Discipleship - Biblos Foundation - Biblos Foundation

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DiscipleshipStudy Packet to help one study the 12 disciples

and be a resource for Sunday School

Christ and the Twelve ApostlesAnonymous cemetery of Via Anapo, Rome, Italy

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DisciplesBiographies on the Twelve Disciples

John (the Beloved Disciple)

Historical backgroundJohn was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee, in business with his brother, James, and the brothers Peter and An-drew. John and James’ father Zebedee, owned and ran this successful family business. We know this because the Gospel says he had “hired servants” (Mark 1:20-21), which shows it was a middle-class enterprise. The family home originally may have been in Bethsaida; however, by the time that Jesus was present, they lived in Capernaum.

John’s mother, Salome, was also a follower of Jesus (Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:40). Some traditions say that Sa-lome was the sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus ( John 19:25-27). Thus John and James and Jesus may have been related. According to Matthew’s version, Salome tried to rearrange the seating in heaven for her two sons, one to be on the right side and the other on the left side of Jesus (Mark 10:35-41; Matt. 20:20-24). Salome also witnessed the crucifixion with a few other women and John, who was the only disciple present.

According to tradition, John was first a follower of John the Baptist, and then left him to follow Jesus, at the Baptist’s request. Jesus gave the two brothers the nick-name “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17). No scholar really knows why they were given this name. Some believe

St. John Evangelist (Sacristy)Venezia Cheisa di S. Maria della Salute/Tiziano (1477-1576)

St. JohnRavenna, 6th century mosaics (part of collection)

The Twelve Disciples - Biographical and Historical Information

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that it might be because their temperaments were like lightning, referring to an instance in which they joked about calling fire down from heaven to destroy the people of a Samaritan village who were not receptive to Jesus’ teachings (Luke 9:51-56). John and James must have had a bold and zealous personality that flared up from time to time.

During Jesus’ ministry, John lived near Capernaum (Mark 1:21); but after 70 CE, he probably moved to Ephesus, according to Irenaeus, an early Christian writer. The brothers were called by Jesus in Galilee to become fishers of men (Matt. 10:2; Mark 3:17; Luke

6:14). They were privileged to be a part of the inner circle of disciples closest to Jesus, which means that they were able to witness the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:37; Luke 8:51), the transfiguration (Matt. 17:1; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28), and the Gethsemane experience before Jesus’ arrest (Matt. 26:37; Mark 14:33).

After the crucifixionJohn and Peter are mentioned together in the book of Acts three times. Acts 1:13 mentions John in the upper room at Jerusalem. Peter and John go to the Temple to pray and Peter heals the lame man at the Gate of the Temple (Acts 3:1). Both were arrested, imprisoned and released around 41 CE (Acts 4:3). Peter and John go to Samaria to verify the authen-ticity of the ministry of Philip, and then come back to Jerusalem (Acts 8:14-25).

Paul mentions John’s name once (Gal. 2:9), describing the conference of Christian leaders that John attended in Jerusalem about 51 CE, along with the other disciples. “He names as the outstanding three ‘who were reputed to be pillars’ James (the brother of the Lord), Cephas (Peter) and John” (IDB 11.953).

Most scholars think that John is the disciple pictured at the Last Sup-per leaning on Jesus’ breast ( John 13:23-26). John was the only disciple to witness the crucifixion along with the women. On the cross, Jesus


Jesus Telling Disciples to Fish on Other Side of Boat© 2010. Biblos Foundation.

Gal. 2:99 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

The Last Supper (detail), Venezia Chiesa di S. Maria della Salute/G.Salviati (1520-1575) © 2010. Biblos Foundation.

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entrusts his mother to John ( John 19:26-27). John runs with Peter to witness an empty tomb ( John 20:2-10). John swims with Peter to the shore of the Sea of Galilee when he sees the risen Christ on the beach in the early morning hours after the crucifixion ( John 21:7).

Tradition says that John wrote the gospel of John, I, II and III John, and the book of Rev-elation (written on the isle of Patmos around 95 CE).

In The Prescription of Heretics, Tertullian (145-200 CE) records that by an order of the Roman emperor, Domitian, John was boiled in oil and was unhurt (IDB 9.954). John was then banished to Patmos, a prison rock quarry where tradition says he wrote the book of

Revelation. John returned to Ephesus and lived there until the time of Trajan. Eusebius quotes Apollo-nious saying that John raised the dead at Ephesus (Eusebius 5.18).

“Irenaeus tells that in his old age, when too weak to speak with his former vigor, John is said to have been carried to the meetings of Christians and to have said repeatedly, ‘Little children, love one another’”( Jerome 6.10).

Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, was a student of John and was able to pass his teachings down to other stu-dents and to witness for John’s discipleship of Jesus.

Ten times in the New Testament, John proclaims Christ’s commandment to love one another ( John 13:34, John 13:35, John 15:12, John 15:17, 1 John 3:11, 1 John 3:23, 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:11, 1 John 4:12, 2 John 1:5).


John on Patmos, Titian, National Gallery D.C. © 2010. Biblos Foundation.

St. John on Patmos, Gustave Doré Bible Illustrations © 2010. Biblos Foundation.

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Simon Peter

Peter’s original name was Simon, but Jesus renames him Peter (the Greek word is petros, or “rock”). Cephas is the Hebrew name for “rock” and that name is sometimes used. Throughout the Scriptures, he is also referred to with both names, Simon Peter.

Historical backgroundPeter was a fisherman, originally from the city of Bethsaida, who eventually moved to Capernaum and set up a business with Zebedee and his two sons, John and James. Peter’s brother Andrew was also a part of this fishing partnership and scholars think that perhaps the two families lived together (Mark 1:29). Peter could converse in Greek as well as Aramaic, which allowed him to expand beyond Palestine into the Roman World later in his ministry.

The Synoptic Gospels place Peter’s call to discipleship by Jesus near the Sea of Galilee (Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11); however, John places Peter’s first contact with Jesus in Judaea near where John the Bap-tist is preaching ( John 1:35-42). Andrew, who hears John the Baptist refer to Jesus as “the Lamb of God,” follows Jesus and becomes convinced that Jesus is the Messiah. He tells his brother, Peter, about it and brings him to Jesus ( John 1:41). Jesus foretells that he will become a “fisher of men,” and Peter immediately leaves his boat and nets and starts to follow the Master full time. He lives with him, learns from him and helps him in small and great ways.

