Ideals.]
Every boy has somebody who becomes his ideal. Or perhaps there are more
than one who form this ideal--one man, for instance, might be a good
athlete, and the boy wishes to be just like him; another is a good
violinist, and the boy feels that he, too, would some day like to be
a musician; another is an able speaker, and the boy desires some day
to be a great orator. But, sometimes, boys, and girls, too, for that
matter, choose bad men for their ideals. This happens when young folks
read trashy books or associate with trashy or evil-minded men. How
unfortunate that little boy is who happens to read or to hear about
some highwayman or robber, and has awakened in his young mind a desire
to be like that bad man! How unfortunate for the boy who chooses for
his ideal a man who smokes, and drinks and swaggers through life in
idleness!
[Sidenote: Sign Posts.]
Thus we see that the lives of men become sign posts to us, pointing the
way along roads that lead either to lives of usefulness and happiness
or to lives of selfishness and misery. It is important, then, that we
seek, both in life and in books, the companionship of the best and
noblest men and women. Carlyle, a great English writer, says that
"Great men taken up in any way are profitable company. We cannot look,
however imperfectly, upon a great man, without gaining something by
him. He is the living 'light-fountain,' which it is good and pleasant
to be near."
[Sidenote: Secret of Greatness.]
If you will study the lives of these great "light-fountains" of the
world, you will learn of at least one thing that has made their names
endure. It is this: Each one has given something of his life to make
the world better. They did not spend all their time seeking only
pleasure and ease, and a "good time" for themselves alone, but found
their greatest joy in making others happy and more comfortable. All
such good deeds live forever, even though the world may never hear of
them.
[Sidenote: How Some Have Failed.]
There is an old, old story that a man from another planet was permitted
to visit this earth. From a high mountain peak, he looked down upon
the busy towns and cities of the world. Millions of men, like ants,
were busy building palaces of pleasure, and other things that would not
last. As he left to go back, he said, "All these people are spending
their time in building just birds' nests. No wonder they fail and are
ashamed."
[Sidenote: How the Truly Great Have Built.]
All the truly great men of the world have built something besides
"birds' nests." Out of the deep longing of their minds and hearts, they
have brought forth gems of truth that have made the world richer. They
have wrought deeds of love and sacrifice that have inspired millions.
In so doing, they might have suffered; many indeed have met untimely
death; but all who thus gave their lives, saved them. That which we
do for God and our fellowmen lives forever; that which we do just for
ourselves cannot endure.
"To have sown in the souls of men
One thought that will not die--
To have been a link in the chain of life
Shall be immortality."
[Sidenote: Lincoln.]
When we hear anything about a great man we want to know everything
about him--where he was born, who his parents were, where he lived,
how he played, with whom he played, in what kind of house he lived,
where he went in swimming, where he fished, etc., etc. Such things
about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, for example, are always
interesting. What boy is there who doesn't like to hear about the poor
boy Lincoln in the little log cabin in the backwoods of Indiana; to
picture him there among the bears and other wild animals; to picture
him sitting by the fireplace learning to cipher by using a piece of
charcoal on a wooden shovel because he had no slate, no paper or lead
pencil! Abraham Lincoln was a great and good man, and we want to know
everything about him even when he was a boy, partly to help us become
somewhat like him; for, as Lincoln wrote,
"Good boys who to their books apply,
Will all be great men by and by."
[Sidenote: Little Known of Apostles' Boyhood.]
Unfortunately, we know very little about the boyhood days of the
Ancient Apostles, about whom we shall read in this little book. It is
true we can partly judge of what kind of boys they were by the kind
of men they became; but the little incidents of childhood and youth,
which tended to mould their character, and in which we now would be
so interested, though nineteen hundred years have passed, were never
written, and may never be known. They grew to manhood before the
opportunity came for them to render that service to the world which has
made their names immortal.
[Sidenote: Most Favored Men.]
In one respect, however, they were the most favored men the world has
known, because they had the privilege of associating daily--almost
hourly, for about two and one-half years, with the Savior of the world.
No wonder, then, that they became great, when they had such an example
of true Greatness constantly before them. As soon as they learned
to love Jesus, they desired to be like Him, and so remembered His
teachings, and tried to do as He said. Surely it will be good for us to
get acquainted with such men.
[IMAGE: MAP OF PALESTINE IN THE TIME OF CHRIST, ILLUSTRATING THE FOUR
GOSPELS.]
[Sidenote: Why Apostles Are Known.]
