Kapitel 163		Paper 163
Ordinationen Af De Halvfjerds I Magadan		Ordination of the Seventy at Magadan
163:0.1 (1800.1) FÅ dage efter at Jesus og de tolv var vendt tilbage til Magadan fra Jerusalem, ankom Abner og en gruppe på omkring halvtreds disciple fra Betlehem. På dette tidspunkt var evangelistkorpset, kvindekorpset og omkring et hundrede og halvtreds andre sande og prøvede disciple fra hele Palæstina også samlet i Magadan-lejren. Efter at have brugt et par dage på at besøge og reorganisere lejren, begyndte Jesus og de tolv et intensivt træningsforløb for denne særlige gruppe af troende, og fra denne veltrænede og erfarne samling af disciple valgte Mesteren efterfølgende de halvfjerds lærere og sendte dem ud for at forkynde evangeliet om riget. Denne regelmæssige undervisning begyndte fredag den 4. november og fortsatte indtil sabbatten den 19. november.		163:0.1 (1800.1) A FEW days after the return of Jesus and the twelve to Magadan from Jerusalem, Abner and a group of some fifty disciples arrived from Bethlehem. At this time there were also assembled at Magadan Camp the evangelistic corps, the women’s corps, and about one hundred and fifty other true and tried disciples from all parts of Palestine. After devoting a few days to visiting and the reorganization of the camp, Jesus and the twelve began a course of intensive training for this special group of believers, and from this well-trained and experienced aggregation of disciples the Master subsequently chose the seventy teachers and sent them forth to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom. This regular instruction began on Friday, November 4, and continued until Sabbath, November 19.
163:0.2 (1800.2) Jesus holdt en tale for dette selskab hver morgen. Peter underviste i metoder til offentlig forkyndelse; Nathaniel instruerede dem i kunsten at undervise; Thomas forklarede, hvordan man besvarer spørgsmål; mens Mattæus styrede organiseringen af deres gruppes økonomi. De andre apostle deltog også i denne træning i overensstemmelse med deres særlige erfaring og naturlige talenter.		163:0.2 (1800.2) Jesus gave a talk to this company each morning. Peter taught methods of public preaching; Nathaniel instructed them in the art of teaching; Thomas explained how to answer questions; while Matthew directed the organization of their group finances. The other apostles also participated in this training in accordance with their special experience and natural talents.
1. Ordinationen af de halvfjerds ^top		1. Ordination of the Seventy ^top
163:1.1 (1800.3) De halvfjerds blev ordineret af Jesus sabbat eftermiddag den 19. november i Magadan-lejren, og Abner blev sat i spidsen for disse evangelieforkyndere og -lærere. Dette korps på halvfjerds bestod af Abner og ti af Johannes’ tidligere apostle, enoghalvtreds af de tidligere evangelister og otte andre disciple, som havde udmærket sig i rigets tjeneste.		163:1.1 (1800.3) The seventy were ordained by Jesus on Sabbath afternoon, November 19, at the Magadan Camp, and Abner was placed at the head of these gospel preachers and teachers. This corps of seventy consisted of Abner and ten of the former apostles of John, fifty-one of the earlier evangelists, and eight other disciples who had distinguished themselves in the service of the kingdom.
163:1.2 (1800.4) Omkring klokken to på denne sabbatseftermiddag, mellem regnbyger, samledes en flok troende, forøget af Davids ankomst og størstedelen af hans budbringerkorps, og de talte over fire hundrede, på bredden af Galilæas sø for at overvære ordinationen af de halvfjerds.		163:1.2 (1800.4) About two o’clock on this Sabbath afternoon, between showers of rain, a company of believers, augmented by the arrival of David and the majority of his messenger corps and numbering over four hundred, assembled on the shore of the lake of Galilee to witness the ordination of the seventy.
163:1.3 (1800.5) Før Jesus lagde sine hænder på de halvfjerds hoveder for at udpege dem som evangeliets budbringere, sagde han til dem: “Høsten er virkelig rigelig, men arbejderne er få; derfor formaner jeg jer alle til at bede om, at høstens Herre vil sende endnu flere arbejdere i sin høst. Jeg er ved at udpege jer som budbringere for riget; jeg er ved at sende jer til jøder og ikke-jøder som lam blandt ulve. Når I går jeres vej, to og to, beder jeg jer om hverken at bære pung eller ekstra tøj, for I går ud på denne første mission for kun en kort sæson. I skal ikke hilse på nogen undervejs, men kun passe jeres arbejde. Når I skal bo i et hjem, skal I først sige: Fred være med denne husstand. Hvis de, der elsker fred, bor der, skal du blive der; hvis ikke, skal du tage af sted. Og når I har valgt dette hjem, så bliv der under jeres ophold i byen, og spis og drik, hvad der bliver sat frem for jer. Og det gør I, fordi arbejderen er værdig til sit underhold. Flyt ikke fra hus til hus, fordi der måske bliver tilbudt et bedre logi. Husk, at når I går ud og forkynder fred på jorden og god vilje blandt mennesker, må I kæmpe med bitre og selvbedrageriske fjender; vær derfor kloge som slanger, mens I også er harmløse som duer.		163:1.3 (1800.5) Before Jesus laid his hands upon the heads of the seventy to set them apart as gospel messengers, addressing them, he said: “The harvest is indeed plenteous, but the laborers are few; therefore I exhort all of you to pray that the Lord of the harvest will send still other laborers into his harvest. I am about to set you apart as messengers of the kingdom; I am about to send you to Jew and gentile as lambs among wolves. As you go your ways, two and two, I instruct you to carry neither purse nor extra clothing, for you go forth on this first mission for only a short season. Salute no man by the way, attend only to your work. Whenever you go to stay at a home, first say: Peace be to this household. If those who love peace live therein, you shall abide there; if not, then shall you depart. And having selected this home, remain there for your stay in that city, eating and drinking whatever is set before you. And you do this because the laborer is worthy of his sustenance. Move not from house to house because a better lodging may be offered. Remember, as you go forth proclaiming peace on earth and good will among men, you must contend with bitter and self-deceived enemies; therefore be as wise as serpents while you are also as harmless as doves.
163:1.4 (1801.1) “Og hvor I end går hen, skal I prædike og sige: ‘Himmeriget er kommet nær,’ og I skal tage jer af alle, der er syge i sjæl eller legeme. I har frit modtaget af rigets goder; giv frit. Hvis folk i en by tager imod jer, skal de finde en rigelig indgang til Faderens rige; men hvis folk i en by nægter at tage imod dette evangelium, skal I stadig forkynde jeres budskab, når I forlader det vantro samfund, og sige, selv når I går, til dem, der afviser jeres lære: ‘Selv om I afviser sandheden, er det stadig sådan, at Guds rige er kommet nær til jer. Den, der hører jer, hører mig. Og den, der hører mig, hører ham, der har sendt mig. Den, der afviser dit evangeliske budskab, afviser mig. Og den, der afviser mig, afviser ham, der sendte mig.”		163:1.4 (1801.1) “And everywhere you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand,’ and minister to all who may be sick in either mind or body. Freely you have received of the good things of the kingdom; freely give. If the people of any city receive you, they shall find an abundant entrance into the Father’s kingdom; but if the people of any city refuse to receive this gospel, still shall you proclaim your message as you depart from that unbelieving community, saying, even as you leave, to those who reject your teaching: ‘Notwithstanding you reject the truth, it remains that the kingdom of God has come near you.’ He who hears you hears me. And he who hears me hears Him who sent me. He who rejects your gospel message rejects me. And he who rejects me rejects Him who sent me.”
