Kapitel 138		Paper 138
Træningen Af Rigets Budbringere		Training the Kingdom’s Messengers
138:0.1 (1538.1) Efter at have holdt sin prædiken om "Riget" sammenkaldte Jesus de seks apostle om eftermiddagen og begyndte at præsentere sine planer, om at de ville besøge byerne omkring og i nærheden af Genesaret Sø. Hans brødre James og Jude var meget såret over, at de ikke blev kaldt til dette møde. Hidtil havde de betragtet sig som tilhørende inderkredsen af Jesu medarbejdere. Men Jesus havde ikke til hensigt at have nogen nære slægtninge som medlemmer af dette korps af apostolske ledere. Denne udeladelse af James og Jude fra de få udvalgte, sammen med sin tilsyneladende reserverthed over for sin mor, siden hændelsen i Kana, var starten på en stadig voksende kløft mellem Jesus og hans familie. Denne situation fortsatte i hele hans offentlige tjeneste - de næsten afviste ham - og disse forskelle forsvandt først efter hans død og opstandelse. Hans mor vaklede konstant mellem holdninger af skiftende tro og håb, og stigende følelser af skuffelse, ydmygelse og fortvivlelse. Kun Ruth, den yngste, forblev urokkeligt loyal over for sin farbror.		138:0.1 (1538.1) AFTER preaching the sermon on “The Kingdom,” Jesus called the six apostles together that afternoon and began to disclose his plans for visiting the cities around and about the Sea of Galilee. His brothers James and Jude were very much hurt because they were not called to this conference. Up to this time they had regarded themselves as belonging to Jesus’ inner circle of associates. But Jesus planned to have no close relatives as members of this corps of apostolic directors of the kingdom. This failure to include James and Jude among the chosen few, together with his apparent aloofness from his mother ever since the experience at Cana, was the starting point of an ever-widening gulf between Jesus and his family. This situation continued throughout his public ministry—they very nearly rejected him—and these differences were not fully removed until after his death and resurrection. His mother constantly wavered between attitudes of fluctuating faith and hope, and increasing emotions of disappointment, humiliation, and despair. Only Ruth, the youngest, remained unswervingly loyal to her father-brother.
138:0.2 (1538.2) Frem til tiden efter opstandelsen havde hele familien meget lidt at gøre med Jesu tjeneste. Hvis en profet kun bliver æret i sit eget land så nyder han dog stadigvæk en vis agtelse, bortset fra hos sin egen familie, der måske ikke evner at forstå ham.		138:0.2 (1538.2) Until after the resurrection, Jesus’ entire family had very little to do with his ministry. If a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, he is not without understanding appreciation save in his own family.
1. De sidste instruktioner ^top		1. Final Instructions ^top
138:1.1 (1538.3) Den næste dag, søndag, 23. juni år 26 e.Kr. gav Jesus sine sidste instrukser til de seks. Han instruerede dem til at gå ud to og to, for at undervise det glade budskab om riget. Han forbød dem at døbe og rådede dem til at afstå fra at forkynde offentligt. Han forklarede, at han senere ville tillade dem at prædike offentligt, men han ville at de for en tid, og af mange grunde, skaffede sig praktisk erfaring med personligt udveksling med deres medmennesker. Jesus agtede, at deres første tur kun skulle omfatte personligt arbejde. Selv om denne beslutning var noget af en skuffelse for apostlene, indså de, i det mindste delvist, hvilken årsager Jesus havde for at starte rigets forkyndelse på denne måde, og de gik ud i godt humør og med selvsikker entusiasme. Jesus sendte dem ud i par, så James og Johannes gik til Kheresa, Andreas og Peter til Kapernaum, mens Filip og Nathaniel gik til Tarikea.		138:1.1 (1538.3) The next day, Sunday, June 23, a.d. 26, Jesus imparted his final instructions to the six. He directed them to go forth, two and two, to teach the glad tidings of the kingdom. He forbade them to baptize and advised against public preaching. He went on to explain that later he would permit them to preach in public, but that for a season, and for many reasons, he desired them to acquire practical experience in dealing personally with their fellow men. Jesus purposed to make their first tour entirely one of personal work. Although this announcement was something of a disappointment to the apostles, still they saw, at least in part, Jesus’ reason for thus beginning the proclamation of the kingdom, and they started out in good heart and with confident enthusiasm. He sent them forth by twos, James and John going to Kheresa, Andrew and Peter to Capernaum, while Philip and Nathaniel went to Tarichea.
138:1.2 (1538.4) Før de begyndte disse første to uger af tjeneste meddelte Jesus dem at han ønskede at ordinere tolv apostle til at fortsætte rigets arbejde efter hans afrejse, og han bemyndigede hver af dem til at vælge blandt deres første konvertitter et medlem til det planlagte apostolske korps. Johannes talte derefter, og spurgte: "Men, Mester, vil disse seks mænd komme ind i vor midte og dele alle ting lige med os, der har været med dig, siden Jordanfloden og har hørt al din undervisning som forberedelse til dette, vores første job til gavn for riget?" Jesus svarede:" Ja, Johannes, de mænd, I vælger, skal blive ét med os, og I kan lære dem noget om riget, ligesom jeg har lært jer." Efter at Jesus havde sagt dette, forlod han dem.		138:1.2 (1538.4) Before they began this first two weeks of service, Jesus announced to them that he desired to ordain twelve apostles to continue the work of the kingdom after his departure and authorized each of them to choose one man from among his early converts for membership in the projected corps of apostles. John spoke up, asking: “But, Master, will these six men come into our midst and share all things equally with us who have been with you since the Jordan and have heard all your teaching in preparation for this, our first labor for the kingdom?” And Jesus replied: “Yes, John, the men you choose shall become one with us, and you will teach them all that pertains to the kingdom, even as I have taught you.” After thus speaking, Jesus left them.
138:1.3 (1539.1) De seks skiltes ikke for at gå til deres opgaver, førend de havde udvekslet mange ord i diskussionen af Jesu undervisning, at hver af dem skulle vælge en ny apostel. Andreas råd blev endelig sejrede, og de begav sig alle til deres arbejde. I alt væsentligt sagde Andreas: "Mesteren har ret; vi er for få til at klare dette arbejde. Vi har brug for flere lærere, og Mesteren har vist os stor tillid, som han har betroet os at vælge disse seks nye apostle." Da de denne morges skiltes for at gå til deres arbejde, var der en anelse skjult sorg i alles hjerte. De vidste, at de ville savne Jesus, og udover at de følte sig bange og genert, var dette ikke den måde, de havde forestillet sig himmelriget ville blive indført.		138:1.3 (1539.1) The six did not separate to go to their work until they had exchanged many words in discussion of Jesus’ instruction that each of them should choose a new apostle. Andrew’s counsel finally prevailed, and they went forth to their labors. In substance Andrew said: “The Master is right; we are too few to encompass this work. There is need for more teachers, and the Master has manifested great confidence in us inasmuch as he has intrusted us with the choosing of these six new apostles.” This morning, as they separated to go to their work, there was a bit of concealed depression in each heart. They knew they were going to miss Jesus, and besides their fear and timidity, this was not the way they had pictured the kingdom of heaven being inaugurated.
138:1.4 (1539.2) Det blev aftalt, at de seks skulle arbejde i to uger og derefter vende tilbage til Zebedæus hjem til et møde. Imens gik Jesus over til Nazaret for at besøge Joseph, Simon og andre familiemedlemmer, der boede i nabolaget. Jesus gjorde alt, hvad der var menneskeligt muligt, og det var i overensstemmelse med hans dedikation til at gøre Faderens vilje, for at bevare sin families tillid og hengivenhed. I denne forbindelse gjorde han sin fulde pligt og mere.		138:1.4 (1539.2) It had been arranged that the six were to labor for two weeks, after which they were to return to the home of Zebedee for a conference. Meantime Jesus went over to Nazareth to visit with Joseph and Simon and other members of his family living in that vicinity. Jesus did everything humanly possible, consistent with his dedication to the doing of his Father’s will, to retain the confidence and affection of his family. In this matter he did his full duty and more.