Just think! The only reason the world knows anything about them is
because having met the Savior, they made Him their guide in life. If
they hadn't, nobody now would know that such men had ever lived. They
would have lived and died and been forgotten just as thousands of other
men in their day lived and died and nobody knows or cares anything
about them; just as thousands and thousands are living today, wasting
their time and energy in useless living, choosing the wrong kind of men
for their ideals, turning their footsteps into the road of Pleasure and
Indulgence instead of the road of Service. Soon they will reach the
end of their journey in life, and nobody can say that the world is any
better for their having lived in it. At the close of each day such men
leave their pathway as barren as they found it--they plant no trees
to give shade to others, nor rosebushes to make the world sweeter and
brighter to those who follow--no kind deeds, no noble service--just a
barren, unfruitful, desert-like pathway, strewn, perhaps, with thorns
and thistles.
Not so with the disciples who chose Jesus for their Guide. Their lives
are like gardens of roses from which the world may pluck beautiful
flowers forever.
LESSON 2
Early Life and Surroundings
"It is with youth as with plants, from the first fruits they bear we
learn what may be expected in future."
[Sidenote: The "Dead Sea" of America.]
Flowing north from Utah Lake through part of the Great Basin, and
emptying into the Great Salt Lake, the Dead Sea of America, is the
river Jordan. Utah Lake is fresh water and abounds in fish; Salt Lake,
as its name suggests, is so briny that no fish can live in its waters.
To President Brigham Young and the worthy band of Pioneers, the Salt
Lake Valley with the "Dead Sea" reflecting the glorious rays of a July
sun, was indeed a "promised land."
[Sidenote: The "Dead Sea" of the Holy Land.]
Away across the Atlantic Ocean, stretching along the east shore of
the Mediterranean Sea is another salt sea, another river Jordan, and
another fresh water lake, and the river flows through the "Promised
Land," or the Land of Canaan. However, if you will refer to a map of
that country, you will see that the relative position of this lake,
river and sea are just opposite in direction from these in Utah. In the
Holy Land the fresh water lake is in the north, and the Jordan river
flows south into the Dead Sea.
The land that contains these three important marks in history has
several names. As given above, it is called The Holy Land; also
The Land of Canaan; also the Land of the Hebrews, or the Land of
Israel, because Jacob's children once settled there; also the Land of
Judah, after one of Jacob's sons; also Palestine, probably after the
Philistines, who lived, as you know, in the days of the shepherd boy
David.
[Sidenote: Size of Cannan.]
Salt Lake is eighty miles long and about forty miles wide. The Land of
Canaan is about twice as long and twice as wide; or in extreme length
about one hundred seventy miles, and its width about eighty. The City
of Dan was in the northern part, and Beersheba in the southern part;
so when you hear the expression "from Dan to Beersheba," you will know
that it once denoted the entire length of the land of Canaan.
[Sidenote: Sea of Galilee.]
The fresh water lake, of the Holy Land, also has several names. It is
known generally as the "Sea of Galilee;" but it is also called "Sea of
Tiberias," "Lake of Gennesareth," "Lake of Tiberias," and the "Sea of
Cenneroth." It is about sixteen miles long and six miles wide. "The
waters of this lake lie in a deep basin, surrounded on all sides with
lofty hills, excepting only the narrow entrance and outlet of the
Jordan at each extreme. * * * The appearance of this sea from the town
of Capernaum, which is situated near the upper end of the bank on the
western side, is extremely grand; its greatest length runs nearly north
and south. The barren aspect of the mountains on each side, and the
total absence of wood give, however, a cast of dullness to the picture,
which is increased to melancholy by the dead calm of its waters."
On the west side of this lake was one of the important divisions of
Palestine, called Galilee. One ancient writer says that at one time
this province "contained two hundred and four cities and towns, the
least of which contained fifteen thousand inhabitants." [1]
[Sidenote: Bethsaida.]
Somewhere in this province, probably very near Capernaum, was a little
town called Bethsaida. There was another town by this name on the
north-eastern shore, but it is the Bethsaida, near Capernaum, in which
we are now most interested. To must have been near the lake, because
many of the men who lived there made their living by fishing, not with
poles and hooks and lines, as the boys fish for trout in our mountain
streams, but with nets, which they let down from their boats, and with
which they dragged the lake until they would entangle the fish, which
they then hauled to shore.
[Sidenote: Simon.]
In one of these fishermen's homes, probably a few years before the
Savior's birth, was born one day, a little baby boy whom his parents
named Simon or Simeon. He had a brother named Andrew. [2] Their
father's name was Jonas or Johanna, but very little is known about him,
and nothing about their mother.
[Sidenote: Simon's Home and Boyhood.]