163:1.5 (1801.2) Da Jesus havde talt sådan til de halvfjerds, begyndte han med Abner, og mens de knælede i en cirkel omkring ham, lagde han hænderne på hver mands hoved.		163:1.5 (1801.2) When Jesus had thus spoken to the seventy, he began with Abner and, as they knelt in a circle about him, laid his hands upon the head of every man.
163:1.6 (1801.3) Tidligt næste morgen sendte Abner de halvfjerds budbringere ud til alle byerne i Galilæa, Samaria og Judæa. Og disse femogtredive par gik ud og prædikede og underviste i omkring seks uger, og de vendte alle tilbage til den nye lejr nær Pella i Peræa fredag den 30. december.		163:1.6 (1801.3) Early the next morning Abner sent the seventy messengers into all the cities of Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. And these thirty-five couples went forth preaching and teaching for about six weeks, all of them returning to the new camp near Pella, in Perea, on Friday, December 30.
2. Den rige unge mand og andre ^top		2. The Rich Young Man and Others ^top
163:2.1 (1801.4) Over halvtreds disciple, som søgte ordination og udnævnelse til medlem af de halvfjerds, blev afvist af den komité, som Jesus havde udpeget til at udvælge disse kandidater. Denne komité bestod af Andreas, Abner og den fungerende leder af det evangelistiske korps. I alle de tilfælde, hvor denne komité på tre ikke var enige, bragte de kandidaten til Jesus, og mens Mesteren aldrig afviste en eneste person, der ønskede ordination som evangeliebudbringer, var der mere end et dusin, som, da de havde talt med Jesus, ikke længere ønskede at blive evangeliebudbringere.		163:2.1 (1801.4) Over fifty disciples who sought ordination and appointment to membership in the seventy were rejected by the committee appointed by Jesus to select these candidates. This committee consisted of Andrew, Abner, and the acting head of the evangelistic corps. In all cases where this committee of three were not unanimous in agreement, they brought the candidate to Jesus, and while the Master never rejected a single person who craved ordination as a gospel messenger, there were more than a dozen who, when they had talked with Jesus, no more desired to become gospel messengers.
163:2.2 (1801.5) En alvorlig discipel kom til Jesus og sagde: “Mester, jeg ville gerne være en af dine nye apostle, men min far er meget gammel og døden nær; kunne jeg få lov til at vende hjem for at begrave ham?” Til denne mand sagde Jesus: “Min søn, rævene har huller, og himlens fugle har reder, men Menneskesønnen har ingen steder at lægge sit hoved. Du er en trofast discipel, og det kan du forblive, mens du vender hjem for at tage dig af dine kære, men sådan er det ikke med mine budbringere fra evangeliet. De har forladt alt for at følge mig og forkynde riget. Hvis du vil være en ordineret lærer, må du lade andre begrave de døde, mens du går ud for at offentliggøre de gode nyheder.” Og denne mand gik bort i stor skuffelse.		163:2.2 (1801.5) One earnest disciple came to Jesus, saying: “Master, I would be one of your new apostles, but my father is very old and near death; could I be permitted to return home to bury him?” To this man Jesus said: “My son, the foxes have holes, and the birds of heaven have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. You are a faithful disciple, and you can remain such while you return home to minister to your loved ones, but not so with my gospel messengers. They have forsaken all to follow me and proclaim the kingdom. If you would be an ordained teacher, you must let others bury the dead while you go forth to publish the good news.” And this man went away in great disappointment.
163:2.3 (1801.6) En anden discipel kom til Mesteren og sagde: “Jeg vil gerne være et ordineret sendebud, men jeg vil gerne hjem til mig selv et stykke tid for at trøste min familie.” Og Jesus svarede: “Hvis du vil ordineres, må du være villig til at forsage alt. Evangeliets budbringere kan ikke have splittede følelser. Ingen, der har lagt sin hånd på ploven, er værdig til at blive budbringer for riget, hvis han vender om.”		163:2.3 (1801.6) Another disciple came to the Master and said: “I would become an ordained messenger, but I would like to go to my home for a short while to comfort my family.” And Jesus replied: “If you would be ordained, you must be willing to forsake all. The gospel messengers cannot have divided affections. No man, having put his hand to the plough, if he turns back, is worthy to become a messenger of the kingdom.”
163:2.4 (1801.7) Så bragte Andreas en vis rig ung mand til Jesus, som var en from troende, og som ønskede at blive ordineret. Denne unge mand, Matadormus, var medlem af jødernes råd i Jerusalem; han havde hørt Jesus undervise og var efterfølgende blevet oplært i evangeliet om riget af Peter og de andre apostle. Jesus talte med Matadormus om kravene til ordination og bad ham om at udsætte beslutningen, til han havde tænkt mere over sagen. Tidligt næste morgen, da Jesus var ude at gå en tur, kom den unge mand hen til ham og sagde: “Mester, jeg vil gerne vide af dig, hvad der sikrer mig evigt liv. Da jeg har overholdt alle budene fra min ungdom, vil jeg gerne vide, hvad jeg mere skal gøre for at få evigt liv?” Som svar på dette spørgsmål sagde Jesus: “Hvis du holder alle budene—du må ikke begå ægteskabsbrud, ikke slå ihjel, ikke stjæle, ikke vidne falsk, ikke bedrage, ære dine forældre—gør du det godt, men frelsen er troens belønning, ikke blot gerningernes. Tror du på dette evangelium om riget?” Og Matadormus svarede: “Ja, Mester, jeg tror på alt, hvad du og dine apostle har lært mig.” Og Jesus sagde: “Så er du i sandhed min discipel og et barn af riget.”		163:2.4 (1801.7) Then Andrew brought to Jesus a certain rich young man who was a devout believer, and who desired to receive ordination. This young man, Matadormus, was a member of the Jerusalem Sanhedrin; he had heard Jesus teach and had been subsequently instructed in the gospel of the kingdom by Peter and the other apostles. Jesus talked with Matadormus concerning the requirements of ordination and requested that he defer decision until after he had thought more fully about the matter. Early the next morning, as Jesus was going for a walk, this young man accosted him and said: “Master, I would know from you the assurances of eternal life. Seeing that I have observed all the commandments from my youth, I would like to know what more I must do to gain eternal life?” In answer to this question Jesus said: “If you keep all the commandments—do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honor your parents—you do well, but salvation is the reward of faith, not merely of works. Do you believe this gospel of the kingdom?” And Matadormus answered: “Yes, Master, I do believe everything you and your apostles have taught me.” And Jesus said, “Then are you indeed my disciple and a child of the kingdom.”