138:1.5 (1539.3) Mens apostlene var ud på denne mission, tænkte Jesus meget på Johannes, der nu var i fængsel. Det var en stor fristelse for ham at bruge sine potentielle beføjelser til at frigive Johannes, men igen, han holdt sig til "vente på Faderens vilje".		138:1.5 (1539.3) While the apostles were out on this mission, Jesus thought much about John, now in prison. It was a great temptation to use his potential powers to release him, but once more he resigned himself to “wait upon the Father’s will.”
2. Valget af de seks apostle ^top		2. Choosing the Six ^top
138:2.1 (1539.4) Denne første missionsrejse, som de seks gjorde var overordentlig vellykket. De opdagede alle den store værdi af direkte og personlig kontakt med mennesker. De vendte tilbage til Jesus med en fyldigere erkendelse af, at religion i sidste ende er et spørgsmål om personlig erfaring. De begyndte at fornemme, hvordan almindelige mennesker hungrede efter at høre ord af religiøs trøst og åndelig opmuntring. Da de samledes omkring Jesus, ønskede de alle at tale på én gang, men Andreas tog føringen og da han kaldte dem efter tur gav de deres formelle rapporter til Mesteren og præsenterede deres forslag til seks nye apostle.		138:2.1 (1539.4) This first missionary tour of the six was eminently successful. They all discovered the great value of direct and personal contact with men. They returned to Jesus more fully realizing that, after all, religion is purely and wholly a matter of personal experience. They began to sense how hungry were the common people to hear words of religious comfort and spiritual good cheer. When they assembled about Jesus, they all wanted to talk at once, but Andrew assumed charge, and as he called upon them one by one, they made their formal reports to the Master and presented their nominations for the six new apostles.
138:2.2 (1539.5) Efter at hver mand havde præsenteret sit valg af en ny apostel, bad Jesus alle de andre at stemme om forslaget. Således accepterede de seks nye apostle formelt af de seks ældre apostle. Så meddelte Jesus, at de alle skulle besøge disse kandidater og opfordre dem til tjeneste.		138:2.2 (1539.5) Jesus, after each man had presented his selection for the new apostleships, asked all the others to vote upon the nomination; thus all six of the new apostles were formally accepted by all of the older six. Then Jesus announced that they would all visit these candidates and give them the call to service.
138:2.3 (1539.6) De nyligt udvalgte apostle var:		138:2.3 (1539.6) The newly selected apostles were:
138:2.4 (1539.7) 1. Mattæus Levi, tolderen fra Kapernaum, som havde sit kontor lige øst for byen, nær grænsen til Batanea. Han blev valgt af Andreas.		138:2.4 (1539.7) 1. Matthew Levi, the customs collector of Capernaum, who had his office just to the east of the city, near the borders of Batanea. He was selected by Andrew.
138:2.5 (1539.8) 2. Thomas Didymus, en fisker fra Tarikea og tidligere tømrer og stenhugger i Gadara. Han blev valgt af Filip.		138:2.5 (1539.8) 2. Thomas Didymus, a fisherman of Tarichea and onetime carpenter and stone mason of Gadara. He was selected by Philip.
138:2.6 (1539.9) 3. James Alpheus, en fisker og landmand fra Kheresa; Han blev valgt af James Zebedæus.		138:2.6 (1539.9) 3. James Alpheus, a fisherman and farmer of Kheresa, was selected by James Zebedee.
138:2.7 (1539.10) 4. Judas Alpheus, tvillingebror til James Alpheus, også en fisker; Han blev udvalgt af John Zebedæus.		138:2.7 (1539.10) 4. Judas Alpheus, the twin brother of James Alpheus, also a fisherman, was selected by John Zebedee.
138:2.8 (1540.1) 5. Simon Zelotes havde en høj position i den patriotiske organisation zeloterne, en position, som han opgav for at forene sig med Jesu apostle. Forud for sin tilslutning til zeloterne havde Simon været købmand. Han blev udvalgt af Peter.		138:2.8 (1540.1) 5. Simon Zelotes was a high officer in the patriotic organization of the Zealots, a position which he gave up to join Jesus’ apostles. Before joining the Zealots, Simon had been a merchant. He was selected by Peter.
138:2.9 (1540.2) 6. Judas Iskariot var den eneste søn af velhavende jødiske forældre, der borede i Jeriko. Han var blevet knyttet til Johannes Døberen, og hans forældre, der tilhørte saddukæerne havde forladt ham. Han søgte efter beskæftigelse i disse områder, da Jesu apostle fandt ham, og hovedsagelig på grund af hans erfaring i monetære transaktioner inviterede Nathaniel ham til at slutte sig til dem. Judas Iskariot var den eneste judæer blandt apostlene.		138:2.9 (1540.2) 6. Judas Iscariot was an only son of wealthy Jewish parents living in Jericho. He had become attached to John the Baptist, and his Sadducee parents had disowned him. He was looking for employment in these regions when Jesus’ apostles found him, and chiefly because of his experience with finances, Nathaniel invited him to join their ranks. Judas Iscariot was the only Judean among the twelve apostles.
138:2.10 (1540.3) Jesus brugte en hel dag med de seks apostle, svarede på deres spørgsmål og lyttede til detaljerne i deres rapporter, for de havde mange interessante og nyttige erfaringer at fortælle om. De så nu det kloge i Mesterens plan for at sende dem ud til arbejde på en rolig og personlig måde, inden de begyndte deres mere prætentiøse offentlige indsats.		138:2.10 (1540.3) Jesus spent a full day with the six, answering their questions and listening to the details of their reports, for they had many interesting and profitable experiences to relate. They now saw the wisdom of the Master’s plan of sending them out to labor in a quiet and personal manner before the launching of their more pretentious public efforts.
3. Udnævnelsen af mattæus og simon ^top		3. The Call of Matthew and Simon ^top
138:3.1 (1540.4) Den næste dag gik Jesus og de seks for at besøge Mattæus, tolderen. Mattæus ventede på dem. Han var færdig med revisionen af sine bøger og var klar til at overgive ledelsen af hans kontor til sin bror. Da de nærmede sig toldhuset gik Andreas frem med Jesus, som så Mattæus i øjnene og sagde: "Følg mig." Mattæus stod op og gik med Jesus og apostlene til sit hus.		138:3.1 (1540.4) The next day Jesus and the six went to call upon Matthew, the customs collector. Matthew was awaiting them, having balanced his books and made ready to turn the affairs of his office over to his brother. As they approached the toll house, Andrew stepped forward with Jesus, who, looking into Matthew’s face, said, “Follow me.” And he arose and went to his house with Jesus and the apostles.
138:3.2 (1540.5) Mattæus fortalte Jesus om banketten, han havde arrangeret for den aften, at han i det mindste ønskede at give sådan en middag til hans familie og venner, hvis Jesus ville acceptere og samtykke til at være æresgæst. Jesus nikkede sit samtykke. Peter tog derefter Mattæus til side og forklarede, at han havde bedt en vis Simon om at slutte sig til apostlene og modtog Mattæus anerkendelse til at Simon også blev inviteret med til festen.		138:3.2 (1540.5) Matthew told Jesus of the banquet he had arranged for that evening, at least that he wished to give such a dinner to his family and friends if Jesus would approve and consent to be the guest of honor. And Jesus nodded his consent. Peter then took Matthew aside and explained that he had invited one Simon to join the apostles and secured his consent that Simon be also bidden to this feast.
138:3.3 (1540.6) Efter middagens frokost i Mattæus hus gik de alle med Peter for at søge efter Simon Zelotes, som de fandt på hans tidligere forretningssted, som nu blev drevet af hans nevø. Da Peter førte Jesus op til Simon, hilste Mesteren på den brændende patriot og sagde kun, "Følg mig."		138:3.3 (1540.6) After a noontide luncheon at Matthew’s house they all went with Peter to call upon Simon the Zealot, whom they found at his old place of business, which was now being conducted by his nephew. When Peter led Jesus up to Simon, the Master greeted the fiery patriot and only said, “Follow me.”
