Paper 138 Overview: Training the Kingdom's Messengers

Jesus carefully trained his twelve apostles to prepare them for preaching the kingdom. After ordaining them, he instructed them on how to work together and set up a trial period where they took turns fishing and preaching to gain experience. The six new apostles learned from the first six, and all twelve developed practical skills during this time.

Jesus established a weekly holiday for rest, taught them not to focus on him personally but on the kingdom message, and showed them how to organize their work. The apostles sometimes misunderstood Jesus, expecting him to set up an earthly kingdom, but Jesus patiently explained that his kingdom was spiritual and that they should focus on serving others.

After his sermon on the kingdom, Jesus met with the six apostles to share his plans for visiting cities around the Sea of Galilee. His brothers James and Jude were upset because they weren't included in this meeting. Jesus chose not to have close relatives in his group of apostle directors, which created a growing gap between him and his family that lasted until after his resurrection.

Jesus gave his final instructions to the six apostles on Sunday, June 23, A.D. 26. He told them to go out in pairs to teach about the kingdom but not to baptize or preach in public. He wanted them to gain experience with personal work first before public speaking. Jesus also announced that he wanted to ordain twelve apostles and told each one to choose a convert to become a new apostle.

The six apostles discussed Jesus' instruction about choosing new apostles before going to work. Andrew convinced them to trust Jesus' judgment in this matter. Meanwhile, Jesus visited his family in Nazareth and thought about John the Baptist in prison, resisting the temptation to use his powers to free him.

The first missionary trip of the six was very successful. They discovered how valuable direct personal contact was in teaching people about religion. When they returned to Jesus, they were eager to share their experiences and present their nominations for the six new apostles. Jesus had them vote on each candidate and announced they would visit them all to officially call them to service.

The newly selected apostles were: Matthew Levi (chosen by Andrew), Thomas Didymus (chosen by Philip), James Alpheus (chosen by James Zebedee), Judas Alpheus (chosen by John Zebedee), Simon Zelotes (chosen by Peter), and Judas Iscariot (chosen by Nathaniel). Jesus spent a full day answering their questions and listening to their reports, confirming that his plan of personal ministry was wise.

Jesus and the six apostles went to call upon Matthew, the customs collector. Jesus simply said to him, "Follow me," and Matthew left his tax office to join them. Matthew then invited Jesus and the apostles to a dinner at his house for his family and friends, and Jesus agreed. Peter told Matthew about Simon Zelotes joining them and invited him to the dinner too.

Later that day, they visited Simon Zelotes, who was working at his business. Jesus called him with the same simple words: "Follow me." That evening at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and others attended the dinner. The Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with "sinners," but Jesus responded by saying he came to proclaim joy to those who were downtrodden, and that the healthy don't need a doctor but the sick do.

The next day, all nine of them went by boat to Kheresa to call James and Judas Alpheus, the twin fishermen nominated by James and John Zebedee. The twins were waiting for them on the shore. James Zebedee introduced Jesus to them, and Jesus simply said, "Follow me," and they agreed to join his group.

That afternoon, Jesus taught them about attending gatherings and feasts. He told them that the kingdom of heaven is open to all people, regardless of their background or social standing. That evening at the Alpheus home, the twins were officially received into the apostolic family, and Jesus taught them about unclean spirits, though they didn't understand much of what he said.

Thomas the fisherman and Judas the wanderer met Jesus and the apostles at Tarichea. Philip presented Thomas and Nathaniel presented Judas Iscariot for apostleship. Jesus said to Thomas, "Thomas, you lack faith; nevertheless, I receive you. Follow me." To Judas, he 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."

After refreshing themselves, Jesus took the twelve aside to pray and teach them about the Holy Spirit, but they had trouble understanding his teachings. The next day, Jesus left them alone so they could get acquainted and think about what he had taught them. When they reached Capernaum, Jesus explained that they should avoid conflicts with civil authorities and not denounce Caesar or his servants.

The next week was devoted to intensive training. Each day the six new apostles worked with the ones who had nominated them, reviewing Jesus' teachings. In the evenings, they all gathered in Zebedee's garden to receive instruction from Jesus. During this time, Jesus set up a mid-week holiday for rest and recreation, which they followed for the rest of his life.

Jesus tried to help his apostles understand the difference between his teachings and his life. He wanted them to focus on proclaiming the kingdom, not creating legends about him. He also avoided controversies except when they involved wrong ideas about his Father in heaven. His only goal was to better reveal his Paradise Father, and he encouraged the apostles to seek sinners and comfort the anxious.

Jesus planned a quiet five-month missionary campaign of personal work. But early in the week, Peter, James Zebedee, and Judas Iscariot asked Jesus when he would establish the kingdom and what positions they would hold. Jesus was disappointed and told them his kingdom was not of this world and was not about power or glory, but about serving others and submitting to God's will.

The apostles were shocked, and Jesus sent them away in pairs to pray. When they returned at noon, Jesus reminded them of their experiences so far and warned that the enemy would try to draw them away. The apostles pledged their loyalty to Jesus, even though Thomas admitted he didn't fully understand the kingdom. Jesus told them to fish for two weeks to earn money before beginning their ministry.

After selling their fish catches, Judas Iscariot, the treasurer, divided the money into six equal portions. Around mid-August, A.D. 26, they went out two by two to work in the areas assigned by Andrew. Jesus went with each pair for two weeks, giving them personal guidance before gathering them all for public ministry.

Jesus taught them to preach about forgiveness of sin through faith in God, without requiring penance or sacrifice. He told them not to discuss John's imprisonment, the voice at his baptism, or the water-into-wine miracle at Cana. They continued this pattern of fishing for two weeks and then preaching for two weeks for more than five months, earning enough to support themselves and their ministry.

The period of alternating fishing and personal work was difficult for the twelve apostles, but they passed the test. Even when they had doubts or complaints, they remained loyal to Jesus. Their personal time with Jesus during these months created strong bonds of friendship and loyalty that kept them faithful to him even during his trial and crucifixion.

This quiet period was also a test for Jesus' family, who had nearly abandoned him because they couldn't understand his teaching. Meanwhile, the apostles worked in various towns and villages, making arrangements to care for their families, so they could give full attention to Jesus' work. By the end of this period, they had developed good plans for supporting their families while they continued their ministry.

The apostles organized themselves with specific roles: Andrew was the chairman and director; Peter, James, and John were Jesus' personal companions; Philip was the steward who provided food; Nathaniel watched over the apostles' families; Matthew was the fiscal agent; Thomas managed their travel schedule; James and Judas Alpheus managed the crowds; Simon Zelotes organized recreation; and Judas Iscariot was the treasurer.

This organization helped them function effectively from the beginning until Judas betrayed Jesus. They continued in this way until Sunday, January 12, A.D. 27, when Jesus formally ordained them as ambassadors of the kingdom and preachers of its good news. Soon after that, they prepared to leave for Jerusalem and Judea on their first public preaching tour.