Peter is always the first one of the twelve men-tioned in any list of the disciples. There are many events in the New Testament with Peter at the forefront of the other disciples. Some examples of these: Peter attempts to walk on the water (Matt. 14:28); Peter asks Jesus about forgiveness (Matt. 18:21); and Peter asks about future rewards for sacrificing everything (Matt. 19:27; Mark 10:28; Luke 18:28).


The Calling of St. Peter and Andrew, 6th century mosaic in church of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna

Peter Walking on Water,© 2010. Biblos Foundation.

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At Caesarea Philippi, Peter recognizes Jesus as the Christ, but fails to see in prophecy that the Mes-siah is to suffer (Matt. 16:16; Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20). Peter, along with James and John, is one of the inner circle. Therefore he witnesses events in which other disciples are not involved. He is pres-ent at the miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5:9), the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:37; Luke 8:51), the transfiguration (Matt. 17:1; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28), and the Gethsemane experience (Matt. 26:36, 37; Mark 14:32, 33).

Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him three times before the crucifixion. Peter runs away and does not witness the crucifixion, but he does witness the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:3-8, Luke 24:34). Jesus also restores Peter on the shore of the Sea of Galilee after the resurrection ( John 21:15-17).

After the CrucifixionFor 15 years after the crucifixion, Peter was the leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 1-12). Some events that happened during these years of Peter’s life:

• goes with John to the temple and heals the lame man (Acts 3:2)• is imprisoned with John (Acts 12:5)• goes to Samaria to preach (Acts 8:14)• proposes the selection of the twelfth disciple, after Judas commits suicide (Acts 1:23-26)• speaks with boldness while under arrest (Acts 4:13)• denounces hypocrisy in the church (Acts 5:1-11)• speaks out in the Sanhedrin about “obey[ing] God rather than men” (Acts 5:29)• begins ministry outside Jerusalem (Acts 9:32)• preaches in Lydda and Joppa (Acts 9:32-43)• preaches to Cornelius in Caesarea (Acts 10:1-11)• gives up the leadership of the church in Jerusalem to James, the brother of Jesus (Gal. 2:9)• travels to Asia Minor and Corinth (1 Cor. 1:12)• Paul visits with Peter for two weeks, after he is converted (Acts 9:26-30; Gal. 1:18-20)


Jesus Raising Jairus’ Daughter, Gustave Doré Bible Illustrations, © 2010. Biblos Foundation.

Scenes from Life of St. Peter, The Baptism of the Neophytes, Masaccio, Brancacci Chapel, Santa Maria del Carmine, Florence, 1426

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Preaching in Rome?What proof is there that Peter was in Rome preaching until the end of his life? The proof comes not only from Scripture, but from early Christian writers as well.

I Clement places Peter’s martyrdom in Rome.Dionysius, bishop of Corinth, 175 CE, says that Peter and Paul founded both the Roman and the Corinthian churches.

Eusebius, an early Christian historian, writes: “Both [Peter and Paul] planted also in our Corinth, and likewise taught us; and likewise they taught together also in Italy, and were martyred on the same occasion” (Eusebius 2.25).

Irenaeus says that “Peter and Paul…preach[ed] at Rome, and la[id] the foundations of the church” (Her. 3.1.1).

Tertullian refers to three martyrdoms at Rome: Peter, Paul and John (Presc. Her. 36).

Origen reports that Peter “at the last came to Rome and was crucified head-downwards” (Eusebius 3.1). According to tradi-tion Peter’s crucifixion happened in Nero’s Rome in 64 CE or 67 CE.

New Testament Books written by Peter?The gospel of Mark is possibly the reminiscences of Peter through the eyes of Mark, Peter’s friend and traveling compan-ion. Eusebius, an early Christian historian, writes:

“A great light of religion shone on the minds of the hearers of Peter, so that they were not satisfied with a single hearing or with the unwritten teaching of the divine proclamation, but with every kind of exhortation besought Mark, whose Gospel is extant,


Peter in the House of Cornelius, Gustave Doré Bible Illustrations© 2010. Biblos Foundation.

Eusebuis, engraving, artist unknown© 2010. Biblos Foundation.

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seeing that he was Peter’s follower, to leave them a written statement of the teaching given them ver-bally, nor did they cease until they had persuaded him, and so became the cause of the Scripture called the Gospel according to Mark. And they say that the Apostle, knowing by the revelation of the spirit to him what had been done, was pleased at their zeal, and ratified the scripture for study in the churches” (Eusebius 2.14).

“ ….we are now obliged to append to the words already quoted from him a tradition about the Mark who wrote the Gospel, which he expounds as follows. ‘And the Presbyter used to say this, Mark became Peter’s interpreter and wrote accurately all that he remembered, not, indeed, in order, of the things said or done by the Lord.

For he had not heard the Lord, nor had he followed him, but later on, as I said, followed Peter, who used to give teaching as necessity demanded but not making, as it were, an arrangement of the Lord’s oracles, so that Mark did nothing wrong in thus writing down single points as he remembered them. For to one thing he gave attention, to leave out nothing of what he had heard and to make no false statements in them.’ This is related by Papias about Mark…” (Eusebius 3.34).

The book of 1 Peter is also attributed to Peter. It was written to the Christians at Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Scholars “feel this is one of the finest and clearest examples of New Testament teaching” (IDB 8:758).

The author of this book declares that he was “an eye-witness of the Lord’s sufferings” (1 Pet. 1:8), and for centuries, early church tradition has considered Peter


Scenes from Life of St. Peter, St. Peter Healing Sick with His Shadow, Masaccio, Brancacci Chapel, Santa Maria del Carmine, Florence, 1426

Crucifixion of Peter, Caravaggio, Vatican Museums, Rome, 1602

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the author. However, scholars today are not certain if this book was truly writ-ten by Peter the disciple, or Silvanus, Peter’s secretary.

Matthew

Matthew was one of the twelve dis-ciples of Jesus, and he is listed as such in four places in the New Testament (Mark 3:18; Matt. 10:3; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). He is identified as a tax col-lector or a “publican” who worked for Herod Antipas in Capernaum enforc-ing the tax laws on the town’s mer-chants. The Jewish community would

have hated him for working for the king and he was probably on the outside of the Jewish society and a sinner in their eyes. The gospel of Matthew mentions that he leaves the receipt of custom and follows Jesus (Matt. 9:9). For Jesus to have chosen Matthew as one of the twelve apostles boldly illustrates how everyone can be included in God’s Kingdom of Heaven, if one repents and believes the Gospel.