138:3.4 (1540.7) De vendte alle tilbage til Mattæus hjem, hvor de før aftensmaden talte meget om politik og religion. Familien af Levi havde længe været engageret i erhvervslivet og skatteopkrævning; derfor ville mange af de gæster, som Mattæus havde inviteret til denne banket blive betegnet som "toldere og syndere" af farisæerne.		138:3.4 (1540.7) They all returned to Matthew’s home, where they talked much about politics and religion until the hour of the evening meal. The Levi family had long been engaged in business and tax gathering; therefore many of the guests bidden to this banquet by Matthew would have been denominated “publicans and sinners” by the Pharisees.
138:3.5 (1540.8) I disse dage, når der blev arrangeret en reception og banket af denne slags til ære for en fremtrædende person var det skik for alle interesserede til at opholde sig omkring banket rummet for at observere gæsterne under måltidet og lytte til de ærede mænds samtaler og taler. Derfor var de fleste af Kapernaum farisæere til stede ved denne lejlighed for at iagttage Jesu adfærd på denne usædvanlige sociale sammenkomst.		138:3.5 (1540.8) In those days, when a reception-banquet of this sort was tendered a prominent individual, it was the custom for all interested persons to linger about the banquet room to observe the guests at meat and to listen to the conversation and speeches of the men of honor. Accordingly, most of the Capernaum Pharisees were present on this occasion to observe Jesus’ conduct at this unusual social gathering.
138:3.6 (1540.9) Som middagen skred frem, steg middagsgæsternes glæde til højder af godt humør, og alle følte de havde en god tid, så farisæerne, der kiggede på, begyndte i deres hjerter at kritisere Jesus for deltagelse i sådan en munter og sorgløs affære. Senere på aftenen, når gæsterne begyndte at holde taler gik en af de mere onde farisæerne så langt som til at kritisere Jesu adfærd til Peter og sagde: "Hvor vover du at undervise, at denne mand er retfærdig, når han spiser med toldere og syndere og derved med sin tilstedeværelse støtter sådanne scener af sorgløs sjov. "Peter hviskede denne kritik til Jesus, før denne gav sin afskeds velsignelse til alle de forsamlede. Da Jesus begyndte sin tale sagde han: "Da jeg kom her i aften for at byde velkommen til Mattæus og Simon til vores fællesskab, var jeg glad for at være vidne til jeres lette og gode sociale stemning, men I bør glæde jer endnu mere over at mange af jer vil finde adgang til det kommende åndens rige, hvor du meget mere vil være i stand til at nyde alle de gode ting i himmelriget. Og til jer, som står rundt her og kritisere mig i jeres hjerter, fordi jeg er kommet her for at have det sjovt med disse venner, lad mig sige, at jeg er kommet for at forkynde glæde til de socialt undertrykte og åndelig frihed til de moralske fanger. Behøver jeg minde om, at de, der er sunde ikke behøver en læge, men snarere dem, der er syge? Jeg er ikke kommet for at kalde på de retfærdige, men syndere."		138:3.6 (1540.9) As the dinner progressed, the joy of the diners mounted to heights of good cheer, and everybody was having such a splendid time that the onlooking Pharisees began, in their hearts, to criticize Jesus for his participation in such a lighthearted and carefree affair. Later in the evening, when they were making speeches, one of the more malignant of the Pharisees went so far as to criticize Jesus’ conduct to Peter, saying: “How dare you to teach that this man is righteous when he eats with publicans and sinners and thus lends his presence to such scenes of careless pleasure making.” Peter whispered this criticism to Jesus before he spoke the parting blessing upon those assembled. When Jesus began to speak, he said: “In coming here tonight to welcome Matthew and Simon to our fellowship, I am glad to witness your lightheartedness and social good cheer, but you should rejoice still more because many of you will find entrance into the coming kingdom of the spirit, wherein you shall more abundantly enjoy the good things of the kingdom of heaven. And to you who stand about criticizing me in your hearts because I have come here to make merry with these friends, let me say that I have come to proclaim joy to the socially downtrodden and spiritual liberty to the moral captives. Need I remind you that they who are whole need not a physician, but rather those who are sick? I have come, not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
138:3.7 (1541.1) Faktisk var dette et usædvanligt syn hos hele det jødiske folk: at se en mand med retfærdig karakter og ædle følelser blande sig frit og glædesfyldt med de almindelige mennesker, selv med en irreligiøs og fornøjelses søgende skare af toldere og ansete syndere. Simon Zelotes ønskede at holde en tale for denne samling i Mattæus hus, men Andreas, vel vidende, at Jesus ikke ønskede det kommende rige skulle forveksles med zeloternes bevægelse, overtalte ham til at afstå fra at fremsætte offentlige udtalelser.		138:3.7 (1541.1) And truly this was a strange sight in all Jewry: to see a man of righteous character and noble sentiments mingling freely and joyously with the common people, even with an irreligious and pleasure-seeking throng of publicans and reputed sinners. Simon Zelotes desired to make a speech at this gathering in Matthew’s house, but Andrew, knowing that Jesus did not want the coming kingdom to become confused with the Zealots’ movement, prevailed upon him to refrain from making any public remarks.
138:3.8 (1541.2) Jesus og apostlene forblev denne nat i Mattæus hus, og efterhånden som folk gik hjem, talte de kun om én ting: hvor god og venskabelig Jesus var.		138:3.8 (1541.2) Jesus and the apostles remained that night in Matthew’s house, and as the people went to their homes, they spoke of but one thing: the goodness and friendliness of Jesus.
4. Udnævnelsen af tvillingerne ^top		4. The Call of the Twins ^top
138:4.1 (1541.3) Næste morgen tog de alle ni med båd over til Kheresa for formelt at udføre kaldet af de næste to apostle, James og Judas, Alpheus tvillingesønner, der var blevet udpeget af James og Johannes Zebedæus. Fisker tvillingerne havde forventet Jesus og hans apostle, og ventede derfor på dem, nede på stranden. James Zebedæus præsenterede Mesteren for disse fiskere fra Kheresa, og Jesus så intenst på dem, nikkede og sagde: "Følg mig."		138:4.1 (1541.3) On the morrow all nine of them went by boat over to Kheresa to execute the formal calling of the next two apostles, James and Judas the twin sons of Alpheus, the nominees of James and John Zebedee. The fisherman twins were expecting Jesus and his apostles and were therefore awaiting them on the shore. James Zebedee presented the Master to the Kheresa fishermen, and Jesus, gazing on them, nodded and said, “Follow me.”
138:4.2 (1541.4) Om eftermiddagen, som de tilbragte sammen, instruerede Jesus dem omhyggeligt angående deltagelse i festlige sammenkomster, og han afsluttede sin tale med at sige: "Alle mænd er mine brødre. Min Fader i himlen foragter ingen skabning, som vi har gjort. Himmelriget er åbent for alle mænd og kvinder. Intet menneske kan lukke nådens dør i ansigtet af nogen sulten sjæl, som kan tænkes at søge at få adgang til det. Vi vil sidde til bords med alle, som ønsker at høre om riget. Når vor Fader i himlen ser ned til menneskerne, er de alle lige. Nægt derfor ikke at bryde brød med farisæer eller synder, saddukæere eller toldere, romere eller jøder, rig eller fattig, frie eller slaver. Døren til riget er vidt åben for alle, der ønsker at kende sandheden, og at finde Gud."		138:4.2 (1541.4) That afternoon, which they spent together, Jesus fully instructed them concerning attendance upon festive gatherings, concluding his remarks by saying: “All men are my brothers. My Father in heaven does not despise any creature of our making. The kingdom of heaven is open to all men and women. No man may close the door of mercy in the face of any hungry soul who may seek to gain an entrance thereto. We will sit at meat with all who desire to hear of the kingdom. As our Father in heaven looks down upon men, they are all alike. Refuse not therefore to break bread with Pharisee or sinner, Sadducee or publican, Roman or Jew, rich or poor, free or bond. The door of the kingdom is wide open for all who desire to know the truth and to find God.”