163:2.5 (1802.1) Så sagde den unge mand: “Men, Mester, jeg er ikke tilfreds med at være din discipel; jeg vil være en af dine nye budbringere.” Da Jesus hørte det, så han ned på ham med stor kærlighed og sagde: “Jeg vil have dig til at være en af mine budbringere, hvis du er villig til at betale prisen, hvis du vil levere den ene ting, som du mangler.” Matadormus svarede: “Mester, jeg vil gøre alt, hvis jeg kan få lov til at følge dig.” Jesus kyssede den knælende unge mand på panden og sagde: “Hvis du vil være mit sendebud, så gå hen og sælg alt, hvad du ejer, og når du har givet pengene til de fattige eller til dine brødre, så kom og følg mig, og du skal have en skat i himmeriget.”		163:2.5 (1802.1) Then said the young man: “But, Master, I am not content to be your disciple; I would be one of your new messengers.” When Jesus heard this, he looked down upon him with a great love and said: “I will have you to be one of my messengers if you are willing to pay the price, if you will supply the one thing which you lack.” Matadormus replied: “Master, I will do anything if I may be allowed to follow you.” Jesus, kissing the kneeling young man on the forehead, said: “If you would be my messenger, go and sell all that you have and, when you have bestowed the proceeds upon the poor or upon your brethren, come and follow me, and you shall have treasure in the kingdom of heaven.”
163:2.6 (1802.2) Da Matadormus hørte dette, faldt hans ansigt. Han rejste sig og gik bedrøvet bort, for han havde store ejendele. Denne rige unge farisæer var blevet opdraget til at tro, at rigdom var et tegn på Guds gunst. Jesus vidste, at han ikke var fri for kærligheden til sig selv og sin rigdom. Mesteren ønskede at befri ham fra kærligheden til rigdom, ikke nødvendigvis fra rigdommen. Mens Jesu disciple ikke skilte sig af med alt deres verdslige gods, gjorde apostlene og de halvfjerds det. Matadormus ønskede at blive en af de halvfjerds nye budbringere, og det var grunden til, at Jesus krævede, at han skulle skille sig af med alle sine jordiske ejendele.		163:2.6 (1802.2) When Matadormus heard this, his countenance fell. He arose and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. This wealthy young Pharisee had been raised to believe that wealth was the token of God’s favor. Jesus knew that he was not free from the love of himself and his riches. The Master wanted to deliver him from the love of wealth, not necessarily from the wealth. While the disciples of Jesus did not part with all their worldly goods, the apostles and the seventy did. Matadormus desired to be one of the seventy new messengers, and that was the reason for Jesus’ requiring him to part with all of his temporal possessions.
163:2.7 (1802.3) Næsten alle mennesker har en eller anden ting, som de fast ved og værner om, og som indgangen til himmeriget kræver som en del af prisen for optagelse. Hvis Matadormus havde skilt sig af med sin formue, ville den sandsynligvis være blevet lagt tilbage i hans hænder til administration som kasserer for de halvfjerds. For senere, efter etableringen af kirken i Jerusalem, adlød han Mesterens påbud, selvom det da var for sent at nyde godt af medlemskabet af de halvfjerds, og han blev kasserer i kirken i Jerusalem, som James, Herrens bror i kødet, var overhoved for.		163:2.7 (1802.3) Almost every human being has some one thing which is held on to as a pet evil, and which the entrance into the kingdom of heaven requires as a part of the price of admission. If Matadormus had parted with his wealth, it probably would have been put right back into his hands for administration as treasurer of the seventy. For later on, after the establishment of the church at Jerusalem, he did obey the Master’s injunction, although it was then too late to enjoy membership in the seventy, and he became the treasurer of the Jerusalem church, of which James the Lord’s brother in the flesh was the head.
163:2.8 (1802.4) Sådan har det altid været, og sådan vil det altid være: Mennesker må træffe deres egne beslutninger. Der er en vis grænse for den frihed til at vælge, som dødelige kan udøve. Kræfterne i den åndelige verden vil ikke tvinge mennesket; de tillader det at gå den vej, det selv vælger.		163:2.8 (1802.4) Thus always it was and forever will be: Men must arrive at their own decisions. There is a certain range of the freedom of choice which mortals may exercise. The forces of the spiritual world will not coerce man; they allow him to go the way of his own choosing.
163:2.9 (1802.5) Jesus forudså, at Matadormus med sine rigdomme umuligt kunne blive en ordineret medarbejder for mænd, der havde forladt alt for evangeliet; samtidig så han, at han uden sine rigdomme ville blive den ultimative leder for dem alle. Men ligesom Jesu egne brødre blev han aldrig stor i riget, fordi han berøvede sig selv den intime og personlige forbindelse med Mesteren, som kunne have været hans erfaring, hvis han på dette tidspunkt havde været villig til at gøre netop det, som Jesus bad om, og som han flere år senere faktisk gjorde.		163:2.9 (1802.5) Jesus foresaw that Matadormus, with his riches, could not possibly become an ordained associate of men who had forsaken all for the gospel; at the same time, he saw that, without his riches, he would become the ultimate leader of all of them. But, like Jesus’ own brethren, he never became great in the kingdom because he deprived himself of that intimate and personal association with the Master which might have been his experience had he been willing to do at this time the very thing which Jesus asked, and which, several years subsequently, he actually did.
163:2.10 (1803.1) Rigdom har intet direkte at gøre med indgangen til himmeriget, men det har kærligheden til rigdom. Rigets åndelige loyalitet er uforenelig med underdanighed over for materialistisk mammon. Mennesket kan ikke dele sin højeste loyalitet over for et åndeligt ideal med en materiel hengivenhed.		163:2.10 (1803.1) Riches have nothing directly to do with entrance into the kingdom of heaven, but the love of wealth does. The spiritual loyalties of the kingdom are incompatible with servility to materialistic mammon. Man may not share his supreme loyalty to a spiritual ideal with a material devotion.
163:2.11 (1803.2) Jesus lærte aldrig, at det var forkert at have rigdom. Han krævede kun, at de tolv og de halvfjerds skulle dedikere alle deres jordiske ejendele til den fælles sag. Selv da sørgede han for en rentabel afvikling af deres ejendom, som i tilfældet med apostlen Mattæus. Jesus rådede mange gange sine velhavende disciple, som han underviste den rige mand i Rom. Mesteren betragtede den kloge investering af overskydende indtjening som en legitim form for forsikring mod fremtidig og uundgåelig modgang. Da det apostoliske skatkammer var overfyldt, satte Judas midler i depot til senere brug, når de kunne komme til at lide meget under en nedgang i indtægterne. Det gjorde Judas efter at have rådført sig med Andreas. Jesus havde aldrig personligt noget at gøre med de apostolske finanser, bortset fra udbetalingen af almisser. Men der var et økonomisk misbrug, som han mange gange fordømte, og det var den uretfærdige udnyttelse af de svage, ulærde og mindre heldige af deres stærke, ivrige og mere intelligente medmennesker. Jesus erklærede, at en sådan umenneskelig behandling af mænd, kvinder og børn var uforenelig med idealerne om broderskab i himmeriget.		163:2.11 (1803.2) Jesus never taught that it was wrong to have wealth. He required only the twelve and the seventy to dedicate all of their worldly possessions to the common cause. Even then, he provided for the profitable liquidation of their property, as in the case of the Apostle Matthew. Jesus many times advised his well-to-do disciples as he taught the rich man of Rome. The Master regarded the wise investment of excess earnings as a legitimate form of insurance against future and unavoidable adversity. When the apostolic treasury was overflowing, Judas put funds on deposit to be used subsequently when they might suffer greatly from a diminution of income. This Judas did after consultation with Andrew. Jesus never personally had anything to do with the apostolic finances except in the disbursement of alms. But there was one economic abuse which he many times condemned, and that was the unfair exploitation of the weak, unlearned, and less fortunate of men by their strong, keen, and more intelligent fellows. Jesus declared that such inhuman treatment of men, women, and children was incompatible with the ideals of the brotherhood of the kingdom of heaven.