Matthew’s other name was Levi, and he is men-tioned in Luke by that name (Luke 5:27). It is Levi who entertains Jesus at a banquet in his home with other tax collectors of the district (Luke 5:29). Jesus is criticized by the establishment for attending.

Scholars are not sure if Matthew the disciple really wrote the gospel of Matthew; however, early Chris-tian tradition attributes the book to him.

Eusebius, an early Christian writer, says this about the disciple, “Matthew collected the oracles in the Hebrew language, and each interpreted them as best he could” (Eusebius 3.29). Iranaeus is quoted by Eusebius as saying, “Matthew published among the Hebrews a written gospel in their own tongue while Peter and Paul were preaching in Rome and found-ing the church” (Eusebius 3.24).


Luke 5:29-3229 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great com-pany of publicans and of others that sat down with them.30 But their scribes and Pharisees mur-mured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physi-cian; but they that are sick.32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Calling of St. Matthew, Caravaggio, San Luigi dei Francesi Church, Rome, 1599/1600

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Andrew

Andrew was a disciple of Jesus of Nazareth along with his brother Simon Peter. In the fishing village of Capernaum, Andrew and Peter had a thriving fishing business together with Zebe-dee and his two sons, James and John. Andrew and Peter originally came from Bethsaida in the territory of Gaulanitis, but had moved into Galilee and set up their business in Capernaum, just across the border. Andrew may have been a disciple of John the Baptist before he left him to follow Jesus. He took his brother Simon to hear Jesus preach and Jesus called them to be his disciples. Tradition says that Andrew preached in Scythis and was put to death on an x-shaped cross (St. Andrew’s).

James (the son of Zebedee)

James was a fisherman, in business with his father Zebedee and his brother John, along with another set of brothers, Simon and Andrew. James, John and Peter were the three disciples that were the closest to Jesus and were with him at critical inspired moments of his ministry, wit-nessing the raising of Jairus’ daughter, the trans-figuration and the Garden of Gethsemane expe-rience. John and James were called “the sons of thunder” by Jesus, although the motive behind it is not clear (Mark 3:17). Perhaps they had a bad temper, or they were impetuous and reactive. Acts mentions that James was the first disciple to be martyred, put to death by Herod Agrippa I in 44 CE (12:1-3).


The Apostle Andrew, Basilica of San Marco, Venice

The Calling of Peter and Andrew, Ghirlandaio, 1449-1494, North Side, Life of Jesus, 1481-3, Sistine Chapel, Vatican, Rome

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Philip

Not much is recorded about the disciple Philip. The gospels tell us he was from Bethsaida, several miles east of Capernaum.

Tradition says that Philip preached in various parts of the world after the crucifixion.


John 1:43-4643 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Fol-low me.44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of An-drew and Peter.45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

At the Last Supper, he asks Jesus a question:

John 14:8-118 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

Philip and Simon, Basilica of San Marco, Venice

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Nathanael (called Bartholomew)

We know very little about the disciple Nathanael. He came from Cana in Galilee and had a poor opinion of the vil-lage of Nazareth. Philip tells Nathanael that Jesus is the one about whom Moses and the prophets had written, and Nathanael asks him, “Can anything good come out of Naza-reth?” Philip says to him, “Come and see.”

One tradition says that Bartholomew took the Gospel to India and to greater Armenia. He was also flayed alive and beheaded there.

James (the son of Alphaeus)

This disciple is not mentioned by name in any event recorded in the gospels or Acts of the Apostles. He is only mentioned in the lists of disciples names (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13).It is possible that this James is to be identified as one of the sons of Mary, who is mentioned as present at the crucifixion and the empty tomb.


John 1:47-5147 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

St. Bartholomew, Basilica of San Marco, Venice

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Simon (the Zealot)

Simon receives incidental mention in the gospels and Acts, as his name appears only when the list of disciples is recorded (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:30).

Simon was formerly of the fanatical Zealots who opposed Roman rule in Palestine. Early Christian writers say he is the same Simeon, son of Clopas, who succeeded James as head of the Jerusalem church (Eusebius 3.11).

Judas (called Thaddaeus)

According to Luke, this disciple was the son or brother of James (Luke 6:16). Thaddaeus may be his true name.

Judas Iscariot

Judas Iscariot is the only Judean of the twelve disciples. “Iscariot” could mean “man from Kerioth,” although it is uncertain as to where this is located. He was the treasurer of the group ( John 13:29). He betrayed Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver. Many speculations surround the event. A plot of ground, a “potter’s field,” was purchased with the money. It is even questionable whether Judas par-ticipated in the taking of bread and wine at the Last Supper. Luke says he did; other gospels leave us in doubt. He died a violent death; Matthew tells us he hanged himself.

Thomas (in Aramaic means “twin”; Didymus in Greek)

Thomas is mentioned three times in the gospel of John: John 11:16 indicates his loyalty to Jesus; John 14:5 shows his ignorance of Jesus’ meaning about preparing a place for the disciples; John 20:24-28 reveals his doubting nature when he has to touch the wounds after the resurrection before he will believe. Eusebius mentions Thomas’ travels to Parthia (Persia). The Acts of Thomas (written in the third or fourth century) mentions that he was martyred in India. A Gospel of Thomas found in the sands of Egypt contains collections or sayings attributed to Jesus. Possibly much of the material was written within ten or twenty years of Jesus’ ascension. Its Greek text may have been produced around 140 CE.


The Betrayal of Christ, fresco in Scrovegni Chapel, Padua, Italy by Giotto, 1366-1337

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DISCIPLES OCCUPATION ORIGINAL HOME HOW WAS HE “CALLED”?

Simon Peter

John

Andrew

Thomas

Matthew

Judas Iscariot

Simon the Zealot

JamesBrother of John

Nathanael orBartholomew

JamesSon of Alphaeus

Judasor Thaddaeus

Philip

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BOOKS WRITTEN BY HIM?

TRAVELS? WHERE DID HE PREACH?

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE END?