138:4.3 (1541.5) Den aften over et simpelt måltid i Alpheus hjem blev tvillingebrødrene optaget i den apostoliske familie. Senere på aftenen gav Jesus sine apostle deres første lektion om urene ånders oprindelse, natur og skæbne, men de kunne ikke forstå betydningen af det, han fortalte dem. De fandt det meget let at elske og beundre Jesus, men meget svært at forstå mange af hans lærdomme.		138:4.3 (1541.5) That night at a simple supper at the Alpheus home, the twin brothers were received into the apostolic family. Later in the evening Jesus gave his apostles their first lesson dealing with the origin, nature, and destiny of unclean spirits, but they could not comprehend the import of what he told them. They found it very easy to love and admire Jesus but very difficult to understand many of his teachings.
138:4.4 (1542.1) Efter en nats hvile tog hele selskabet af elleve mennesker en båd over til Tarikea.		138:4.4 (1542.1) After a night of rest the entire party, now numbering eleven, went by boat over to Tarichea.
5. Udnævnelsen af thomas og judas ^top		5. The Call of Thomas and Judas ^top
138:5.1 (1542.2) Fiskeren Thomas og vandringsmanden Judas mødte Jesus og apostlene ved fiskerbådenes landingssted i Tarikea, og Thomas førte selskabet til sit nærliggende hjem. Filip præsenterede nu Thomas som sin kandidat til apostel og Nataniel præsenterede Judas Iskariot fra Judæa for en lignende hædersbevisning. Jesus så på Thomas og sagde: "Thomas, du mangler tro; alligevel vil jeg acceptere dig. ”Følg mig." Til Judas Iskariot sagde Mesteren: "Judas, vi er alle ét kød, og som jeg nu modtager dig i vores midte beder jeg en bøn, om at du altid vil være loyal over for dine brødre fra Galilæa. Følg mig."		138:5.1 (1542.2) Thomas the fisherman and Judas the wanderer met Jesus and the apostles at the fisher-boat landing at Tarichea, and Thomas led the party to his near-by home. Philip now presented Thomas as his nominee for apostleship and Nathaniel presented Judas Iscariot, the Judean, for similar honors. Jesus looked upon Thomas and said: “Thomas, you lack faith; nevertheless, I receive you. Follow me.” To Judas Iscariot the Master said: “Judas, we are all of one flesh, and as I receive you into our midst, I pray that you will always be loyal to your Galilean brethren. Follow me.”
138:5.2 (1542.3) Da de havde forfrisket sig, tog Jesus de tolv til side for en tid til at bede sammen med dem og undervise om Helligåndens natur og arbejde, men igen var det stort set umuligt for dem at forstå betydningen af disse vidunderlige sandheder, som han forsøgte at undervise dem. En forstod et punkt, og en anden et andet punkt, men ingen af dem var i stand til at erhverve hele hans undervisning. Altid lavede de fejlen af at forsøge at tilpasse Jesu nye evangelium i deres gamle former for religiøs overbevisning. De kunne ikke forstå tanken om, at Jesus var kommet for at forkynde en ny frelsens evangelium og etablere en ny vej til at finde Gud. De var ikke klar over, at han var en ny åbenbaring af Faderen i himlen.		138:5.2 (1542.3) When they had refreshed themselves, Jesus took the twelve apart for a season to pray with them and to instruct them in the nature and work of the Holy Spirit, but again did they largely fail to comprehend the meaning of those wonderful truths which he endeavored to teach them. One would grasp one point and one would comprehend another, but none of them could encompass the whole of his teaching. Always would they make the mistake of trying to fit Jesus’ new gospel into their old forms of religious belief. They could not grasp the idea that Jesus had come to proclaim a new gospel of salvation and to establish a new way of finding God; they did not perceive that he was a new revelation of the Father in heaven.
138:5.3 (1542.4) Næste dag forlod Jesus sine tolv apostle ganske alene. Han ville have dem til at komme i nærkontakt med hinanden og ønskede at de var alene for at tale om, hvad han havde lært dem. Mesteren vendte tilbage til aftensmad, og i timerne efter måltidet fortalte han dem om serafernes tjeneste, og nogle af apostlene forstod hans undervisning. De hvilede for en nat og begav sig næste dag med båd til Kapernaum.		138:5.3 (1542.4) The next day Jesus left his twelve apostles quite alone; he wanted them to become acquainted and desired that they be alone to talk over what he had taught them. The Master returned for the evening meal, and during the after-supper hours he talked to them about the ministry of seraphim, and some of the apostles comprehended his teaching. They rested for a night and the next day departed by boat for Capernaum.
138:5.4 (1542.5) Zebedæus og Salome var flyttet for at bo med deres søn David, så deres store hjem kunne overdrages til Jesus og hans tolv apostle. Her tilbragte Jesus en stille sabbat med hans udvalgte budbringere. Han skitserede omhyggeligt hovedtrækkene i planerne for at forkynde riget, forklarede i detaljer vigtigheden af at undgå ethvert sammenstød med de civile myndigheder, og sagde: "Hvis de civile herskere skal irettesættes, overlad denne opgave til mig. Sørg for, at I ikke offentligt fordømmer kejseren og hans embedsmænd. "Det var denne samme aften, Judas Iskariot tog Jesus til side for at spørge, hvorfor intet blev gjort for at få Johannes ud af fængslet. Judas var ikke helt tilfreds med den holdning, som Jesus havde.		138:5.4 (1542.5) Zebedee and Salome had gone to live with their son David so that their large home could be turned over to Jesus and his twelve apostles. Here Jesus spent a quiet Sabbath with his chosen messengers; he carefully outlined the plans for proclaiming the kingdom and fully explained the importance of avoiding any clash with the civil authorities, saying: “If the civil rulers are to be rebuked, leave that task to me. See that you make no denunciations of Caesar or his servants.” It was this same evening that Judas Iscariot took Jesus aside to inquire why nothing was done to get John out of prison. And Judas was not wholly satisfied with Jesus’ attitude.
6. En uge af intensiv uddannelse ^top		6. The Week of Intensive Training ^top
138:6.1 (1542.6) Den næste uge var afsat til et program for intens træning. Hver dag var de seks nye apostle i hænderne på deres respektive forslagsstillere for en grundig gennemgang af alt som apostlene havde lært og oplevet som forberedelse for rigets arbejde. De ældre apostle gennemgik omhyggeligt til gavn for de nye apostle, hvad Jesus tidligere havde lært dem. Om aftenen, samledes de alle i Zebedæus have for at modtage instruktioner fra Jesus.		138:6.1 (1542.6) The next week was devoted to a program of intense training. Each day the six new apostles were put in the hands of their respective nominators for a thoroughgoing review of all they had learned and experienced in preparation for the work of the kingdom. The older apostles carefully reviewed, for the benefit of the younger six, Jesus’ teachings up to that hour. Evenings they all assembled in Zebedee’s garden to receive Jesus’ instruction.
138:6.2 (1542.7) Det var på dette tidspunkt, at Jesus indførte en fridag midt i ugen for hvile og rekreation. De fulgte denne plan for afslapning en dag hver uge i resten af Jesu materielle liv. Som hovedregel, beskæftigede de sig aldrig med deres regelmæssige aktiviteter om onsdagen. I løbet af denne fri dag i ugen, ville Jesus normalt bevæge sig væk fra dem og sige, "Mine børn, gå ud og frisk jer op for en dag. Hvil jer fra rigets vanskelige arbejde og nyd den forfriskning, som I får af at vende tilbage til jeres tidligere job eller finde nye rekreative former." Selv om Jesus i denne periode af sit jordiske liv faktisk ikke krævede denne hviledag, fulgte han denne plan, fordi han vidste at det var bedst for hans menneskelige medarbejdere. Jesus var læreren - Mesteren. Hans medarbejdere var hans elever - disciple.		138:6.2 (1542.7) It was at this time that Jesus established the mid-week holiday for rest and recreation. And they pursued this plan of relaxation for one day each week throughout the remainder of his material life. As a general rule, they never prosecuted their regular activities on Wednesday. On this weekly holiday Jesus would usually take himself away from them, saying: “My children, go for a day of play. Rest yourselves from the arduous labors of the kingdom and enjoy the refreshment that comes from reverting to your former vocations or from discovering new sorts of recreational activity.” While Jesus, at this period of his earth life, did not actually require this day of rest, he conformed to this plan because he knew it was best for his human associates. Jesus was the teacher—the Master; his associates were his pupils—disciples.