3. Diskussionen om rigdom ^top		3. The Discussion About Wealth ^top
163:3.1 (1803.3) Da Jesus var færdig med at tale med Matadormus, havde Peter og en række af apostlene samlet sig omkring ham, og da den rige unge mand var på vej væk, vendte Jesus sig om mod apostlene og sagde: “I ser, hvor svært det er for dem, der har rigdom, at komme helt ind i Guds rige! Åndelig tilbedelse kan ikke deles med materielle hengivelser; intet menneske kan tjene to herrer. I har et ordsprog, der siger, at det er ‘lettere for en kamel at gå gennem et nåleøje end for en hedning at arve evigt liv.’ Og jeg erklærer, at det er lige så let for denne kamel at gå gennem nåleøjet som for disse selvtilfredse rige at komme ind i himmeriget.”		163:3.1 (1803.3) By the time Jesus had finished talking with Matadormus, Peter and a number of the apostles had gathered about him, and as the rich young man was departing, Jesus turned around to face the apostles and said: “You see how difficult it is for those who have riches to enter fully into the kingdom of God! Spiritual worship cannot be shared with material devotions; no man can serve two masters. You have a saying that it is ‘easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the heathen to inherit eternal life.’ And I declare that it is as easy for this camel to go through the needle’s eye as for these self-satisfied rich ones to enter the kingdom of heaven.”
163:3.2 (1803.4) Da Peter og apostlene hørte disse ord, blev de meget forbløffede, så meget, at Peter sagde: “Hvem, Herre, kan så blive frelst? Skal alle, der har rigdom, holdes ude af riget?” Og Jesus svarede: “Nej, Peter, men alle, der sætter deres lid til rigdom, vil næppe komme ind i det åndelige liv, der fører til evig fremgang. Men selv da er meget, som er umuligt for mennesker, ikke uden for rækkevidde for Faderen i himlen; snarere skal vi erkende, at med Gud er alle ting mulige.”		163:3.2 (1803.4) When Peter and the apostles heard these words, they were astonished exceedingly, so much so that Peter said: “Who then, Lord, can be saved? Shall all who have riches be kept out of the kingdom?” And Jesus replied: “No, Peter, but all who put their trust in riches shall hardly enter into the spiritual life that leads to eternal progress. But even then, much which is impossible to man is not beyond the reach of the Father in heaven; rather should we recognize that with God all things are possible.”
163:3.3 (1803.5) Da de gik hver for sig, blev Jesus bedrøvet over, at Matadormus ikke blev hos dem, for han elskede ham højt. Og da de var gået ned til søen, satte de sig der ved vandet, og Peter, der talte for de tolv (som alle var til stede på dette tidspunkt), sagde: “Vi er bekymrede over dine ord til den rige unge mand. Skal vi kræve af dem, der vil følge dig, at de opgiver alle deres jordiske goder?” Og Jesus sagde: “Nej, Peter, kun dem, der vil være apostle, og som ønsker at leve med mig, som I gør, og som én familie. Men Faderen kræver, at hans børns kærlighed er ren og udelt. Enhver ting eller person, der kommer mellem dig og kærligheden til rigets sandheder, skal overgives. Hvis ens rigdom ikke invaderer sjælens område, har den ingen betydning for det åndelige liv for dem, der vil ind i riget.”		163:3.3 (1803.5) As they went off by themselves, Jesus was grieved that Matadormus did not remain with them, for he greatly loved him. And when they had walked down by the lake, they sat there beside the water, and Peter, speaking for the twelve (who were all present by this time), said: “We are troubled by your words to the rich young man. Shall we require those who would follow you to give up all their worldly goods?” And Jesus said: “No, Peter, only those who would become apostles, and who desire to live with me as you do and as one family. But the Father requires that the affections of his children be pure and undivided. Whatever thing or person comes between you and the love of the truths of the kingdom, must be surrendered. If one’s wealth does not invade the precincts of the soul, it is of no consequence in the spiritual life of those who would enter the kingdom.”
163:3.4 (1804.1) Da sagde Peter: “Men Mester, vi har forladt alt for at følge dig, hvad skal vi så have?” Og Jesus talte til alle de tolv: “Sandelig, sandelig siger jeg jer: Der er ingen, der har forladt rigdom, hjem, hustru, brødre, forældre eller børn for min skyld og for himmerigets skyld, som ikke skal få mangedobbelt mere i denne verden, måske med nogle forfølgelser, og i den kommende verdens evige liv. Men mange, som er de første, skal blive de sidste, mens de sidste ofte skal blive de første. Faderen handler med sine skabninger i overensstemmelse med deres behov og i lydighed mod hans retfærdige love om barmhjertig og kærlig hensyntagen til et univers’ velfærd.		163:3.4 (1804.1) And then said Peter, “But, Master, we have left everything to follow you, what then shall we have?” And Jesus spoke to all of the twelve: “Verily, verily, I say to you, there is no man who has left wealth, home, wife, brethren, parents, or children for my sake and for the sake of the kingdom of heaven who shall not receive manifold more in this world, perhaps with some persecutions, and in the world to come eternal life. But many who are first shall be last, while the last shall often be first. The Father deals with his creatures in accordance with their needs and in obedience to his just laws of merciful and loving consideration for the welfare of a universe.
163:3.5 (1804.2) “Himmeriget er som en husbond, der var en stor arbejdsgiver, og som tidligt om morgenen gik ud for at hyre arbejdere til at arbejde i sin vingård. Da han havde aftalt med arbejderne at betale dem en denar om dagen, sendte han dem ud i vingården. Så gik han ud omkring klokken ni, og da han så andre stå på markedspladsen og være uvirksomme, sagde han til dem: ‘Gå I også hen og arbejd i min vingård, så vil jeg betale jer, hvad der er rimeligt.’ Og de gik straks i gang med at arbejde. Igen gik han ud omkring klokken tolv og omkring klokken tre og gjorde det samme. Og da han gik til markedspladsen omkring klokken fem om eftermiddagen, fandt han endnu flere, der stod og ventede, og han spurgte dem: ‘Hvorfor står I her og venter hele dagen? Og mændene svarede: ‘Fordi ingen har hyret os. Da sagde husbonden: ‘Gå I også ud og arbejd i min vingård, og jeg vil betale jer, hvad der er rimeligt.’		163:3.5 (1804.2) “The kingdom of heaven is like a householder who was a large employer of men, and who went out early in the morning to hire laborers to work in his vineyard. When he had agreed with the laborers to pay them a denarius a day, he sent them into the vineyard. Then he went out about nine o’clock, and seeing others standing in the market place idle, he said to them: ‘Go you also to work in my vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will pay you.’ And they went at once to work. Again he went out about twelve and about three and did likewise. And going to the market place about five in the afternoon, he found still others standing idle, and he inquired of them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all the day?’ And the men answered, ‘Because nobody has hired us.’ Then said the householder: ‘Go you also to work in my vineyard, and whatever is right I will pay you.’