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Simon Peter

John

Andrew

Thomas

Matthew

Judas Iscariot

Simon the Zealot

JamesBrother of John

Nathanael orBartholomew

JamesSon of Alphaeus

Judasor Thaddaeus

Philip

16After the Crucifixion

Disciples Apostles1. Peter: Preached in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Bithynia (1 Pet. 1:1)

1. Paul, the Apostle: Traveled and preached in Damas-cus, Syria, Tarsus, Antioch, Cyprus, AsiaMinor in Antioch of Pasadena, Derba, Galatia, Ephesus, Greece in Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, Peria, Italy, Spain; martyred in Rome (Rom. 15:19-24; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 11:32)

2. Andrew: Preached in Scythia (Russia), Besporan Kingdom, east of the Black Sea, Turkey, Sebastpolis, Colchis, south of the Black Sea; was martyred in Greece

2. Mark: Preached in Alexandria, Egypt

3. Bartholomew: Preached in Besporan Kingdom, India, Yemen, Armenia

3. Luke: Accompanied Paul on many of his journeys

4. Matthew: Preached in Persia, Ethiopia 4. James: the brother of Jesus; head of the church in Jerusalem until martyred; thrown off the Temple

5. Thomas: Preached in Odessa, India6. Thaddeus: Preached in Iraq (Bakr Lands), Odes-sa (where he healed King Abgar)7. Simon (the Zealot): Preached in Babylonia, Syria8. John: Preached in Asia Minor, Ephesus

9. Philip: Preached in Asia Minor10. James, the brother of John: Martyred in 44 CE11. Judas Iscariot: Hanged himself after betraying Jesus12. James (the Less): no record

Factors that aided the disciples’ ability to preach the Gospel in the Roman World:

1. The influence of the Holy Ghost2. One international language – Greek3. One international government and state – the Roman Empire4. Peace around the country5. Excellent roads throughout the Empire built and maintained by the Romans6. Security in sailing along the coasts7. Money and commerce were similar in each country

After the CrucifixionWhat happened to the disciples after Jesus’ crucifixionand ascension? (Later Christian tradition and non-canonical writings offer locations where many of the disciples might have ended up.)

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18Worksheets

John 8:31, 32 1 John 3:22

Matt. 6:33 S&H 323:32

Luke 9:23 S&H 55:22

John 13:35 S&H 37:25

John 15:8 S&H 271:26-29 (to .)

Luke 14:33 S&H 52:27

John 14:12 My 195:7-9 (to;)

Matt. 7:20 S&H 15:18

Matt. 18:1-4 S&H 34:13

Deut. 6:4-7 Mis 115:12

John 10:27 Ret 65:12

Matt. 7:12, 24, 25

Qualities of a DiscipleDisciple: in Greek mathetes• Putting into practice what one has been taught• Being a “doer” of the Word and not just a “hearer”• A student who follows the ideas of a Master teacher• Being a practitioner of something and not just a professor of itRelated to our word mathematics

19Worksheets

Matt. 23:27 Matt. 22:15

Mark 7:6 Matt. 23:16

Luke 13:15 Matt. 23:29-33

S&H 592:27 S&H 20:6-8

Matt. 6:5 S&H 117:29-31

Matt. 23:26 S&H 132:14-16

Luke 18:11-14 S&H 306:1-2

Matt. 22:18 S&H 367:10

Matt. 3:7, 8 Mis 234:12

Matt. 5:20 Un 17:13-15

Matt. 12:14 ‘01 14:3

Matt. 16:6-12

Qualities that aren’t of a Disciple• hypocrite: an actor, stage player, a pretender• pride, vanity, self-righteousness, ego, prejudice, resistence, wanting to destroy the Christ• The “letter” and not the “spirit”

20Worksheets

Questions to learn about the disciples:Questions Answers1. Which ones were fishermen? James, John, Andrew and Peter

2. Which ones were from Galilee? All eleven except Judas Iscariot3. Who was the one who doubted Jesus had been raised from the dead? Thomas

4. Who was the treasurer? Judas Iscariot5. Who betrayed Jesus? Judas Iscariot6. Which three were with Jesus at critical times? James and John and Peter7. Only one was from Judea – which one was that? Judas Iscariot8. Who was the leader of the twelve? Peter9. Which one recognized and claimed that Jesus was the Messiah? Peter

10. Who were brothers and in business together? James and John, Andrew and Simon11. Who was the tax collector? Matthew12. Who wrote a gospel? Matthew and John13. Which disciple was the only one who went to the crucifixion? John

14. After Jesus was gone, who raised the dead? Simon Peter15. Who denied Jesus three times during the trials of Jesus? Simon Peter16. Which disciple was the first one killed? James brother of John17. According to tradition, who wrote the book of Revelation? John

18. Who was probably a member of a gang of Jews who hated the Romans before following Jesus? Simon the Zealot

Questions for disciplesEven though there is not a lot of information about all the disciples, it is important to know who they are and who they are not. For instance, Mark and Luke were not disciples of Jesus, in the sense that they were part of “the twelve.” And children tend to think that they were.

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• Pella

• Sychar

• Sidon

• Sarepta (Zarephath)

• Tyre

Chorazi •

PHOENICA

• Damascus

• Caesarea Philippi

Mt.

Her

mon

ABILENE

ITURAEA

GAULANITIS

BATANAEA

TRACHONITISGALILEE

• Gergesa

• Bethsaida Capernaum • Magdala •

Tiberias • Cana •

• Nazareth

• Nain

Ptolemas • (Accho)

Sea ofGalilee

• Gadara

• Bethabara Scythopolis •

Aenon • • Caesarea Maritima

Samaria • Shechem •

SAMARIAM

t. Carmel

Joppa • • Antipatris

• Arimathaea

• Lydda

• Azotus (Ashdod)

• Gaza

• Jericho

• Jerusalem Emmaus •

• Bethany Bethlehem •

JUDAEA Hebron •

Masada • • Beer-sheba

IDUMAEA

• MachaerusDeadSea

ARABIA

PERAEA

DECAPOLIS

• Philadelphia (Rabbath-ammon)

Mt. Gerizim

AURANITIS

MILEAGES TO JERUSALEMBethany 2Bethlehem 5Caesarea Philippi 105Cana 65Capernaum 79Emmaus 6Jericho 17Nain 58Nazareth 63Sychar 30

Jord

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Mediterranean Sea

Palestine in the Time of Jesus

© 2011. Biblos Foundation.