Nothing definite is known about either Simon's childhood or his
boyhood. However, we are safe to conclude from what we know about
the customs, beliefs, and practices of the Jews of his time that he
lived in a small, flat-roofed house containing very little, if any,
furniture; that either at home or at school, perhaps at both, he
learned all about the prophets in what is now our Old Testament; that
he observed the Sabbath day strictly; and what is most important of
all, he learned to look forward to the day when the Savior of the world
would come to His people.
In fancy, we can picture Simon and Andrew and their playmates amusing
themselves on the shore of Galilee; but it is only in imagination that
we can see any of the incidents in Simon's childhood. "We may think of
him," writes George L. Weed, "as a useful boy, helping his mother in
the labors of the house--carefully bringing the little red clay lamps
for trimming, or the corn to be parched, or the fish his father had
caught, or the charcoal on which it was to be cooked, or the bread from
the oven, and the oil and honey-cakes to be eaten with it, or water
from the stream that flowed from the hill behind their home into the
lake, or filling the water-jars at the door. Was he not his mother's
joy when for the first time he shook the olives from the trees and
brought them to her as a part of their frugal meal; or when he spread
the maize and hemp to dry on the flat roof in the summer sun? Was he
not his father's pride the first time he handled the oar, and dipped it
aright in the wave, and helped to spread the net, and counted the fish
they had caught? He watched the flight of the sparrows and gathered the
flowers--poppies, daisies and anemones--like those from which the Great
Teacher, whom now he knew not, would teach him lessons of wisdom and
love. Childlike, he gathered shells upon the seashore, and dug in the
white sand of the beach with a rude stick, with delight equal to that
of the boy of today with his finished toy-shovel and little painted
pail."
None of the fishermen who saw Simon with his playmates scampering
around the nets and boats ever suspected that he would grow up to be
among the greatest men of the world!
Some writers tell us that the Galileans were generally brave and
fearless, and loved liberty. The men made good soldiers for they were
"bold and intrepid." The boy, Simon, as he grew to manhood must have
admired the brave, bold men around him, for he, too, became a man of
strong character, as we learn from the first recorded instance of his
life.
SIMON'S NAME CHANGED
[Sidenote: Simon Hears John the Baptist.]
Soon after Simon had grown to manhood there came a man from the
wilderness of Jordan, clothed only in camel's hair and a leathern
girdle about his loins, but preaching with such mighty power that
people from "Judea and all the regions round about" came to hear him.
This great preacher was John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ.
Among those who came to hear him was Simon, who, no doubt, rejoiced to
hear this preacher of Repentance declare that the Son of Man was about
to come to the earth. Simon, Andrew and some of their friends believed
what the Baptist taught.
One day, when, with some of his followers, John was near Bethabara (a
word which means "a place of crossing") he saw Jesus coming toward
them, and said:
[Sidenote: "Behold the Lamb of God."]
"Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world! This is
He of whom I said, After me cometh a man who is preferred before me."
Again, the next day, probably about 10 o'clock in the morning, John was
standing talking with two of his disciples. They were Andrew, Simon's
brother, and John. Walking a short distance from them was the same
man whom John had pointed out the day before as the Lamb of God "And
looking upon Jesus as He walked, John saith, Behold the Lamb of God.
And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus."
[IMAGE: CHRIST AND JOHN.]
[Sidenote: Simon's Brother Believes in Jesus.]
Accepting the invitation of Jesus to go with Him to the place where He
stayed, these two men remained with Him, listening to His words all the
rest of the day. When they left, they believed that Jesus was the King
of Israel, the Savior of the world. Thus they became, in that day the
first two, beside John the Baptist, to believe in Jesus.
Whenever we have anything which is really good, we always desire to
share it with one we love. It was so with these two brothers. They no
sooner felt the divine influence that radiated from the Savior than
they were filled with a desire to bring those whom they loved under
that same influence. Andrew went out to find his brother Simon, and
John to find his brother James. Andrew found Simon first, and said:
"We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ."
[Sidenote: Simon is Called "Cephas."]
And he brought him to Jesus, and when Jesus beheld him, He said, "Thou
are Simon the son of Jonas: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by
interpretation, A stone" (or The Rock).
In those days the Jews spoke the Hebrew language; but the new Testament
was written in the Greek language. Now, in Hebrew "Cephas" means
"rock;" but in Greek the word for "rock" is "Petras," or "Peter." So
from that time, Simon was known as Simon Peter, or "Simon, the Rock."