138:6.3 (1543.1) Jesus bestræbte sig på at gøre det klart for sine apostle forskellen mellem hans lære og hans liv blandt dem og de lærdomme, som senere kunne tænkes at opstå om ham. Jesus sagde: "Mit rige og evangeliet i forbindelse hermed skal være det vigtigste indhold af jeres budskab. Forvild jer ikke ud på et sidespor ved at prædike om mig og om min undervisning. At forkynde evangeliet om riget, og beret om min åbenbaring af Faderen i himlen, men bliv ikke vildledt ind på afveje hvilket betyder at skabe legender og opbygge en kult relaterede tro og lærdomme om min tro og lærdomme." Men igen forstod de det ikke, hvorfor han talte således, og ingen vovede at spørge, hvorfor han underviste dem om dette.		138:6.3 (1543.1) Jesus endeavored to make clear to his apostles the difference between his teachings and his life among them and the teachings which might subsequently spring up about him. Said Jesus: “My kingdom and the gospel related thereto shall be the burden of your message. Be not sidetracked into preaching about me and about my teachings. Proclaim the gospel of the kingdom and portray my revelation of the Father in heaven but do not be misled into the bypaths of creating legends and building up a cult having to do with beliefs and teachings about my beliefs and teachings.” But again they did not understand why he thus spoke, and no man dared to ask why he so taught them.
138:6.4 (1543.2) I denne tidlige undervisning søgte Jesus så vidt muligt at undgå konflikter med sine apostle, undtagen i tilfælde af urigtige opfattelser om hans Fader i himlen. I alle sådanne tilfælde, tøvede han aldrig med at korrigere fejlagtige overbevisninger. Der var kun én motiv i Jesu liv på Urantia efter dåben, nemlig en bedre og sandere åbenbaring af hans Paradisfader. Han var pioner inden for den ny og bedre vej til Gud, troens og kærlighedens vej. Konstant, formanede han apostlene: "Gå ud og søg efter syndere, find den modløse og trøst den ængstelige."		138:6.4 (1543.2) In these early teachings Jesus sought to avoid controversies with his apostles as far as possible excepting those involving wrong concepts of his Father in heaven. In all such matters he never hesitated to correct erroneous beliefs. There was just one motive in Jesus’ postbaptismal life on Urantia, and that was a better and truer revelation of his Paradise Father; he was the pioneer of the new and better way to God, the way of faith and love. Ever his exhortation to the apostles was: “Go seek for the sinners; find the downhearted and comfort the anxious.”
138:6.5 (1543.3) Jesus havde en perfekt forståelse af situationen. Han havde ubegrænset magt, som han kunne have brugt for at fremme sin mission, men han var helt tilfreds med de midler og personligheder, som de fleste mennesker ville have anset for at være utilstrækkelig, og betragtet som ubetydelig. Han var engageret i en mission af enorme dramatiske muligheder, men han insisterede på, at gøre sin Faders anliggender i den roligste og mest udramatisk måde. Han undgik omhyggeligt al opvisning af magt. Hans plan var nu, i hvert fald i flere måneder at arbejde stille og roligt med sine apostle i området omkring Genesaret Sø.		138:6.5 (1543.3) Jesus had a perfect grasp of the situation; he possessed unlimited power, which might have been utilized in the furtherance of his mission, but he was wholly content with means and personalities which most people would have regarded as inadequate and would have looked upon as insignificant. He was engaged in a mission of enormous dramatic possibilities, but he insisted on going about his Father’s business in the most quiet and undramatic manner; he studiously avoided all display of power. And he now planned to work quietly, at least for several months, with his twelve apostles around about the Sea of Galilee.
7. En ny skuffelse ^top		7. Another Disappointment ^top
138:7.1 (1543.4) Jesus havde lagt planer for en afdæmpet missionskampagne omfattende fem måneder af personligt arbejde. Han havde ikke fortalt apostlene, hvor længe dette arbejde ville vare, men de arbejdede en uge ad gangen. Tidligt denne første dag i ugen, lige da han ville meddele dette til sine tolv apostle, kom Simon Peter, James Zebedæus, og Judas Iskariot for at diskutere privat med ham. Peter tog Jesus til side og vovede at sige: "Mester, vi kommer på foranledning af vores medarbejdere for at spørge, om tiden er moden til at komme ind i riget. Og vil du proklamere riget i Kapernaum, eller skal vi bevæge os til Jerusalem? Og hvornår vil vi kende stillingen for hver enkelt af os, vi skal indtage med dig ved rigets grundlæggelse -" og Peter ville have fortsat med at stille flere spørgsmål, men Jesus rejste en formanende hånd og stoppede ham. Og så vinkede han til de andre apostle, der stod i nærheden for at slutte sig til dem, og sagde: ”Mine små børn, hvor længe skal jeg have mere tålmodighed jer! Har jeg ikke gjort det klart for jer, at mit rige ikke er af denne verden? Jeg har fortalt jer mange gange, at jeg ikke er kommet for at sidde på Davids trone, og hvordan er det nu, at I spørger om, hvilken plads hver enkelt af jer vil indtage i Faderens rige? Kan I ikke se, at jeg har kaldt jer som ambassadører for et åndeligt rige? Forstår I ikke, at I snart, meget snart, vil repræsenterer mig i verden og i forkyndelsen af riget, ligesom jeg nu repræsenterer min Fader, som er i himlen? Er det muligt, at jeg har valgt jer og instrueret jer som budbringere af riget, og at I stadig ikke forstår karakteren og betydningen af dette kommende riges guddommelige forrang i menneskenes hjerter? Mine venner, lyt til mig igen. Forvis fra jeres sind denne idé om, at mit rige er et magtens styre eller herlighedens regime. Ganske vist vil al magt i himlen og på jorden snart blive givet i mine hænder, men det er ikke Faderens vilje, at vi bruger denne guddommelige gave, til i løbet af denne tidsalder at forherlige os selv. I en anden tidsalder skal I faktisk sidde med mig i magt og herlighed, men det påhviler os nu at underkaste os Faderens vilje og at gå ud i ydmyg lydighed til at udføre hans påbud på jorden."		138:7.1 (1543.4) Jesus had planned for a quiet missionary campaign of five months’ personal work. He did not tell the apostles how long this was to last; they worked from week to week. And early on this first day of the week, just as he was about to announce this to his twelve apostles, Simon Peter, James Zebedee, and Judas Iscariot came to have private converse with him. Taking Jesus aside, Peter made bold to say: “Master, we come at the behest of our associates to inquire whether the time is not now ripe to enter into the kingdom. And will you proclaim the kingdom at Capernaum, or are we to move on to Jerusalem? And when shall we learn, each of us, the positions we are to occupy with you in the establishment of the kingdom—” and Peter would have gone on asking further questions, but Jesus raised an admonitory hand and stopped him. And beckoning the other apostles standing near by to join them, Jesus said: “My little children, how long shall I bear with you! Have I not made it plain to you that my kingdom is not of this world? I have told you many times that I have not come to sit on David’s throne, and now how is it that you are inquiring which place each of you will occupy in the Father’s kingdom? Can you not perceive that I have called you as ambassadors of a spiritual kingdom? Do you not understand that soon, very soon, you are to represent me in the world and in the proclamation of the kingdom, even as I now represent my Father who is in heaven? Can it be that I have chosen you and instructed you as messengers of the kingdom, and yet you do not comprehend the nature and significance of this coming kingdom of divine pre-eminence in the hearts of men? My friends, hear me once more. Banish from your minds this idea that my kingdom is a rule of power or a reign of glory. Indeed, all power in heaven and on earth will presently be given into my hands, but it is not the Father’s will that we use this divine endowment to glorify ourselves during this age. In another age you shall indeed sit with me in power and glory, but it behooves us now to submit to the will of the Father and to go forth in humble obedience to execute his bidding on earth.”