Palestine Map in the Time of Jesus

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GalileeIn Hebrew Galilee means “circle, ring, circuit”

Location and Description

Galilee is a northern territory in Israel which goes from Dan near the base of Mt. Hermon in the north, to the Valley of Jezreel near Mt. Carmel and Mt. Gilboa in the south, and Acre and the Mediterranean Sea in the west. The Jordan River forms its eastern border. Galilee has between 900 and 1200 mm of rainfall compared to the southern extremely dry deserts of Judea. Abundant flowers and crops prosper in this region. Galilee circles the northern and western edges of the Sea of Galilee, which was a rich agricultural and fishing area. With its abundance of fruit and olive trees, rich grains and thriv-ing fishing businesses, Galilee was flourishing at the time of Jesus.

Why Galilee for Jesus’ mission?

From Egypt to Damascus, a productive trade and cara-van route (Via Maris, the “way of the sea”) stretched across the Galilee area, thus giving it an international quality. Well-built Roman military roads ran through-out the region. Capernaum was a border town be-tween Galilee and Philip’s territory of Gaulanitis, and Bethsaida was its capital. Capernaum had a customs office, and Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, was a wealthy publican from this area. A military garrison would have also been here. Both Bethsaida and Caper-naum were thriving cities along the shore of the lake and capitalized on all these economic factors.

Understanding the History of Galilee Region

Sea of Galilee© 2010. Biblos Foundation.

Sunrise on the Sea of Galilee© 2008. Biblos Foundation.

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The population of Galilee included Gentiles of differ-ing nationalities, such as Phoenicians, Arabs, Syrians, Greeks and Romans. A large Jewish population in-termingled freely, though uneasily, with the Gentiles. The Scribes and the Pharisees were constantly trying to maintain the policy of separation between the Gentiles and the Jews through various laws and rules regarding circumcision, food and hygiene, attendance of feasts and festivals in Jerusalem and rituals of sacrifice in the Temple.

One of the reasons that Jesus spent so much time in this area was the general receptivity to his new expansive ideas. The men from Galilee were more liberal in their outlook. Many were exposed to wider contacts from the Greek and Roman culture. Almost all of Jesus’ dis-ciples came from Galilee; only Judas Iscariot came from Judea.

Moreover, Jesus would not have been under the direct jurisdiction of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, nor under the observation and scrutiny of the Scribes and Pharisees who worked near or in the Temple. He could teach, preach and heal more freely, and the multitudes responded to him and flocked to hear his teaching.

Importance of Galilee area in prophecy

Isaiah gives the reason why one should think of Galilee on a much deeper level. How important it is to be re-minded that this selection of land for Jesus’ ministry was not his personal choice! Hebrew prophecy focuses one’s attention on the area. Jesus touches more lives in this region of Israel than anywhere else in his travels. Here in Galilee of the nations, someone is destined to bring the world out of darkness and into the light, according to the Scriptures.

Were the Pharisees and Scribes wrong when they said to Nicodemus: “Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet” ( John 7:52)? Had they overlooked in their own Hebrew Scripture this description: “ . . . the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali . . . beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the


Sea of Galilee© 2010. Biblos Foundation.

Galilean hillside with flock of sheep© 2008. Biblos Foundation.

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nations” (Isa. 9:1)? Two tribal territories are mentioned by Isaiah. Nazareth is located in the territory of Zebu-lun, and Capernaum is in the territory of Naphtali.

The prophet Isaiah writes in the next verse: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined” (Isa. 9:2). And in verse 6 of Isaiah, chapter 9, one finds this familiar prophecy: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given . . . . ”

“Matthew expressly sees Jesus’ ministry here as the fulfill-ment of this prophecy.” (Matt. 4:13-16; Walker, Steps of Jesus 67).


View from a boat on Sea of Galiee looking at Capernaum© 2010. Biblos Foundation.

View from Mount of Beatitudes© 2010. Biblos Foundation.

Aerial view of Galilee (circa 1980)© 2008. Biblos Foundation.

Bougainvillea Flowering Trees, Galilee© 2010. Biblos Foundation.

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JudeaWilderness (southern end of Palestine)

Location and Description

Judea is the name for the southern territory of Israel, named after one of the twelve tribes ( Judah). A moun-tainous area borders Judea in the west and nestles against the Mediterranean Sea. The territory of Judea is bordered in the north by Samaria and south by the Dead Sea. On the southern border is the Negev Desert, a great expanse of wilderness.

The western side of the land of Israel has some rainfall and water. However, there is a high ridge of hills that divides the western and eastern sides of the land. On the eastern side, the spine of higher land keeps the moisture out, and there is hardly any rainfall. Nothing but extreme desert and rocky hillsides are exposed for hundreds of miles around.

Peter Walker describes this region in his book, In the Steps of Jesus, “The Judean Desert is a place of austere beauty and an almost deafening silence; a place where human beings are acutely conscious of their frailty and utter dependence on water for brute survival. And yet in biblical times it was also a place where people went to find solitude and solace, to hear the voice of God ad-dressing them above the cacophony of other competing demands and voices” (Walker, Steps of Jesus 52).

The Judean desert is lonely and hardly livable. Very little farming takes place, and few people live and work

Understanding the History of Judean Wilderness

Judean Wilderness© 2010. Biblos Foundation.

Canyon near Mt. Sodom© 2010. Biblos Foundation.

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there. In this barren desert wilderness, John the Baptist began his preaching near the Jordan River; Jesus faced the temptations and began his ministry. Many of the early biblical patriarchs and prophets had their charac-ters forged here during great testing times. This is where man learned to trust God and to listen for His voice. This is the place that man was mentally prepared for larger experiences and greater works. Moses spent time in the desert wastelands and learned how to trust God to provide for his every need. The Ten Commandments were brought forth from Moses’ desert experience.The earliest continuously inhabited place in the world

is located in Jericho at the northern edge of Judea. This settlement is believed to have been there for 11,000 years. In ancient times, the Hebrew people occupied Judea, and most of the events in the Bible, especially the Old Testament, happen there. The Patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – are all buried near Hebron in the Judean wilderness.

The desert of Judea was a place of refuge for David in his escape from Saul’s armies. Elijah sought the desert for recov-ery and recuperation and heard the “still small voice” of God. Jesus went often into the desert to pray.