When we think of this wonderful world in which we live, of its great
division of land called continents; that in the eastern continent
there are the countries of Europe, Asia, and Africa; that in one
little corner of Asia, there is a strip of land only about twice as
long and twice as wide as our Salt Lake; that in that strip of land
was a division, like one of our counties, called Galilee; that in
this province were over two hundred cities, and in each city several
thousand people, among whom one day was born a little baby whose
parents were unknown; that this baby boy grew to be a man of such
strong character that Jesus named him "a Rock," and for nineteen
hundred years now he has been known and honored by millions and
millions of people--when we think of all these things we must surely
realize, even in our youth, that a humble birth is no hindrance to
greatness.
Footnotes:
1. Josephus.
2. John 1:42-43.
LESSON 3
A Period of Preparation
"_Oh, be my friend, and teach me to be thine_."
"Great souls by instinct to each other turn,
Demand alliance, and in friendship burn."
Home in Capernaum
[Sidenote: Peter's Views of the Messiah.]
From the moment Peter met Jesus, his views of life were changed. Up to
that time, he had looked for the coming of the King of the Jews as an
event the indefinite future. With other Jews, he had anticipated that
the Savior's coming would be marked by wonderful manifestations, and
that, clad in purple robes, and attended by many angels. He would come
in mighty power, and in one divine expression of His wrath, strike the
Roman shackles from the conquered Jewish nation.
But now, Peter had met the Messiah--a lone man on the banks of the
Jordan! Only about five men knew of His claim to the Messiahship. There
were no legions of heavenly hosts accompanying Him! He wore no purple
robes! He possessed no visible means at hand with which to break the
Roman yoke! Was He, indeed, the Messiah that was to come, or should
Peter look for another?
[Sidenote: Jesus' Influence Over Peter.]
These and a hundred other thoughts, undoubtedly crowded Peter's
mind, as he left the wilderness of Jordan to return to his fishing
in Galilee. Andrew and John, on that memorable visit, seemed to have
received a testimony of the divinity of Jesus' mission, and they bore
that testimony to their brothers when they so joyously exclaimed,
"We have found the Messiah!" But Peter--impetuous Peter, who, we
shall learn, was naturally outspoken, had not yet so far as we know,
expressed such assurance. However, he was deeply impressed; for had not
Jesus, at first sight, read his character? Had He not penetrated into
his inmost nature? and had He not radiated a spirit that so completely
enveloped Peter that from its influence the fisherman never more
desired to go?
[Sidenote: Peter's Home.]
Peter at this time was a married man, and was perhaps the father of a
little boy. He had moved from his old home in Bethsaida, and lived with
his wife's mother, or she with him, in Capernaum. With him were also
Andrew and their two faithful companions and friends, James and John,
the sons of Zebedee.
Peter's home became the most distinguished home in all Capernaum,
and later one of the most memorable spots in all the world. Here,
undoubtedly, Jesus stayed whenever He was at Capernaum! Indeed after
Jesus had been so ruthlessly rejected by His own townsmen in Nazareth,
He made Capernaum His "own city;" and it is supposed that much of the
time, the honor fell upon Peter to entertain in his home the Savior of
the world. How every word, every act on the part of his worthy guest
must surely have increased Peter's confidence in Jesus as the Messiah!
A Lesson in Obedience
[Sidenote: On Shores of Galilee.]
One beautiful morning, several months after the events narrated in
the previous lesson, and a short time following His rejection from
Nazareth, Jesus was preaching to a multitude on the shores of Galilee.
Peter and Andrew were busy near-by washing their nets, after having
spent all night on the lake in a futile attempt to catch some fish.
"And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon Jesus to hear
the word of God, He stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
"And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone
out of them, and were washing their nets.
"And He entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed
him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And He sat down,
and taught the people out of the ship." [1]
[Sidenote: First Recorded Instance of Peter's Obedience.]
When Peter complied with Jesus' request "to thrust out a little from
the land," he performed the first recorded instance of his obedience to
Christ's word. Now, however, followed a command obedience to which was
directly contrary to the fisherman's judgment. When Jesus had finished
speaking to the people, He said to Peter,
"Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for toiled all the
night, and have taken nothing." As much as from the empty net; it was
dry, and the broken threads mended. Peter was tired and wanted rest. He
was hungry, too, and perhaps discouraged. No wonder, then, that Peter
answered and said, "Master, we have toiled all night, and have taken
nothing." As much as to say, "What is the use? There are no fish this
morning in this part of the lake, nor has there been all night!" But
Peter was learning to honor and obey this Man among men; so he quickly
added these words: "Nevertheless at Thy word, I will let down the net."
[2]
As an experienced fisherman, his _judgment_ said to make a further
attempt was useless; as a follower of Jesus, his _Faith_ bade him try.