163:3.6 (1804.3) “Da det blev aften, sagde denne vingårdsejer til sin forvalter: ‘Kald arbejderne sammen og udbetal dem deres løn, begynd med den sidst ansatte og slut med den første ’ Da de, der var hyret omkring klokken fem, kom, fik de en denar hver, og sådan var det med hver af de andre arbejdere. Da de mænd, der blev hyret først på dagen, så, hvordan de senere ankomne blev betalt, forventede de at få mere end det aftalte beløb. Men ligesom de andre fik hver mand kun en denar. Og da de hver især havde fået deres løn, klagede de til husbonden og sagde: ‘Disse mænd, der blev hyret sidst, arbejdede kun en time, og alligevel har du betalt dem det samme som os, der har båret dagens byrde i den brændende sol.’		163:3.6 (1804.3) “When evening came, this owner of the vineyard said to his steward: ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last hired and ending with the first.’ When those who were hired about five o’clock came, they received a denarius each, and so it was with each of the other laborers. When the men who were hired at the beginning of the day saw how the later comers were paid, they expected to receive more than the amount agreed upon. But like the others every man received only a denarius. And when each had received his pay, they complained to the householder, saying: ‘These men who were hired last worked only one hour, and yet you have paid them the same as us who have borne the burden of the day in the scorching sun.’
163:3.7 (1804.4) “Da svarede husholderen: ‘Mine venner, jeg gør jer ikke uret. Var I ikke alle enige om at arbejde for en denar om dagen? Tag nu det, der er jeres, og gå jeres vej, for det er mit ønske at give dem, der kom sidst, lige så meget, som jeg har givet jer. Er det ikke lovligt for mig at gøre, hvad jeg vil med mit eget? eller misunder I mig min gavmildhed, fordi jeg ønsker at være god og vise barmhjertighed?”		163:3.7 (1804.4) “Then answered the householder: ‘My friends, I do you no wrong. Did not each of you agree to work for a denarius a day? Take now that which is yours and go your way, for it is my desire to give to those who came last as much as I have given to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? or do you begrudge my generosity because I desire to be good and to show mercy?’”
4. Farvel til de halvfjerds ^top		4. Farewell to the Seventy ^top
163:4.1 (1804.5) Det var en bevægende tid omkring Magadan-lejren den dag, de halvfjerds drog ud på deres første mission. Tidligt den morgen, i sin sidste samtale med de halvfjerds, lagde Jesus vægt på følgende:		163:4.1 (1804.5) It was a stirring time about the Magadan Camp the day the seventy went forth on their first mission. Early that morning, in his last talk with the seventy, Jesus placed emphasis on the following:
163:4.2 (1804.6) 1. Evangeliet om riget skal forkyndes for hele verden, for ikke-jøder såvel som for jøder.		163:4.2 (1804.6) 1. The gospel of the kingdom must be proclaimed to all the world, to gentile as well as to Jew.
163:4.3 (1804.7) 2. Når du tager dig af de syge, skal du afholde dig fra at undervise i forventningen om mirakler.		163:4.3 (1804.7) 2. While ministering to the sick, refrain from teaching the expectation of miracles.
163:4.4 (1805.1) 3. Forkynd et åndeligt broderskab mellem Guds sønner, ikke et ydre rige med verdslig magt og materiel herlighed.		163:4.4 (1805.1) 3. Proclaim a spiritual brotherhood of the sons of God, not an outward kingdom of worldly power and material glory.
163:4.5 (1805.2) 4. Undgå at spilde tiden med for mange sociale besøg og andre trivialiteter, som kan aflede opmærksomheden fra den helhjertede forkyndelse af evangeliet.		163:4.5 (1805.2) 4. Avoid loss of time through overmuch social visiting and other trivialities which might detract from wholehearted devotion to preaching the gospel.
163:4.6 (1805.3) 5. Hvis det første hus, der bliver valgt til hovedkvarter, viser sig at være et værdigt hjem, så bliv der under hele opholdet i byen.		163:4.6 (1805.3) 5. If the first house to be selected for a headquarters proves to be a worthy home, abide there throughout the sojourn in that city.
163:4.7 (1805.4) 6. Gør det klart for alle troende, at tiden for et åbent brud med jødernes religiøse ledere i Jerusalem nu er kommet.		163:4.7 (1805.4) 6. Make clear to all faithful believers that the time for an open break with the religious leaders of the Jews at Jerusalem has now come.
163:4.8 (1805.5) 7. Lær, at hele menneskets pligt er opsummeret i dette ene bud: Elsk Herren din Gud af hele dit sind og hele din sjæl og din næste som dig selv. (Dette skulle de lære som hele menneskets pligt i stedet for de 613 leveregler, som farisæerne havde udstukket).		163:4.8 (1805.5) 7. Teach that man’s whole duty is summed up in this one commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your mind and soul and your neighbor as yourself. (This they were to teach as man’s whole duty in place of the 613 rules of living expounded by the Pharisees.)
163:4.9 (1805.6) Da Jesus havde talt sådan til de halvfjerds i overværelse af alle apostlene og disciplene, tog Simon Peter dem for sig selv og holdt deres ordinationsprædiken for dem, som var en uddybning af Mesterens befaling, da han lagde hænderne på dem og udpegede dem som budbringere af riget. Peter formanede de halvfjerds til at værne om følgende dyder i deres erfaring:		163:4.9 (1805.6) When Jesus had talked thus to the seventy in the presence of all the apostles and disciples, Simon Peter took them off by themselves and preached to them their ordination sermon, which was an elaboration of the Master’s charge given at the time he laid his hands upon them and set them apart as messengers of the kingdom. Peter exhorted the seventy to cherish in their experience the following virtues:
163:4.10 (1805.7) 1. Indviet hengivenhed. Altid at bede om, at flere arbejdere må blive sendt ud i evangeliets høst. Han forklarede, at når man beder sådan, er det mere sandsynligt, at man vil sige: ‘Her er jeg; send mig.” Han formanede dem til ikke at forsømme deres daglige tilbedelse.		163:4.10 (1805.7) 1. Consecrated devotion. To pray always for more laborers to be sent forth into the gospel harvest. He explained that, when one so prays, he will the more likely say, “Here am I; send me.” He admonished them to neglect not their daily worship.
163:4.11 (1805.8) 2. Sandt mod. Han advarede dem om, at de ville møde fjendtlighed og være sikre på at blive forfulgt. Peter fortalte dem, at deres mission ikke var noget for kujoner, og rådede dem, der var bange, til at træde ud, før de begyndte. Men ingen trak sig tilbage.		163:4.11 (1805.8) 2. True courage. He warned them that they would encounter hostility and be certain to meet with persecution. Peter told them their mission was no undertaking for cowards and advised those who were afraid to step out before they started. But none withdrew.
163:4.12 (1805.9) 3. Tro og tillid. De må drage ud på denne korte mission helt uden forsyninger; de må stole på, at Faderen sørger for mad og husly og alle andre nødvendige ting.		163:4.12 (1805.9) 3. Faith and trust. They must go forth on this short mission wholly unprovided for; they must trust the Father for food and shelter and all other things needful.