Jerusalem is located in the land of Judea; however, it is 2,400 feet above sea level, situated on high ridges and hillsides. There are several springs that feed the city. The land lowers to the east until it reaches the Dead Sea at 1,350 feet below sea level, the lowest point on the earth’s surface. The extreme contrast of elevation within Judea gives this region its unique quality.

In Jesus’ time

In 63 BCE Judea was conquered by the Romans, and Herod the Great eventually became Rome’s “puppet king” and ruled there. His influence on the area was over-whelming. He built grand cities, fortresses and palaces. The Jerusalem Temple was torn down and the enormous Third Temple was begun in 20 BCE during Herod’s realm. Much of what archeologists have discovered today was constructed by Herod or his engineers.


The Man of Sorrows, William Dyce, 1860

Ein Gedi waterfall, Judean Wilderness© 2010. Biblos Foundation.

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Around 6 BCE Jesus was born, and Herod, jealous of the possibility of a new king taking over his realm, slaughtered all the male babies in Bethlehem. Being obedient to an angel vision, Joseph escaped with his family to Egypt, and after Herod’s death, brought his family back into Israel, escaping to Nazareth in Galilee. The northern territory of Galilee was under a different political regime from Samaria and Judea, and at that time was safer. Herod’s son, Archelaus, now controlled Judea, and he was almost as violent as his father. Jesus needed to be hidden and protected until the time came for him to begin his mission.

The First Jewish Revolt in 66 BCE ended the inde-pendence of the Jews on every level. Jerusalem was destroyed, the Temple was torn down, and the Jews were dispersed all over the Roman world. In the Second Jewish Revolt in 132 CE, almost all of the Jews were ex-pelled from Israel and either exiled or taken into slavery. Until 1948, the Jews had little presence in the land of Judea.


Engraving of Herod the Great, artist unknown

Bethlehem, David Roberts, 1796-1864 © 2010. Biblos Foundation.

The Temple Mount Model, Jerusalem© 2010. Biblos Foundation.

The Dead Sea (view from on top of Masada) looking West© 2010. Biblos Foundation.

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20

BCE = before the Common Era (before the birth of Jesus)CE = Common Era (after the birth of Jesus)

Roman Empire and the Second Temple Period

73 BCE Herod (the Great) born

63 BCE Pompey (Roman General) captures Jerusalem

62 BCE Antipater, Herod’s father, appointed ruler of Judea

49 BCE Caesar crosses the Rubicon to defeat Pompey

47 BCE Antipater appoints his son Pha-sael, governor of Jerusalem and his son Herod, governor of Galilee

39 BCE Herod becomes King of Judea (reigns until 4 BCE) and after that is known as Herod the Great

31 BCE Antony loses the battle of Actium to Octavian

30 BCE to 14 CE Reign of (Caesar) Augustus

22 BCE Herod builds Caesarea Maritima

18 BCE Herod starts the massive construc-tion of the Temple in Jerusalem

6-4 BCE Birth of Jesus

4 BCE Death of Herod

0 BCE/CE

14 CE – 37 CE Reign of Tiberius

18 CE Caiphas appointed High Priest

20 CE Herod Antipas dedicates Tiberias

27 CE Pontius Pilate appointed procura-tor (rules from 26 CE to 36 CE)

26 CE Beginning of Jesus’ ministry

27-28 CE Baptism of Jesus

28 CE John the Baptist beheaded

30 CE Jesus crucified

29-30 CE Stoning of Stephen

34 CE Death of Philip the Tetrarch

36-37 CE Conversion of Paul

37 CE Josephus (Jewish historian) born in Jerusalem

37 CE – 41 CE Reign of Caligula

41 CE – 54 CE Reign of Claudius

41-44 CE Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, reigns as King of Judea and Samaria.

44 CE He beheads the disciple James and imprisons Peter.

44 CE Death of Agrippa I

45-49 CE Paul’s first missionary journey

48 CE Agrippa II assumes power

50-52 CE Paul’s second missionary journey

52 CE Felix procurator of Judea

53-58 CE Paul’s third missionary journey

Letters of Paul: All dates fluctuate as new information comes to light

50-52 CE Thessalonian Letters

54-57 CE Letter to the Galatians

56? CE Letter to the Philippians

Timeline for New Testament Times


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21

57 CE Letter to the Corinthians

57-58 CE Letter to the Romans

58 CE Letter of James (some say 125-150 CE)

61-63 CE Letters to the Ephesians, Colos-sians, Philemon

54 CE – 68 CE Reign of Nero

58 CE Paul arrested in Jerusalem

60 CE Paul appears before new procura-tor Festus in Caesarea

63 CE Martyrdom of James the brother of Jesus at the Temple

64-65 CE Gospel of Mark; I Peter

64-65 CE Peter’s martyrdom

65 CE Letter to Timothy (I); Letter to Titus

66 CE Great Revolt breaks out (Zealots revolt against Rome)

66-67 CE Paul martyred in Rome

67 CE Letter to Timothy (II); Letter to the Hebrews

68 CE – 69 CE Reigns of Emperors Galba,

Otho and Vitellus

69 CE – 79 CE Reign of Vespasian

70 CE Temple in Jerusalem is destroyed by Titus after long seige

70-80 CE Matthew and Luke’s Gospel; Acts set down; Jude; II Peter (Some scholars have an earlier date for Acts – in the early 60’s, and some scholars have a much later date for II Peter – 98 CE or 150 CE)

73 CE Masada Falls

79 CE Mt. Vesuvius erupts

93 CE Antiquities of the Jews, by Jose-phus written

90-115 CE John’s Gospel set down

93-96 CE Persecutions of the Christian under Emperor Domitian

95-96 CE Book of Revelation

98-115 CE Johannine Epistles

132-135 CE Bar Kokhba begins the Second Jewish revolt; the Roman emperor Hadrian forbids Jews to enter the city of Jerusalem; the province of Judea becomes a province of Syria-Palestina (hence the name “Palestine”); Hadrian builds a pagan temple and dedicates it to the god Jupiter.

Byzantine Period 330 CE – 634 CE

270 CE Birth of Eusebius, an Early Chris-tian writer

313 CE Constantine proclaims Christianity the religion of the Roman world

324 CE Constantine, first Christian emperor, occupies Palestine

325 CE Council of Nicea

339 CE Death of Eusebius

527-565 CE Reign of Justinian I


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Excerptfrom a talk by Kristy L. Christian on “Discipleship: A Call to Arms”

In Miscellaneous Writings (29:30), Mary Baker Eddy writes:

“Christians, like students in mathematics, should be working up to those higher rules of life which Jesus taught and proved.”