[Sidenote: Result of Obedience.]
"And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of
fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners
which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And
they came, and filled both ships so that they began to sink."
We are told that Peter "was astonished, and all that were with him, at
the draught of the fishes which they had taken." Peter, the leader of
the four as he was afterwards the head of the Twelve, "fell down at
Jesus' knees, saying. Depart from me: for I am a sinful man, O Lord."
[3]
Was it just the doubt and hesitancy expressed when, a few minutes
before, Jesus had asked him to "push cut into the deep," or was it
the realization of many such doubts of Christ's divinity that now
overwhelmed him, and made him sense his own inferiority and weakness in
the presence of this Mighty One? Jesus had manifested His power, and in
so doing had taught Peter the lesson that he and all the world, sooner
or later, must learn; viz., that obedience to Christ's words brings
blessings, temporal as well as spiritual. As the realization of this
truth was pouring balm on his awe-struck feelings, Jesus said unto him,
"_Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men_." [4]
[IMAGE: CHRIST AND THE FISHERMEN. "From henceforth thou shalt catch men."]
A MEMORABLE SABBATH. [5]
After Jesus had been rejected from His own city, Nazareth, He "came
down to Capernaum, and taught them on the Sabbath days."
[Sidenote: Service in Synagogue.]
The last part of a service in the synagogue in those days was the
expounding of the scriptures, and preaching from them to the people.
This was done not always by an officer but by some distinguished person
who might be in the congregation. Of course, Jesus was known all around
by this time as a great teacher, a worker of miracles, and an able
interpreter of the law; and, "they were astonished at His doctrine: for
His word was with power."
[Sidenote: An Evil Spirit Rebuked.]
On one particular Sabbath, when Jesus was preaching, Peter and all
present were surprised to see a man rise in the audience, and suddenly
interrupt by crying out in a loud voice,
"Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth?
Art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee who Thou art; the Holy One
of God." As this man, who was possessed of an evil spirit, ceased his
railing, each person in the congregation must have almost held his
breath, as Jesus rebuked the evil one by saying,
"Hold thy peace and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him
in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.
"And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves saying, What a
word is this! for with authority and power, He commandeth the unclean
spirits and they come out." [6]
At the conclusion of this service, Jesus went with Peter to the
latter's home, Andrew, and James and John accompanying them. Peter,
Andrew, James and John--these four who were playmates in boyhood,
partners as fishermen, companions as disciples of John the Baptist,
are now becoming inseparable in the loving bonds of the Brotherhood of
Christ! As they entered the house, they learned that Simon's wife's
mother was very sick of fever. Undoubtedly, it was Peter who told Jesus
of his mother-in-law's condition, and pleaded, either by word or look,
or both, that He would bless her. Jesus "took her by the hand and
lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered
unto them."
You can imagine that all Capernaum was talking about how Jesus had
rebuked the evil spirit from the afflicted man in the synagogue! And
then, a few minutes after the service, He healed a woman instantly of
a fever! The news spread from house to house, and from group to group
until "the fame of Him went out into every place of the country round
about."
[Sidenote: Many Healed.]
All that afternoon, Peter's house and the streets around it were packed
with crowds of people, some out of curiosity but most of them desiring
a blessing. Men possessed of devils were taken through the crowd to
Jesus and were cured; those who had been suffering for days of a
burning fever, those who were afflicted with various kinds of diseases,
were all brought into the presence of this Great Physician, who "laid
His hands on everyone of them, and healed them."
[Sidenote: Through the Twilight and Evening.]
The sun went down, twilight came, and evening shades began to deepen
into night, but still the sick and suffering sought that divine healing
which only Christ the Lord could give. "Never," says Eidersheim,
"Never, surely, was He more truly the Christ than when, in the
stillness of that evening, He went through that suffering throng laying
His hands in the blessing of healing upon every one of them and casting
out many devils."
It was probably late that night before Jesus could go to His rest.
Even later, after the people had gone to their now happier homes,
Peter and his household would desire to talk to their honored guest
about the wonderful miracles of that day. At length, however, all
retired, and everybody in the house slept as the midnight hours of that
never-to-be-forgotten Sabbath passed into the early morning hours of
Sunday.
Another Week of Preparation
[Sidenote: Sunday Morning.]
Before daylight came, however, Jesus arose quietly, and walked out into
the morning air, sought a quiet, "solitary" place, and there prayed.
"His pure thoughts were borne
Like fumes of sacred incense o'er the clouds,
And wafted them on angels' wings, to ways
Of light, to the bright source of all."