138:7.2 (1544.1) Endnu en gang blev hans medarbejdere chokerede, bedøvet. Jesus sendte dem bort to og to for at bede, og bad dem om at vende tilbage til ham ved middagstid. Denne afgørende formiddag søgte hver og en at finde Gud, og hver forsøgte at opmuntre og styrke den anden, og de vendte tilbage til Jesus, som han havde bedt dem.		138:7.2 (1544.1) Once more were his associates shocked, stunned. Jesus sent them away two and two to pray, asking them to return to him at noontime. On this crucial forenoon they each sought to find God, and each endeavored to cheer and strengthen the other, and they returned to Jesus as he had bidden them.
138:7.3 (1544.2) Jesus berettede nu til dem om Johannes ankomst, dåben i Jordan, bryllupsfesten i Kana, den seneste udvælgelse af de seks, og hans egne kødelige brødres afvisning af dem, og advarede dem om, at rigets fjender også ville forsøge at trække dem væk. Efter denne korte, men alvorlige snak rejste alle apostlene sig under Peters ledelse for at tilkendegive deres udødelige hengivenhed til deres Mester og afgive et løfte om urokkelig troskab til riget - som Thomas udtrykte det, "Til det kommende rige, uanset hvad det er, og selv om jeg ikke forstår det helt." De troede alle oprigtigt på Jesus, selvom de ikke fuldt ud forstod hans undervisning.		138:7.3 (1544.2) Jesus now recounted for them the coming of John, the baptism in the Jordan, the marriage feast at Cana, the recent choosing of the six, and the withdrawal from them of his own brothers in the flesh, and warned them that the enemy of the kingdom would seek also to draw them away. After this short but earnest talk the apostles all arose, under Peter’s leadership, to declare their undying devotion to their Master and to pledge their unswerving loyalty to the kingdom, as Thomas expressed it, “To this coming kingdom, no matter what it is and even if I do not fully understand it.” They all truly believed in Jesus, even though they did not fully comprehend his teaching.
138:7.4 (1544.3) Jesus spurgte dem nu, hvor mange penge, de havde indbyrdes. Han spurgte også om forsørgelsen i deres familier var blevet arrangeret. Da det viste sig, at de knap havde tilstrækkelige midler til at forsørge sig selv i to uger, sagde Jesus: "Det er ikke Faderens vilje, at vi begynder vores arbejde på denne måde. Vi vil bo her ved søen i to uger til at fiske eller hvad vores hænder finder på at gøre. I mellemtiden, under vejledning af Andreas, den første valgte apostel, skal I organisere jer, så I har alt hvad I har brug for i jeres fremtidige arbejde, både for jeres nuværende personlige tjeneste og også for den senere tid, hvor jeg ordinerer jer til at forkynde evangeliet og instruere troende." De var alle meget opmuntret af disse ord; det var for dem det første klare og positive antydning om, at Jesus planlagde senere at begynde en mere aggressiv og krævende offentlig indsats.		138:7.4 (1544.3) Jesus now asked them how much money they had among them; he also inquired as to what provision had been made for their families. When it developed that they had hardly sufficient funds to maintain themselves for two weeks, he said: “It is not the will of my Father that we begin our work in this way. We will remain here by the sea two weeks and fish or do whatever our hands find to do; and in the meantime, under the guidance of Andrew, the first chosen apostle, you shall so organize yourselves as to provide for everything needful in your future work, both for the present personal ministry and also when I shall subsequently ordain you to preach the gospel and instruct believers.” They were all greatly cheered by these words; this was their first clear-cut and positive intimation that Jesus designed later on to enter upon more aggressive and pretentious public efforts.
138:7.5 (1544.4) Apostlene tilbragte resten af dagen med at forbedre deres organisation og sørge for både og net for næste morgen at begive sig ud og fiske, da de alle havde besluttet at vie sig til fiskeri. De fleste af dem havde været fiskere, og selv Jesus var en erfaren bådfører og fisker. Mange af bådene, som de kom til at bruge i de kommende år, havde Jesus personligt bygget. De var gode og sødygtige både.		138:7.5 (1544.4) The apostles spent the remainder of the day perfecting their organization and completing arrangements for boats and nets for embarking on the morrow’s fishing as they had all decided to devote themselves to fishing; most of them had been fishermen, even Jesus was an experienced boatman and fisherman. Many of the boats which they used the next few years had been built by Jesus’ own hands. And they were good and trustworthy boats.
138:7.6 (1544.5) Jesus pålagde dem at vie sig til fiskeri i to uger, og tilføjede: ” Og siden skal du gå ud for at blive menneskefiskere." De fiskede i tre grupper, og Jesus gik ud hver aften med en forskellig gruppe. De værdsatte alle Jesus rigtig meget! Han var en dygtig fisker, en munter følgesvend, og en inspirerende ven. Jo mere de arbejdede med ham, jo mere holdt de af ham. Mattæus sagde en dag: "Jo mere du forstår nogle mennesker, jo mindre sætter du pris på dem, men når det kommer til denne mand, jo mindre jeg forstår ham, jo mere elsker jeg ham."		138:7.6 (1544.5) Jesus enjoined them to devote themselves to fishing for two weeks, adding, “And then will you go forth to become fishers of men.” They fished in three groups, Jesus going out with a different group each night. And they all so much enjoyed Jesus! He was a good fisherman, a cheerful companion, and an inspiring friend; the more they worked with him, the more they loved him. Said Matthew one day: “The more you understand some people, the less you admire them, but of this man, even the less I comprehend him, the more I love him.”
138:7.7 (1545.1) Dette program, med at fiske i to uger og gå ud for at gøre personligt arbejde på vegne af riget i to uger blev fulgt i mere end fem måneder frem til udgangen af dette år, 26 e.Kr., indtil efter de særlige forfølgelser ophørte som var blevet rettet mod Johannes disciple efter hans indespærring.		138:7.7 (1545.1) This plan of fishing two weeks and going out to do personal work in behalf of the kingdom for two weeks was followed for more than five months, even to the end of this year of a.d. 26, until after the cessation of those special persecutions which had been directed against John’s disciples subsequent to his imprisonment.
8. De tolvs første arbejde ^top		8. First Work of the Twelve ^top
138:8.1 (1545.2) Efter at have afhændet to ugers fangst af fisk tog Judas Iskariot, som var blevet valgt til kasserer for de tolv, og delte de apostolske midler i seks lige store portioner, efter at levebrød til familier, der afhang af dem allerede var sikret. Så nær midten af august, år 26 e. Kr. gik de ud to og to til det arbejde, som Andreas havde tildelt dem. De første to uger gik Jesus ud med Andreas og Peter, de næste to uger med James og Johannes, og så videre med de andre par i den rækkefølge, de var blevet udvalgt. På denne måde kunne han gå ud mindst en gang med hvert par, før han kaldte dem sammen til at begynde sin offentlige tjeneste.		138:8.1 (1545.2) After disposing of the fish catches of two weeks, Judas Iscariot, the one chosen to act as treasurer of the twelve, divided the apostolic funds into six equal portions, funds for the care of dependent families having been already provided. And then near the middle of August, in the year a.d. 26, they went forth two and two to the fields of work assigned by Andrew. The first two weeks Jesus went out with Andrew and Peter, the second two weeks with James and John, and so on with the other couples in the order of their choosing. In this way he was able to go out at least once with each couple before he called them together for the beginning of their public ministry.
138:8.2 (1545.3) Jesus lærte dem at forkynde syndernes forladelse gennem troen på Gud uden bodsøvelser og ofre, og at Faderen i himlen elsker alle sine børn med den samme evige kærlighed. Han pålagde sine apostle til at afstå fra at diskutere følgende:		138:8.2 (1545.3) Jesus taught them to preach the forgiveness of sin through faith in God without penance or sacrifice, and that the Father in heaven loves all his children with the same eternal love. He enjoined his apostles to refrain from discussing:
138:8.3 (1545.4) 1. Johannes Døberens arbejde og fængsling.		138:8.3 (1545.4) 1. The work and imprisonment of John the Baptist.
138:8.4 (1545.5) 2. Stemmen ved dåben. Jesus sagde: "Kun dem, der hørte stemmen kan nævne det. Tal kun om, hvad du har hørt fra mig, ikke rygter."		138:8.4 (1545.5) 2. The voice at the baptism. Said Jesus: “Only those who heard the voice may refer to it. Speak only that which you have heard from me; speak not hearsay.”