If we want to discern this concept of discipleship, we have to go deeper than a surface definition, beyond the mere average level of world thought, and find that spiritual level of understanding.

Paul writes to the Philippians (2:5), “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

To express the mind of Christ in this call to arms:1) we need to think as Christ Jesus would think;2) we need to pray as he would pray;3) we need to listen as he would listen;4) we need to speak as he would speak;5) we need to act as he would act;6) we need to teach as he would teach;7) we need to heal as he would heal;8) we need to fight as he would fight;9) we need to love as he would love.

Let’s look more closely at each of these statements and see what the Gospel records can reveal to us about discipleship.To express the mind of Christ is to think as Christ

Jesus would think. Can we really know the thinking behind the man? Can we possibly understand how he overcame every obstacle thrown at him? In the Gospel narratives there are many examples which could be used to determine what the mind of Christ is.

One such instance is Jesus’ response to the disciples’ question, “Who can be saved?” In Mark 10:27, Jesus states unequivocally, “. . . with God all things are pos-sible.”

If our thoughts and ultimately our lives are based upon that inspired biblical theology – “all things are possible to God” – we will think and live without any sense of limitation, whether it comes in the guise of financial, physical or even intellectual limitation.

We won’t be duped into thinking that some situation is impossible to heal or impossible to resolve or im-possible to deal with. To express that mind of Christ which knows without a doubt every moment that all things are possible to God means we will never be impressed by the enemy’s claims that not all things are possible to God. Nothing is beyond God’s govern-ment and control. And knowing this will enhance our ability to heal.

To hear the entire talk go to www.biblosfoundation.org

Excerpt from a talk by Kristy L. Christian on “Discipleship: A Call to Arms”

31

Further Study

AUDIO Series

Vol. 1 Discipleship: A Call To Armsa talk by Kristy L. Christian

This talk explores the characteristics of discipleship, how a disciple’s mission is defined in the Gos-pels, and how the Scriptures can help one understand what the “mind of Christ” is. A deeper look at Jesus’ disciples gives us a clear picture of what the qualities of true discipleship are–and what they are not. (2 CDs / 2 Hours)(D108) $28.00

PURCHASE ITEM ONLINE at www.biblosfoundation.org

Excerpt from a talk by Kristy L. Christian on “Discipleship: A Call to Arms”

32

Partial list of articles on Discipleship


33



34Article on “Disciples of Christ” from The Christian Science Journal, 1890

The Disciples of Christ. 375

THE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST.WHO ARE THEY?

W. F. G.

WHEN mention is made of the disciples of Christ, thoughtgoes back to the twelve, and the seventy. In these are sup-posed to be found certain characteristics that do not belongto the men and women of to-day. They are looked upon asdivinely favored persons, enjoying privileges that the Chris-tian of to-day cannot enjoy, and possessing power that is notneeded in this age. Their words and works are generallyconsidered to have been the result of a supernatural power,interposed at that time, as evidence from on high of thetruthfulness of Jesus' teachings. The disciples are held tohave been followers of the personal Jesus, and to have re-ceived his teachings and imparted them to others. Thepower to work miracles, to cast out devils, and to heal thesick is looked upon as a special gift to them, and as a signthey were sent of God, and being thus divinely equipped,they went out to assist in the establishment of Christianity.

These are some of the views held to-day regarding thefirst disciples of Christ. They are views that limit man'spossibilities and retard the cause of Christianity. ChristianScience corrects these errors, and shows that what made a disciple of Christ two thousand years ago, makes him oneto-day; enjoying the same privileges and possessing the samepower.

If there are disciples to-day, how can they be known ? InSCIENCE AND HEALTH we read, " In Latin the word rendereddisciple signifies student" This shows that a disciple wassomething more than a follower of the personal Jesus.Jesus had followers who were by no means disciples. Themultitudes followed because of the loaves and fishes. Thedisciples loved Jesus and followed him ; but they saw in himsomething that was invisible to the multitudes. They werestudents of the Truth he taught.

The Christian Science Journal, Vol. 8, No. 9, December 1890Public domain Collection contents made available by The Ark: www.arkpublications.com


376 Christian Science Journal.

Jesus said, to those Jews which believed on him, " if yecontinue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed." Notsimply disciples in name, followers of his personality, butdisciples indeed. To " continue in his word " implies, first,knowing of what he taught, and, having learned, remaining firm in the consciousness thereof. In the next verse he adds," And ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall makeyou free." Rotherham renders this passage, " And ye shallunderstand the Truth " etc. This text shows that salvationis the result of understanding Truth. Personality does notsave, but Truth saves from all that enslaves man. Jesuswas the Teacher, and the disciples were students seekingunderstanding of what he taught. He taught Truth and hewho seeks an understanding of his teachings seeks an under-standing of Truth. When he spake in parables, many timeshis disciples failed to understand him, and in private dili-gently inquired what the meaning of the parable might be.A disciple of Christ, then, is a student of Truth, one whoasks, seeks, and strives to understand.

The promise of understanding and salvation is made oncondition; " If ye continue in my word." This means theliving of Truth as known. Progress comes through abidingin the knowledge gained. Without this living there is nogrowth. The true disciple desires Truth above all things,and having found it he lives it. The promise is, 44 Ye shallunderstand the Truth." How much of it? Living onethought of Truth leads to understanding of another; assur-ance of perfect understanding is given in daily growth out oferror. This does not, however, imply coming into infiniteunderstanding; for SCIENCE AND HEALTH says, " Eveneternity can never reveal the whole of God." *

Jesus said, " If the Son, therefore, shall make you free,ye shall be free indeed." The Son made free by impartingthe Truth that saves. Whoever accepts Truth and abidestherein, grows into a perfect understanding, and experiencesa complete salvation. The disciple of Christ, while he " loves

* SCIENCE AND HEALTH, p. 443.




Jesus' character more than language can tell," * does notdepend upon the work and faithfulness of another to savehim; but earnestly seeks understanding of the Truth Jesustaught, lived, and demonstrated. Jesus taught by words,and by demonstration; but most of all he taught by a pureand holy life.