Peter must have been surprised when upon going to greet Jesus with a
bright "Good-morning," he found the guest-chamber empty. Perhaps he
guessed where Jesus had gone; for we are told that, "Simon and they
that were with him followed after Him. And when they had found Him,
they said unto Him,
"_All men seek Thee_!"
What a glorious condition will be in this old world when it can be
truthfully said to Christ,
"_All men seek Thee_!"
[Sidenote: "All Men Seek Thee."]
Selfishness, envy, hatred, lying, stealing, cheating, disobedience to
parents, cruelty to children and to dumb animals, quarreling among
neighbors, and fighting among nations--all will be no more when it can
be truthfully said to the Redeemer of mankind,
"_All men seek Thee_!"
[Sidenote: Around Galilee.]
It seems that Jesus and His friends left Capernaum that day, and
"Preached in synagogues throughout all Gililee, and cast out devils."
Wherever they went the sick were healed, and the lepers were cleansed.
Some days afterwards, they returned to Capernaum. No sooner did the
people learn that Jesus was in "the house" (undoubtedly Peter's house)
than "Straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was
no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and He
preached the word unto them."
[Sidenote: A Man Sick of Palsy.]
It was on this occasion that four men brought a man sick of palsy. The
poor man lay on his bed, each corner of which was held by one of the
four men. Finding it impossible because of the crowd to gain entrance
to the house by the door, they went on the roof. Here they made an
opening into the room below, "And let down the bed wherein the sick of
the palsy lay."
"When Jesus saw their faith, He said unto the sick of palsy, Son, thy
sins be forgiven thee.
"And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them
all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying: We
never saw it on this fashion." All these glorious manifestations of
divine power, and, undoubtedly, many, many more, Jesus had given even
before He chose His Twelve Apostles.
[Sidenote: Peter's Faith Strengthened.]
Peter, as you see, was a witness of them all. If he had had any doubts
a few months previous, when his brother Andrew said, "We have found the
Messiah," surely they had long since been banished from his mind; and
we can readily understand why, when Jesus said, "Henceforth thou shalt
catch men," Peter "forsook all and followed Him."
But even yet, notwithstanding all his experiences, Simon's faith is not
the Rock that Jesus would have it become.
Footnotes:
1. Luke 5:1-3.
2. Luke 5:5.
3. Luke 5:8.
4. Luke 5:10.
5. Luke 4:31-40.
6. Luke 4:36.
LESSON 4
A Special Witness
"The Twelve traveling counselors are called to be the Twelve Apostles,
or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world."
[Sidenote: A Night of Prayer.]
Probably several months after the events narrated in the previous
chapter and a little while before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus went
out to a mountain near Capernaum. As was usual, now, in His life, a
large crowd followed Him. But He left the crowd, and went to the top of
the mountain, so he could be all alone with His Father in Heaven, unto
whom He prayed all night.
[Sidenote: Twelve Chosen.]
Undoubtedly, many of his most ardent followers remained at the mountain
also all night, for "When it was day, He called unto Him His disciples,
and of them He chose twelve, whom also He named apostles." [1]
The word Apostle means an "Envoy" or "one who is sent." An apostle is a
"Special witness of the name of Christ in all the world."
In all the accounts given of this important event, Peter's name is
mentioned first, indicating that he was chosen as the chief apostle,
and was undoubtedly appointed and set apart as the President of the
Council of Twelve. The names of the Twelve whom Jesus ordained at that
time were:
(1) Simon Peter, and his brother (2) Andrew; (3) James and (4) John,
the two sons of Zebedee; (5) Philip of Bethsaida, and (6) Nathanael,
also called Bartholomew; (7) Thomas, also called "Didymus," a name
which means "a twin;" (8) Matthew, the publican, or tax gatherer; (9)
James, the son of Alphaeus, called "James the Less;" (10) Lebbeus,
who was also called Thaddeus, and also Judas, but not Judas Iscariot;
(11) Simon, the "Canaanite," or "Simon the Zelotes," and (12) Judas
Iscariot, who became the traitor.
[IMAGE: ST. MATTHEW.]
[Sidenote: Who the Twelve Were.]
These twelve men were, for the most part, Galilean fishermen who
labored at their trade on the shores of Galilee. Matthew, however, was
a publican, and therefore despised by the Jews; and Judas was a Judean.
Some of the leaders of the Jews thought that they were "unlearned and
ignorant men. [2] Unlearned they were; but not ignorant; for by their
wisdom and preaching, they overthrew the whole edifice of human wisdom,
and led the world to the light of truth."
As a humble disciple of Jesus, Peter had been a "witness" of many
wonderful things pertaining to the Savior's mission; but it was
difficult for him to comprehend the significance of the Gospel plan.