138:8.5 (1545.6) 3. Vandets omdannelse til vin i Kana. Jesus pålagde dem alvorligt med ordene: "Du skal ikke sige nogen om vand og vin."		138:8.5 (1545.6) 3. The turning of the water into wine at Cana. Jesus seriously charged them, saying, “Tell no man about the water and the wine.”
138:8.6 (1545.7) Det var en herlig tid for dem disse fem eller seks måneder, hvor de arbejdede som fiskere hver fjortende dag og derefter tjente penge nok til at forsørge sig selv på arbejdsområdet i hver efterfølgende periode på to ugers missionsarbejde for riget.		138:8.6 (1545.7) They had wonderful times throughout these five or six months during which they worked as fishermen every alternate two weeks, thereby earning enough money to support themselves in the field for each succeeding two weeks of missionary work for the kingdom.
138:8.7 (1545.8) De almindelige mennesker undrede sig over den undervisning og tjeneste som Jesus og hans apostle bedrev. Rabbinerne havde længe lært jøderne at de uvidende ikke kunne være fromme eller retfærdige. Men Jesu apostle var både fromme og retfærdige, og alligevel var muntert uvidende om meget af rabbinernes lærdomme og verdens visdom.		138:8.7 (1545.8) The common people marveled at the teaching and ministry of Jesus and his apostles. The rabbis had long taught the Jews that the ignorant could not be pious or righteous. But Jesus’ apostles were both pious and righteous; yet they were cheerfully ignorant of much of the learning of the rabbis and the wisdom of the world.
138:8.8 (1545.9) Jesus gjorde det klart for apostlene forskellen mellem omvendelse gennem de såkaldte gode gerninger, som undervist af jøderne, og ændringen i sindet ved tro - den nye fødsel - hvilket Jesus krævede som prisen for indgangen til riget. Han lærte sine apostle, at troen var den eneste forudsætning for at komme ind i Faderens rige. Johannes havde lært dem "omvendelse - at flygte fra den kommende vrede." Jesus sagde: ”Tro er den åbne dør for at træde ind til Guds nuværende, perfekte og evige kærlighed." Jesus talte ikke som en profet, som en, der kommer for at forkynde Guds ord. Han syntes at tale om sig selv som en, der har myndighed. Jesus søgte at vende deres sind fra mirakel søgende til at finde en ægte og personlig erfaring i tilfredsstillelsen og sikkerheden for, den iboende Guds ånd af kærlighed og frelsende nåde, i mennesket.		138:8.8 (1545.9) Jesus made plain to his apostles the difference between the repentance of so-called good works as taught by the Jews and the change of mind by faith—the new birth—which he required as the price of admission to the kingdom. He taught his apostles that faith was the only requisite to entering the Father’s kingdom. John had taught them “repentance—to flee from the wrath to come.” Jesus taught, “Faith is the open door for entering into the present, perfect, and eternal love of God.” Jesus did not speak like a prophet, one who comes to declare the word of God. He seemed to speak of himself as one having authority. Jesus sought to divert their minds from miracle seeking to the finding of a real and personal experience in the satisfaction and assurance of the indwelling of God’s spirit of love and saving grace.
138:8.9 (1545.10) Disciplene lærte tidligt, at Mesteren havde en dyb respekt og sympatisk forståelse for ethvert menneske, han mødte, og de blev voldsomt imponeret af denne ensartet og uforanderlig hensyn, som han så konsekvent viste alle former for mænd, kvinder og børn. Han kunne holde op midt i en dyb debat til at gå ud på vejen og sige et par opmuntrende ord til en forbipasserende kvinde som i krop og sjæl var tynget af sin byrde. Han ville afbryde en alvorlig konference med sine apostle for at tilbringe tid med et barn, der antastede sig selv. Intet syntes nogensinde så vigtigt for Jesus som lige det individuelle menneske, der tilfældigvis befandt sig i hans umiddelbare nærhed. Han var mester og lærer, men han var mere end det - han var også en ven og pårørende, en forstående kammerat.		138:8.9 (1545.10) The disciples early learned that the Master had a profound respect and sympathetic regard for every human being he met, and they were tremendously impressed by this uniform and unvarying consideration which he so consistently gave to all sorts of men, women, and children. He would pause in the midst of a profound discourse that he might go out in the road to speak good cheer to a passing woman laden with her burden of body and soul. He would interrupt a serious conference with his apostles to fraternize with an intruding child. Nothing ever seemed so important to Jesus as the individual human who chanced to be in his immediate presence. He was master and teacher, but he was more—he was also a friend and neighbor, an understanding comrade.
138:8.10 (1546.1) Selvom Jesu offentlige undervisning hovedsageligt bestod i lignelser og korte foredrag, underviste han altid sine apostle gennem spørgsmål og svar. I sine senere offentlige foredrag holdt han altid pause for at besvare oprigtige spørgsmål.		138:8.10 (1546.1) Though Jesus’ public teaching mainly consisted in parables and short discourses, he invariably taught his apostles by questions and answers. He would always pause to answer sincere questions during his later public discourses.
138:8.11 (1546.2) Apostlene blev først chokeret over, hvordan Jesus behandlede kvinderne, men de vænnede sig tidligt til det. Han gjorde det meget klart for dem, at kvinderne havde de samme rettigheder som mænd i riget.		138:8.11 (1546.2) The apostles were at first shocked by, but early became accustomed to, Jesus’ treatment of women; he made it very clear to them that women were to be accorded equal rights with men in the kingdom.
9. Fem prøvende måneder ^top		9. Five Months of Testing ^top
138:9.1 (1546.3) Den noget ensformige periode, med skiftevis fiskeri og personligt arbejde viste sig at være en opslidende oplevelse for de tolv apostle, men de udholdt denne prøvelse. Selv om de knurrede, tvivlede og lejlighedsvis udtrykte utilfredshed, forblev de tro mod deres løfter om hengivenhed og loyalitet til Mesteren. Det var deres personlige tilknytning til Jesus i disse prøvende måneder, der gjorde ham så elsket for dem, at de alle (undtagen Judas Iskariot) forblev loyal og tro mod ham selv under det retslige forsøg og korsfæstelsens mørke timer. Rigtige mænd kunne simpelthen ikke forlade en æret lærer, der havde levet så tæt på dem, og været så kærlig, som Jesus havde været. I de mørke øjeblikke, ved Mesterens død, i hjerterne på disse apostle, flyttede al fornuft, al dom og al logik til fordel for en enkelt meget speciel menneskelig følelse - den højeste følelse af venskabs loyalitet. Disse fem måneders arbejde med Jesus fik hver af apostlene til at betragte Jesus som den bedste ven, de havde i hele verden. Det var denne menneskelige følelse, ikke hans fremragende lærdom eller forunderlige gerninger, der holdt dem sammen for tiden efter opstandelsen og genoplivning af forkyndelsen om rigets evangelium.		138:9.1 (1546.3) This somewhat monotonous period of alternate fishing and personal work proved to be a grueling experience for the twelve apostles, but they endured the test. With all of their grumblings, doubts, and transient dissatisfactions they remained true to their vows of devotion and loyalty to the Master. It was their personal association with Jesus during these months of testing that so endeared him to them that they all (save Judas Iscariot) remained loyal and true to him even in the dark hours of the trial and crucifixion. Real men simply could not actually desert a revered teacher who had lived so close to them and had been so devoted to them as had Jesus. Through the dark hours of the Master’s death, in the hearts of these apostles all reason, judgment, and logic were set aside in deference to just one extraordinary human emotion—the supreme sentiment of friendship-loyalty. These five months of work with Jesus led these apostles, each one of them, to regard him as the best friend he had in all the world. And it was this human sentiment, and not his superb teachings or marvelous doings, that held them together until after the resurrection and the renewal of the proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom.