163:4.13 (1805.10) 4. Iver og initiativ. De skal være besjælet af iver og intelligent entusiasme; de skal nøje tage sig af deres Mesters sager. Den orientalske hilsen var en langvarig og omstændelig ceremoni; derfor var de blevet instrueret i at “hilse på ingen ved vejen,” hvilket var en almindelig metode til at formane en til at gå i gang med sine forretninger uden tidsspilde. Det havde intet at gøre med en venlig hilsen.		163:4.13 (1805.10) 4. Zeal and initiative. They must be possessed with zeal and intelligent enthusiasm; they must attend strictly to their Master’s business. Oriental salutation was a lengthy and elaborate ceremony; therefore had they been instructed to “salute no man by the way,” which was a common method of exhorting one to go about his business without the waste of time. It had nothing to do with the matter of friendly greeting.
163:4.14 (1805.11) 5. Høflighed og venlighed. Mesteren havde instrueret dem i at undgå unødvendigt tidsspilde med sociale ceremonier, men han påbød dem at være høflige over for alle, de kom i kontakt med. De skulle udvise al mulig venlighed over for dem, der måtte underholde dem i deres hjem. De blev strengt advaret mod at forlade et beskedent hjem for at blive underholdt i et mere komfortabelt eller indflydelsesrigt hjem.		163:4.14 (1805.11) 5. Kindness and courtesy. The Master had instructed them to avoid unnecessary waste of time in social ceremonies, but he enjoined courtesy toward all with whom they should come in contact. They were to show every kindness to those who might entertain them in their homes. They were strictly warned against leaving a modest home to be entertained in a more comfortable or influential one.
163:4.15 (1805.12) 6. Pleje af de syge. De halvfjerds blev af Peter pålagt at opsøge de syge i sind og krop og gøre alt, hvad der stod i deres magt, for at lindre eller helbrede deres sygdomme.		163:4.15 (1805.12) 6. Ministry to the sick. The seventy were charged by Peter to search out the sick in mind and body and to do everything in their power to bring about the alleviation or cure of their maladies.
163:4.16 (1805.13) Og da de var blevet opdraget og instrueret på denne måde, begyndte de to og to på deres mission i Galilæa, Samaria og Judæa.		163:4.16 (1805.13) And when they had been thus charged and instructed, they started out, two and two, on their mission in Galilee, Samaria, and Judea.
163:4.17 (1806.1) Selvom jøderne havde et særligt forhold til tallet halvfjerds, og nogle gange betragtede hedningefolkene som halvfjerds i antal, og selvom disse halvfjerds budbringere skulle gå med evangeliet til alle folkeslag, var det, så vidt vi kan se, stadig kun tilfældigt, at denne gruppe tilfældigvis talte netop halvfjerds. Det er sikkert, at Jesus ville have accepteret ikke mindre end et halvt dusin andre, men de var ikke villige til at betale prisen for at opgive rigdom og familier.		163:4.17 (1806.1) Although the Jews had a peculiar regard for the number seventy, sometimes considering the nations of heathendom as being seventy in number, and although these seventy messengers were to go with the gospel to all peoples, still as far as we can discern, it was only coincidental that this group happened to number just seventy. Certain it was that Jesus would have accepted no less than half a dozen others, but they were unwilling to pay the price of forsaking wealth and families.
5. Lejren flyttes til pella ^top		5. Moving the Camp to Pella ^top
163:5.1 (1806.2) Jesus og de tolv forberedte sig nu på at etablere deres sidste hovedkvarter i Perea, nær Pella, hvor Mesteren blev døbt i Jordan. De sidste ti dage af november blev brugt til rådslagning i Magadan, og tirsdag den 6. december tog hele selskabet på næsten tre hundrede af sted ved daggry med alle deres ejendele for at overnatte i nærheden af Pella ved floden. Det var det samme sted ved kilden, som Johannes Døberen havde haft sin lejr flere år tidligere.		163:5.1 (1806.2) Jesus and the twelve now prepared to establish their last headquarters in Perea, near Pella, where the Master was baptized in the Jordan. The last ten days of November were spent in council at Magadan, and on Tuesday, December 6, the entire company of almost three hundred started out at daybreak with all their effects to lodge that night near Pella by the river. This was the same site, by the spring, that John the Baptist had occupied with his camp several years before.
163:5.2 (1806.3) Efter opløsningen af Magadan-lejren vendte David Zebedæus tilbage til Betsaida og begyndte straks at indskrænke budbringertjenesten. Riget var på vej ind i en ny fase. Dagligt ankom pilgrimme fra alle dele af Palæstina og endda fra fjerne egne af det romerske imperium. Troende kom lejlighedsvis fra Mesopotamien og fra landene øst for Tigris. Søndag den 18. december læssede David derfor, med hjælp fra sit budbringerkorps, det lejrudstyr, som han tidligere havde brugt til at lede lejren i Betsaida ved søen, på sine lastdyr, som dengang var blevet opbevaret i hans fars hus. Han sagde farvel til Betsaida for denne gang og fortsatte ned ad søbredden og langs Jordan til et punkt omkring 800 meter nord for den apostoliske lejr, og på mindre end en uge var han klar til at byde næsten femten hundrede pilgrimsgæster velkommen. Den apostoliske lejr kunne rumme omkring fem hundrede. Det var regntid i Palæstina, og der var brug for disse boliger til at tage sig af det stadigt stigende antal spørgere, for det meste seriøse, som kom til Perea for at se Jesus og høre hans undervisning.		163:5.2 (1806.3) After the breaking up of the Magadan Camp, David Zebedee returned to Bethsaida and began immediately to curtail the messenger service. The kingdom was taking on a new phase. Daily, pilgrims arrived from all parts of Palestine and even from remote regions of the Roman Empire. Believers occasionally came from Mesopotamia and from the lands east of the Tigris. Accordingly, on Sunday, December 18, David, with the help of his messenger corps, loaded on to the pack animals the camp equipage, then stored in his father’s house, with which he had formerly conducted the camp of Bethsaida by the lake. Bidding farewell to Bethsaida for the time being, he proceeded down the lake shore and along the Jordan to a point about one-half mile north of the apostolic camp; and in less than a week he was prepared to offer hospitality to almost fifteen hundred pilgrim visitors. The apostolic camp could accommodate about five hundred. This was the rainy season in Palestine, and these accommodations were required to take care of the ever-increasing number of inquirers, mostly earnest, who came into Perea to see Jesus and to hear his teaching.
163:5.3 (1806.4) David gjorde alt dette på eget initiativ, selvom han havde rådført sig med Filip og Mattæus i Magadan. Han ansatte størstedelen af sit tidligere budbringerkorps som sine hjælpere til at lede denne lejr; han brugte nu mindre end tyve mand til almindelig budbringertjeneste. I slutningen af december og før de halvfjerds vendte tilbage, var næsten otte hundrede besøgende samlet omkring Mesteren, og de fandt logi i Davids lejr.		163:5.3 (1806.4) David did all this on his own initiative, though he had taken counsel with Philip and Matthew at Magadan. He employed the larger part of his former messenger corps as his helpers in conducting this camp; he now used less than twenty men on regular messenger duty. Near the end of December and before the return of the seventy, almost eight hundred visitors were gathered about the Master, and they found lodging in David’s camp.