What did he teach? He gave expression to his ownindividual consciousness. It was and is, this conscious-ness of Being, the true disciple learns and lives. " Jesuspatiently persisted in teaching and demonstrating the Truthof Being," (S. & H., p. 261)." He taught his followersthat his religion had a Principle that could cast out error,and heal both sick and sinful. He claimed no intelligence,action, or life separate from God " (p. 260). " He presentedthe true idea of God." "He presented indestructible theman that Spirit creates, constitutes, and governs." " Hesaid substantially, 'He that believeth in me shall not seedeath,' i. e. He who perceives the true idea of Life losesall sense of death; he who has the right idea of Good loseshis sense of evil, and, by reason of this, is ushering himselfinto the realities of Spirit that never die." (O. ed. p. 6 lines3, 10, and 17). He taught mortals to rely upon God inevery time of need, and to have faith in nothing else. God,Spirit, was his theme,— the Allness of God, and nothingnessof everything else. He did not teach that mortals are savedthrough faith in personality. "Ye shall understand theTruth and the Truth shall make you free." The personalJesus was Saviour only in the sense that it was he whotaught Truth which saves. God, Divine Principle is theSaviour.

Jesus taught Principle and declared the understandingof it would save all mankind as it saved him. " Thoughdemonstrating for others' benefit, the teacher by no meansrelieved them from giving the requisite proof of their ownunderstanding in Science. He worked for their guidance,that they might demonstrate as he did, and understand hisPrinciple" (p. 496).

* SCIENCE AND HEALTH, p. 493.



378 Christian Science Journal.

It is plain, then, that the disciples were students of Truth,and not mere followers of a personality. But whence cametheir miraculous power ? In Science we learn that " healingwas not a supernatural gift to these learners, but a cultivatedunderstanding of the Divine Science taught by their Master(S. &. H. O. ed. p. 56). Their Master taught DivineScience that they might possess this power, and they pos-sessed it in proportion to understanding of his teachings.Had they not in a measure, lived in the spiritual conscious-ness of their Teacher they could not have healed the sickand reformed the sinner. The same purity of thought alonecould repeat those wonders.

It is not denied that the prayer of the Christian availsmuch in saving the sinner; why then is it considered power-less to heal unless drugs are administered ? One is no morea miracle than the other. The only reason the sick are nothealed by spiritual means alone, is because of mortal errorsthat limit the power of Truth. Correct the errors and salva-tion from sin will become the way of salvation from sicknessalso.

Christians, instead of pinning their faith to vicariouseffort, will seek the understanding of Truth that saves.Professors of Christianity will become disciples of Christand demonstrate their understanding by saving themselvesand others from sin and sickness. True disciples are neededto-day and will ever be needed, until all error is overcome,and there is no sin, sickness or death.

Error has deceived Christians, causing them to believethey are not permitted to enjoy all the privileges of disciple-ship. Science uncovers this lie of satan, and declares thatthe Christian of to-day may enjoy all the blessings of a truedisciple. He may understand the teachings of Jesus andgive the demonstration thereof. He may daily advance inunderstanding until he can say with the Apostle, " I havefought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have keptthe faith."

The pure thought and noble purpose of disciple andapostle are needed as much to-day as ever. Who will deny




it ? What lover of purity, virtue and holiness would notwelcome the return of primitive Christianity? It seemsstrange that any could oppose the teaching that makes prac-tical all of Jesus' words, especially when it would prove a blessing to all mankind and an injury to none. Error cruci-fied the Saviour, expecting to put an end to his demonstra-tion, and error is just as bitter toward Truth to-day. ButTruth is all powerful and the realization of this factdelivers from the supposed power of evil. All the privilegesof a disciple are ours to enjoy if we will avail ourselves ofthem. God is not unwilling to give, but the world is toomaterial to receive. When materiality gives place to spirit-uality, Truth will be understood and demonstrated in heal-ing the sick, reforming the sinner, and raising the dead intrespasses and sins.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE has healed more intemperance, licentiousness, and sickness within the past twenty-three years.than the united power of creeds since Jesus walked the earth.To the accusation " Its ministry of healing has for its endsconversion to a new creed," I reply: It has no creed, butleaves people to their own convictions. It has no system ofbegging money or men; the strong cry for it has beenbrought out by its benefits to mankind; it reclaims sinnersin the way of His appointing:—Series No. 5, 1889.

THY WILL.

H.

THY will, almighty Father, thineAnd thine alone be ever done;

For Thou art Life and Truth and Love,The great, eternal, holy One.

Reflectors, we, of all Thou art,Of all the sunshine of Thy love.

No life from Thee we know apart,But peace on earth of heaven above.


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Sources for Discipleship:

Eusebius. The Ecclesiastical History. Trans. Kirsopp Lake. 2 Vols. Cambridge: Harvard UP, 1980.Finegan, Jack. Handbook of Biblical Chronology. Revised edition. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1998.Garrard, Alec. The Splendor of the Temple. Grand Rapids: Angus Hudson, 2000.Holum, Kenneth G. et al. King Herod’s Dream: Caesarea on the Sea. Ed. Kenneth G. Holum et al. New York: Norton, 1988.The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible. Ed. George Arthur Buttrick et al. Nashville: Abingdon, 1989.Jesus and His Times. Ed. Kaari Ward et al. Pleasantville: Reader’s Digest Assn., 1987.Merrill, Kathryn L. and Kristy L. Christian. In Jesus’ Time. Highland City: Rainbow, 1993.Richman, Chaim. The Holy Temple of Jerusalem. Jerusalem: Temple Inst. & Carta, 1997.Teringo, J. Robert. The Land & People Jesus Knew. Minneapolis: Bethany, 1985.The Twelve Disciples. Torrance: Rose Publishing, 2004.Vamosh, Miriam Feinberg. Women at the time of the Bible. Herzlia: Palphot, 2007.Walker, Peter. In The Steps of Jesus. Oxford: Lion Hudson, 2007.

Multi-volume works:The Anchor Bible Commentary Series. Doubleday.The Anchor Bible Dictionary. Doubleday.The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Zondervan.The New Interpreter’s Bible. Abingdon Press.

Abbreviation Key:AB = The Anchor Bible CommentaryEBC = The Expositor’s Bible CommentaryIB = The Interpreter’s BibleIDB = The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible

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