You will note as we proceed with his biography that his understanding
of it unfolded slowly, even though he was almost constantly, for the
next year or so, in the presence of his Lord. Here are some of the
things which he witnessed immediately after his ordination to the
Apostleship.
AT MATTHEW'S FEAST
One day Jesus and the Twelve accepted an invitation to Matthew's house,
a circumstance that made the Pharisees much offended because Jesus ate
"with publicans and the sinners. While Jesus and the Twelve were still
at the feast, and Jesus was answering the charge of the Pharisees,
[Sidenote: Jairus]
"Behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the Synagogue, Jairus,
by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, and besought him
greatly saying,
"My little daughter lieth at the point of death; I pray thee, come and
lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed, and she shall live." [3]
Jesus immediately left the pleasures of the feast and of the
entertainment of his friend and brother, Matthew, and followed Jairus
to the latter's house.
THE AFFLICTED WOMAN
[Sidenote: Faith of an Afflicted Woman.]
"And much people followed him, and thronged him." [4] In this crowd was
a woman who had been suffering for twelve years from a sore that could
not be healed. The blood had wasted for so long a time that she was
weak, and she was very poor, for "she had spent all she had" trying to
get cured. She had heard of Jesus and of His power to heal the sick,
and she had such faith that she said to herself, "If I may touch but
his clothes, I shall be made whole."
As Jesus passed, she stretched forth her hand and touched just the hem
of his garment, "and straightway the fountain of her blood was dried
up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague."
[Sidenote: "Who Touched My Clothes?"]
Jesus, too, immediately feeling that "Virtue" had gone out of him,
turned and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" Peter answered, "Master,
the multitude throng and press thee and sayest thou. Who touched me?"
[5]
What an insight must Peter have received into Christ's divine powers
and susceptibility as he noted the afflicted woman come through the
crowd and throw herself at the feet of Jesus, confessing all before
him! What satisfaction must have been his, as he heard his Lord say,
"Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of
thy plague." [6] But Peter was soon to witness even a greater miracle.
JAIRUS' LITTLE DAUGHTER
[Sidenote: Jairus' Daughter Dead.]
While Jesus was yet speaking to the now blessed and happy woman, and
while Peter and his fellow councilmen and the multitude gazed in
wonder, "there cometh one from the ruler of the Synagogue's house,
saying to him, 'Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.'"
Poor Jairus! He had hurried from the bedside of his little girl only a
half hour or so ago to plead with Jesus of Nazareth to come and save
his little daughter. The Divine Physician had started immediately, but
it was too late. The great destroyer, Death, had claimed the little
girl. Peter's heart must have ached in sympathy for the sorrowing
father. But, listen! Following the gloomy announcement of death, they
hear the comforting voice of Jesus: "Fear not; believe only, and she
shall be made whole."
[Sidenote: Jairus' Daughter Restored.]
As they neared the house, they heard the weeping of friends and the
moans of the broken-hearted mother. But Peter, and others, too, heard
the Master say, "Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they
laughed Him to scorn, knowing that she was dead." [7] The Savior then
told everybody to leave the room excepting Peter, James, and John, the
father and the mother. He then walked up to the bed, took the little
cold white hand in his, and said,
"Maid, arise.
"And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded
to give her meat."
These incidents in the life of Peter are only a few of the glorious
experiences he witnessed even before he went out as "a special witness
of the name of Christ." Jesus knew that neither Peter nor anybody
else could convert others to the truth until he himself first knew
that truth. No one can teach others what he himself does not know.
Undoubtedly by this time Peter believed, with all his heart, that Jesus
the Worker of Wonders, was indeed the Messiah who should come; but his
testimony was not yet firm as a _rock_.
PETER'S FIRST MISSION
However, the time had come when he was sufficiently instructed to be
able to go on a mission, "And Jesus called unto Him the Twelve, and
began to send them forth by two and two;" [8]
[Sidenote: Peter's Commission.]
"And commanded them saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and
into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost
sheep of the house of Israel, and as ye go preach, saying, The kingdom
of heaven is at hand Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead,
cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give." [9]
He told them to travel without money and without extra coats, and to
carry blessings and peace to all who would receive them. He told them
they would be persecuted, arrested and tried before governors and
kings; but He assured them that the Lord would deliver them.
He further said that, "Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your
words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of
your feet. Verily I say unto you. It shall be more tolerable for the
land of Sodom and Gomorra in the day of judgment than for that city."
"He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth
Him that sent me. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these
little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily
I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."