6. De halvfjerds vender tilbage ^top		6. The Return of the Seventy ^top
163:6.1 (1806.5) Fredag den 30. december, mens Jesus var væk i de nærliggende bjerge med Peter, James og Johannes, ankom de halvfjerds budbringere i par, ledsaget af adskillige troende, til hovedkvarteret i Pella. Alle halvfjerds var samlet på undervisningsstedet omkring klokken fem, da Jesus vendte tilbage til lejren. Aftensmaden blev forsinket i mere end en time, mens disse entusiaster for evangeliet om riget fortalte om deres oplevelser. Davids budbringere havde bragt mange af disse nyheder til apostlene i de foregående uger, men det var virkelig inspirerende at høre disse nyordinerede lærere i evangeliet personligt fortælle, hvordan deres budskab var blevet modtaget af sultne jøder og ikke-jøder. Endelig kunne Jesus se mænd gå ud for at sprede de gode nyheder uden sin personlige tilstedeværelse. Mesteren vidste nu, at han kunne forlade denne verden uden at lægge alvorlige hindringer i vejen for rigets fremgang.		163:6.1 (1806.5) On Friday, December 30, while Jesus was away in the near-by hills with Peter, James, and John, the seventy messengers were arriving by couples, accompanied by numerous believers, at the Pella headquarters. All seventy were assembled at the teaching site about five o’clock when Jesus returned to the camp. The evening meal was delayed for more than an hour while these enthusiasts for the gospel of the kingdom related their experiences. David’s messengers had brought much of this news to the apostles during previous weeks, but it was truly inspiring to hear these newly ordained teachers of the gospel personally tell how their message had been received by hungry Jews and gentiles. At last Jesus was able to see men going out to spread the good news without his personal presence. The Master now knew that he could leave this world without seriously hindering the progress of the kingdom.
163:6.2 (1807.1) Da de halvfjerds fortalte, hvordan “selv djævlene var underlagt” dem, henviste de til de vidunderlige helbredelser, som de havde udført hos ofre for nervøse lidelser. Ikke desto mindre havde der været nogle få tilfælde af ægte åndebesættelse, som disse præster havde lettet, og med henvisning til disse sagde Jesus: “Det er ikke mærkeligt, at disse ulydige småånder er underlagt jer, eftersom jeg så Satan falde som et lyn fra himlen. Men glæd jer ikke så meget over dette, for jeg erklærer jer, at så snart jeg vender tilbage til min Fader, vil vi sende vores ånder ind i selve menneskenes sind, så disse få fortabte ånder ikke mere kan komme ind i de uheldige dødeliges sind. Jeg glæder mig med jer over, at I har kraft med mennesker, men bliv ikke opløftede på grund af denne oplevelse, men glæd jer snarere over, at jeres navne er skrevet på himlens ruller, og at I således skal gå videre i en endeløs karriere af åndelig erobring.”		163:6.2 (1807.1) When the seventy related how “even the devils were subject” to them, they referred to the wonderful cures they had wrought in the cases of victims of nervous disorders. Nevertheless, there had been a few cases of real spirit possession relieved by these ministers, and referring to these, Jesus said: “It is not strange that these disobedient minor spirits should be subject to you, seeing that I beheld Satan falling as lightning from heaven. But rejoice not so much over this, for I declare to you that, as soon as I return to my Father, we will send forth our spirits into the very minds of men so that no more can these few lost spirits enter the minds of unfortunate mortals. I rejoice with you that you have power with men, but be not lifted up because of this experience but the rather rejoice that your names are written on the rolls of heaven, and that you are thus to go forward in an endless career of spiritual conquest.”
163:6.3 (1807.2) Og det var på dette tidspunkt, lige før aftensmåltidet, at Jesus oplevede et af de sjældne øjeblikke af følelsesmæssig ekstase, som hans tilhængere af og til havde været vidne til. Han sagde: “Jeg takker dig, min Fader, himlens og jordens Herre, at mens dette vidunderlige evangelium var skjult for de kloge og selvretfærdige, har ånden åbenbaret disse åndelige herligheder for disse børn af riget. Ja, min Fader, det må have været velbehageligt for dig at gøre dette, og jeg glæder mig over at vide, at de gode nyheder vil sprede sig til hele verden, selv efter at jeg er vendt tilbage til dig og det arbejde, du har givet mig at udføre. Jeg er mægtigt bevæget, når jeg indser, at du er ved at overgive al autoritet i mine hænder, at kun du virkelig ved, hvem jeg er, og at kun jeg virkelig kender dig og dem, jeg har åbenbaret dig for. Og når jeg har afsluttet denne åbenbaring for mine brødre i kødet, vil jeg fortsætte åbenbaringen for dine skabninger i det høje.”		163:6.3 (1807.2) And it was at this time, just before partaking of the evening meal, that Jesus experienced one of those rare moments of emotional ecstasy which his followers had occasionally witnessed. He said: “I thank you, my Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that, while this wonderful gospel was hidden from the wise and self-righteous, the spirit has revealed these spiritual glories to these children of the kingdom. Yes, my Father, it must have been pleasing in your sight to do this, and I rejoice to know that the good news will spread to all the world even after I shall have returned to you and the work which you have given me to perform. I am mightily moved as I realize you are about to deliver all authority into my hands, that only you really know who I am, and that only I really know you, and those to whom I have revealed you. And when I have finished this revelation to my brethren in the flesh, I will continue the revelation to your creatures on high.”
163:6.4 (1807.3) Da Jesus havde talt således til Faderen, vendte han sig til side for at tale til sine apostle og tjenere: “Velsignede er de øjne, som ser, og de ører, som hører disse ting. Lad mig sige jer, at mange profeter og mange af de store mænd i tidligere tider har ønsket at se det, I nu ser, men det blev ikke givet dem. Og mange kommende generationer af lysets børn vil, når de hører om disse ting, misunde jer, som har hørt og set dem.”		163:6.4 (1807.3) When Jesus had thus spoken to the Father, he turned aside to speak to his apostles and ministers: “Blessed are the eyes which see and the ears which hear these things. Let me say to you that many prophets and many of the great men of the past ages have desired to behold what you now see, but it was not granted them. And many generations of the children of light yet to come will, when they hear of these things, envy you who have heard and seen them.”
163:6.5 (1807.4) Så talte han til alle disciplene og sagde: “I har hørt, hvor mange byer og landsbyer der har modtaget de gode nyheder om riget, og hvordan mine ministre og lærere er blevet modtaget af både jøder og hedninger. Og velsignede er disse samfund, som har valgt at tro på evangeliet om riget. Men ve de lysfornægtende indbyggere i Korazin, Betsaida-Julias og Kapernaum, de byer, som ikke tog godt imod disse budbringere. Jeg erklærer, at hvis de mægtige gerninger, der blev udført på disse steder, var blevet udført i Tyrus og Sidon, ville befolkningen i disse såkaldte hedenske byer for længst have omvendt sig i sæk og aske. Det skal i sandhed blive nemmere for Tyrus og Sidon på dommens dag.”		163:6.5 (1807.4) Then, speaking to all the disciples, he said: “You have heard how many cities and villages have received the good news of the kingdom, and how my ministers and teachers have been received by both the Jew and the gentile. And blessed indeed are these communities which have elected to believe the gospel of the kingdom. But woe upon the light-rejecting inhabitants of Chorazin, Bethsaida-Julias, and Capernaum, the cities which did not well receive these messengers. I declare that, if the mighty works done in these places had been done in Tyre and Sidon, the people of these so-called heathen cities would have long since repented in sackcloth and ashes. It shall indeed be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment.”