138:9.2 (1546.4) Disse måneders roligt arbejde var ikke kun en stor prøvelse for apostlene, en prøve, som de bestod, men denne periode uden offentlig aktivitet, var en stor prøvelse selv for Jesu familie. På det tidspunkt, hvor Jesus var klar til at begynde sit offentlige arbejde, havde hele hans familie (undtagen Ruth) næsten forladt ham. Kun et par gange forsøgte de senere at kontakte ham, og da for at overtale ham til at vende hjem med dem, for de kom nær til at tro, at han ikke var ved sin fulde forstand. De kunne simpelthen ikke fatte hans filosofi eller forstå hans undervisning. Det var bare for meget for dem, der var af hans eget kød og blod.		138:9.2 (1546.4) Not only were these months of quiet work a great test to the apostles, a test which they survived, but this season of public inactivity was a great trial to Jesus’ family. By the time Jesus was prepared to launch forth on his public work, his entire family (except Ruth) had practically deserted him. On only a few occasions did they attempt to make subsequent contact with him, and then it was to persuade him to return home with them, for they came near to believing that he was beside himself. They simply could not fathom his philosophy nor grasp his teaching; it was all too much for those of his own flesh and blood.
138:9.3 (1546.5) Apostlene udførte deres arbejde i Kapernaum, Betsaida-Julias, Horasin, Gerasa, Hippos, Magdala, Kana, Betlehem i Galilæa, Jotapata, Ramah, Safed, Gishala, Gadara og Abila. Udover disse byer, arbejdede de i mange landsbyer og på landet. Ved slutningen af denne periode havde de tolv apostle udarbejdet temmelig tilfredsstillende planer for omsorgen af deres respektive familier. De fleste af apostlene var gift, nogle havde flere børn, men de havde arrangeret sådanne ordninger for forsørgelsen af deres familiehjem at med lidt hjælp fra de apostoliske midler, kunne de afsætte hele deres energi til Mesterens arbejde uden at skulle bekymre sig om deres familiers økonomiske velfærd.		138:9.3 (1546.5) The apostles carried on their personal work in Capernaum, Bethsaida-Julias, Chorazin, Gerasa, Hippos, Magdala, Cana, Bethlehem of Galilee, Jotapata, Ramah, Safed, Gischala, Gadara, and Abila. Besides these towns they labored in many villages as well as in the countryside. By the end of this period the twelve had worked out fairly satisfactory plans for the care of their respective families. Most of the apostles were married, some had several children, but they had made such arrangements for the support of their home folks that, with some little assistance from the apostolic funds, they could devote their entire energies to the Master’s work without having to worry about the financial welfare of their families.
10. De tolvs organisation ^top		10. Organization of the Twelve ^top
138:10.1 (1547.1) Apostlene organiserede sig tidligt på følgende måder:		138:10.1 (1547.1) The apostles early organized themselves in the following manner:
138:10.2 (1547.2) 1. Andreas, den først valgte apostel, blev udpeget som formand og leder for de tolv.		138:10.2 (1547.2) 1. Andrew, the first chosen apostle, was designated chairman and director general of the twelve.
138:10.3 (1547.3) 2. Peter, James og Johannes, blev udnævnt personlige ledsagere af Jesus. De skulle tjene ham dag og nat, sikre hans fysiske og andre behov, og til at ledsage ham på hans natlige bøn og hemmelighedsfulde fællesskab med Faderen i Himlen.		138:10.3 (1547.3) 2. Peter, James, and John were appointed personal companions of Jesus. They were to attend him day and night, to minister to his physical and sundry needs, and to accompany him on those night vigils of prayer and mysterious communion with the Father in heaven.
138:10.4 (1547.4) 3. Filip blev gjort til proviantmester for gruppen. Det var hans pligt at sørge for mad og at se til, at de besøgende, og nogle gange endda et stort publikum, fik noget at spise.		138:10.4 (1547.4) 3. Philip was made steward of the group. It was his duty to provide food and to see that visitors, and even the multitude of listeners at times, had something to eat.
138:10.5 (1547.5) 4. Nataniel overså behovet hos de tolv familier. Han modtog regelmæssige rapporter om, hvad hver apostel familie behøvede, bad om penge hos Judas, som var kassereren, og sendte hver uge penge til dem, der var i nød.		138:10.5 (1547.5) 4. Nathaniel watched over the needs of the families of the twelve. He received regular reports as to the requirements of each apostle’s family and, making requisition on Judas, the treasurer, would send funds each week to those in need.
138:10.6 (1547.6) 5. Mattæus var finansbestyreren for det apostoliske korps. Det var hans pligt at se, at budgettet blev holdt i balance, at pengekassen blev genopfyldt. Hvis midlerne ikke kom ind fra den fælles forsyning, hvis der ikke blev modtaget tilstrækkelig med donationer til selskabets underhold, var Mattæus bemyndiget til at bestille de tolv tilbage til deres net for en tid. Men dette var aldrig nødvendigt efter at de begyndte deres offentlige arbejde; han havde altid tilstrækkelige med midler til kassererens hånd for at kunne finansiere deres aktiviteter.		138:10.6 (1547.6) 5. Matthew was the fiscal agent of the apostolic corps. It was his duty to see that the budget was balanced, the treasury replenished. If the funds for mutual support were not forthcoming, if donations sufficient to maintain the party were not received, Matthew was empowered to order the twelve back to their nets for a season. But this was never necessary after they began their public work; he always had sufficient funds in the treasurer’s hands to finance their activities.
138:10.7 (1547.7) 6. Thomas håndterede rejseplanerne. Det tilfaldt ham at arrangere logi og på en almindelig måde at vælge pladsen for undervisning og forkyndelse, og derved sikre dem en praktisk og tidsbesparende rejse tidsplan.		138:10.7 (1547.7) 6. Thomas was manager of the itinerary. It devolved upon him to arrange lodgings and in a general way select places for teaching and preaching, thereby insuring a smooth and expeditious travel schedule.
138:10.8 (1547.8) 7. James og Judas, Alpheus tvillingerne, blev tildelt forvaltningen af folkemængderne. Det var deres opgave at udpege et tilstrækkeligt stort antal ordenshjælpere, så de kunne holde orden blandt folkemængderne under prædiken.		138:10.8 (1547.8) 7. James and Judas the twin sons of Alpheus were assigned to the management of the multitudes. It was their task to deputize a sufficient number of assistant ushers to enable them to maintain order among the crowds during the preaching.
138:10.9 (1547.9) 8. Simon Zelotes fik ansvaret for rekreation og afslapning. Han sørgede for onsdag programmerne og forsøgte også at tilgodese en times afslapning og adspredelse hver dag.		138:10.9 (1547.9) 8. Simon Zelotes was given charge of recreation and play. He managed the Wednesday programs and also sought to provide for a few hours of relaxation and diversion each day.
138:10.10 (1547.10) 9. Judas Iskariot blev udnævnt kasserer. Han bar pengeposen. Han betalte alle udgifter og holdt bøgerne. Han lavede et budgetoverslag for Mattæus hver uge og gav også ugentlige rapporter til Andreas. Judas udbetalte penge med tilladelse fra Andreas.		138:10.10 (1547.10) 9. Judas Iscariot was appointed treasurer. He carried the bag. He paid all expenses and kept the books. He made budget estimates for Matthew from week to week and also made weekly reports to Andrew. Judas paid out funds on Andrew’s authorization.
138:10.11 (1547.11) På denne måde fungerede de tolv fra da de første organiserede sig indtil tidspunktet for reorganiseringen som blev nødvendiggjort af den deserterede Judas, forræderen. Mesteren og hans disciple og apostle fortsatte på denne enkle måde indtil søndagen den 12. januar år 27 e.Kr., da han indkaldte dem og officielt ordineret dem til at være ambassadører for riget og forkyndere af dets glade budskab. Snart derefter gjorde de sig klar til at begive sig til Jerusalem og Judæa på deres første offentlige prædiketur.		138:10.11 (1547.11) In this way the twelve functioned from their early organization up to the time of the reorganization made necessary by the desertion of Judas, the betrayer. The Master and his disciple-apostles went on in this simple manner until Sunday, January 12, a.d. 27, when he called them together and formally ordained them as ambassadors of the kingdom and preachers of its glad tidings. And soon thereafter they prepared to start for Jerusalem and Judea on their first public preaching tour.