We do not know who Peter's companion was on this mission; but we are
told that they went and preached that men should repent; that they cast
out many devils, anointed with oil, and healed the sick, and did many
other wonderful things in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
[Sidenote: John the Baptist Beheaded.]
While they were on this mission, John Baptist the Baptist was beheaded
by order of the wicked king Herod.
[Sidenote: In a Desert Place Opposite Capernaum.]
Upon their return unto Jesus, "The Apostles gathered themselves
together (probably at Capernaum) and told Him all things, both what
they had done, and what they had taught." But there were so many people
"coming and going" that "they had no leisure so much as to eat;" so
Jesus desiring to be alone with the Twelve said, "Come ye yourselves
apart into a desert place, and rest awhile." So they entered a ship
privately and sailed from the Capernaum side to the northwest coast.
But some of the people saw them departing and ran on foot around the
northern coast of the lake. Other people saw these running, and joined
them so that when Jesus and the Twelve landed, there were hundreds if
not thousands of people there to greet them.
As evening approached, the disciples asked Jesus to send the multitude
away, so they could go to their cities and buy something to eat.
[Sidenote: Another Manifestation.]
It was on this occasion that Peter witnessed another manifestation
of the power of God, and had repeated the valuable lesson he learned
over a year before, when he made a miraculous draught of fishes; viz.,
That obedience to Christ's words always brings comfort and happiness.
Instead of sending the multitude away hungry, Jesus said, "Whence shall
we buy bread that these might eat?"
[Sidenote: The Multitude Fed.]
Philip answered, "Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for
them, that every one of them may take a little." But from five barley
loaves and two small fishes, Jesus, by some process natural to Him but
miraculous to us, fed that vast crowd of people, numbering about five
thousand.
Peter assisted not only in distributing the bread and fish among the
companies, but also in gathering the twelve baskets full left. No doubt
he was one of those who said, "This is of a truth that Prophet that
should come into the world." Let us hope, however, that he was not one
of those who would have taken Jesus by force to make Him king.
Footnotes:
1. Luke 6:13.
2. Acts 4:13.
3. Mark 5:22-23.
4. Mark 5:24.
5. Luke 8:45.
6. Mark 5:34.
7. Luke 8:52, 53.
8. Mark 6.
9. Matt. 10:5-42.
LESSON 5
Peter's Faith Tested
"_The steps of faith fall on the seeming void, but find the rock
beneath._"
"_All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not
seen._"
[Sidenote: Genuine Faith.]
When Jesus called Simon "Peter" or "The Rock," he undoubtedly expressed
in that name one characteristic which He desired to see in the faith
of His disciples, and particularly in each of His Apostles. He desired
them to possess a faith that was unwavering,--a faith that would
make them steadfast in the truth regardless of miracles or the acts
of men--a faith that would trust the Lord at all times and under
all circumstances, let those times and circumstances be what they
may. Jesus knew that the Jews were easily influenced; that a miracle
performed today might awaken a feeling in them that He was the King
for whom they had been waiting, and that a truth taught tomorrow might
arouse in them a feeling that He was an impostor. He wanted to lead
them to God and to His Gospel. He longed to have them comprehend the
truths of life so they would live them after He was gone from their
midst.
[Sidenote: Jesus Grieved.]
Imagine, then, how grieved He must have been when, after the miracle
mentioned in the last chapter, the people arose and hailed Him King and
thought by offering Him the bauble of an empty crown, they were doing
Him honor! He did not want them to honor Him. His desire was for them
to see the power of God, and believe in His divine truth.
Desiring to be alone once more with His Father, not wanting the company
even of the three chief apostles, Peter, James, and John, Jesus
dismissed the multitude, told the Twelve to get into the ship and sail
back to Capernaum, and He retired to a solitary place to pray.
A TEMPESTUOUS SEA
[Sidenote: A Storm.]
During the night, while Jesus was yet praying, a great storm arose,
which stirred the lake into a seething mass of billows. From the
mountain Jesus could see His disciples battling with the sea, but
unable to make much headway, although they could not see Him.
When the ship was about thirty furlongs (four miles) from the shore,
Jesus decided to go into it. It was now past midnight, and the
disciples were still struggling in the midst of the heaving sea.
[Sidenote: Jesus on the Water.]
Imagine their fear when through the darkness they saw an object coming
towards them on the waves! And when someone cried out, "It's a Spirit!"
they were more frightened than ever.
"But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying. Be of good cheer; It is
I; be not afraid."
At once, Peter spoke out, saying, "Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come
unto Thee on the water." [1]
[Sidenote: Peter's Faith.]
"Come," said Jesus.