163:6.6 (1807.5) Den næste dag, som var sabbat, gik Jesus fra de halvfjerds og sagde til dem: “Jeg glædede mig virkelig med jer, da I kom tilbage med det gode budskab om, at så mange mennesker spredt over Galilæa, Samaria og Judæa havde taget imod evangeliet om riget. Men hvorfor var du så overraskende begejstret? Havde du ikke forventet, at dit budskab ville manifestere kraft i sin levering? Gik du ud med så lidt tro på dette evangelium, at du kom tilbage overrasket over dets effektivitet? Og nu, hvor jeg ikke vil slukke din glædes ånd, vil jeg advare dig strengt mod stolthedens finesser, åndelig stolthed. Hvis du kunne forstå Lucifers, den uretfærdiges, fald, ville du højtideligt undgå alle former for åndelig stolthed.		163:6.6 (1807.5) The next day being the Sabbath, Jesus went apart with the seventy and said to them: “I did indeed rejoice with you when you came back bearing the good tidings of the reception of the gospel of the kingdom by so many people scattered throughout Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. But why were you so surprisingly elated? Did you not expect that your message would manifest power in its delivery? Did you go forth with so little faith in this gospel that you come back in surprise at its effectiveness? And now, while I would not quench your spirit of rejoicing, I would sternly warn you against the subtleties of pride, spiritual pride. If you could understand the downfall of Lucifer, the iniquitous one, you would solemnly shun all forms of spiritual pride.
163:6.7 (1808.1) “Du har påbegyndt dette store arbejde med at lære det dødelige menneske, at det er en søn af Gud. Jeg har vist dig vejen; gå ud og gør din pligt, og bliv ikke træt af at gøre det godt. Til dig og til alle, der vil følge i dine fodspor gennem tiderne, vil jeg sige: Jeg står altid nær, og min opfordring er og vil altid være: Kom til mig, alle I, som arbejder og er tynget af byrder, og jeg vil give jer hvile. Tag mit åg på jer og lær af mig, for jeg er sand og loyal, og I skal finde åndelig hvile for jeres sjæle.”		163:6.7 (1808.1) “You have entered upon this great work of teaching mortal man that he is a son of God. I have shown you the way; go forth to do your duty and be not weary in well doing. To you and to all who shall follow in your steps down through the ages, let me say: I always stand near, and my invitation-call is, and ever shall be, Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am true and loyal, and you shall find spiritual rest for your souls.”
163:6.8 (1808.2) Og de fandt ud af, at Mesterens ord var sande, da de satte hans løfter på prøve. Og siden den dag har utallige tusinder også testet og bevist sikkerheden af de samme løfter.		163:6.8 (1808.2) And they found the Master’s words to be true when they put his promises to the test. And since that day countless thousands also have tested and proved the surety of these same promises.
7. Forberedelse for den sidste missionsrejse ^top		7. Preparation for the Last Mission ^top
163:7.1 (1808.3) De næste par dage var travle i Pella-lejren; forberedelserne til missionen i Perea var ved at blive afsluttet. Jesus og hans medarbejdere var ved at påbegynde deres sidste mission, den tre måneder lange tur rundt i hele Perea, som først sluttede, da Mesteren gik ind i Jerusalem for at udføre sit sidste arbejde på jorden. I hele denne periode havde Jesus og de tolv apostle deres hovedkvarter her i Pella-lejren.		163:7.1 (1808.3) The next few days were busy times in the Pella camp; preparations for the Perean mission were being completed. Jesus and his associates were about to enter upon their last mission, the three months’ tour of all Perea, which terminated only upon the Master’s entering Jerusalem for his final labors on earth. Throughout this period the headquarters of Jesus and the twelve apostles was maintained here at the Pella camp.
163:7.2 (1808.4) Det var ikke længere nødvendigt for Jesus at tage til at gå ud for at undervise folket. De kom nu til ham i stigende antal hver uge og fra alle dele, ikke kun fra Palæstina, men fra hele den romerske verden og fra Nærorienten. Selvom Mesteren deltog sammen med de halvfjerds i turen til Perea, tilbragte han meget af sin tid i Pella-lejren, hvor han underviste folkemængden og instruerede de tolv. I løbet af disse tre måneder forblev mindst ti af apostlene hos Jesus.		163:7.2 (1808.4) It was no longer necessary for Jesus to go abroad to teach the people. They now came to him in increasing numbers each week and from all parts, not only from Palestine but from the whole Roman world and from the Near East. Although the Master participated with the seventy in the tour of Perea, he spent much of his time at the Pella camp, teaching the multitude and instructing the twelve. Throughout this three months’ period at least ten of the apostles remained with Jesus.
163:7.3 (1808.5) Kvindekorpset forberedte sig også på at gå ud to og to med de halvfjerds for at arbejde i de større byer i Perea. Denne oprindelige gruppe på tolv kvinder havde for nylig oplært et større korps på halvtreds kvinder i hjemmebesøg og i kunsten at tage sig af syge og plagede. Perpetua, Simon Peters kone, blev medlem af denne nye afdeling af kvindekorpset og blev betroet ledelsen af det udvidede kvindearbejde under Abner. Efter pinse forblev hun sammen med sin berømte mand og fulgte ham på alle hans missionsture; og den dag, Peter blev korsfæstet i Rom, blev hun fodret til de vilde dyr i arenaen. Dette nye kvindekorps havde også Filips og Mattæus’ koner og James’ og Johannes’ mødre som medlemmer.		163:7.3 (1808.5) The women’s corps also prepared to go out, two and two, with the seventy to labor in the larger cities of Perea. This original group of twelve women had recently trained a larger corps of fifty women in the work of home visitation and in the art of ministering to the sick and the afflicted. Perpetua, Simon Peter’s wife, became a member of this new division of the women’s corps and was intrusted with the leadership of the enlarged women’s work under Abner. After Pentecost she remained with her illustrious husband, accompanying him on all of his missionary tours; and on the day Peter was crucified in Rome, she was fed to the wild beasts in the arena. This new women’s corps also had as members the wives of Philip and Matthew and the mother of James and John.
163:7.4 (1808.6) Rigets arbejde forberedte sig nu på at gå ind i sin afsluttende fase under Jesu personlige lederskab. Og denne nuværende fase var præget af åndelig dybde i modsætning til de mirakelsøgende skarer, der fulgte efter Mesteren i de tidligere dage, hvor han var populær i Galilæa. Men der var stadig et antal af hans tilhængere, som var materielt indstillede, og som ikke forstod sandheden om, at himmeriget er menneskets åndelige broderskab baseret på den evige kendsgerning om Guds universelle faderskab.		163:7.4 (1808.6) The work of the kingdom now prepared to enter upon its terminal phase under the personal leadership of Jesus. And this present phase was one of spiritual depth in contrast with the miracle-minded and wonder-seeking multitudes who followed after the Master during the former days of popularity in Galilee. However, there were still any number of his followers who were material-minded, and who failed to grasp the truth that the kingdom of heaven is the spiritual brotherhood of man founded on the eternal fact of the universal fatherhood of God.