Paper 138 Overview: Training the Kingdom's Messengers

After preaching his sermon on the kingdom, Jesus began the careful process of preparing his apostles for public ministry. He first sent the original six apostles on a personal ministry mission, during which each selected a new apostle, bringing their number to twelve. Jesus then organized them with specific roles and responsibilities, establishing patterns of work and rest that would sustain their ministry.

The training process involved a five-month period where the apostles alternated between fishing to support themselves and conducting personal ministry work in the surrounding areas. During this time, they learned valuable lessons through direct experience with people, formed strong bonds of loyalty to Jesus, and gradually developed a deeper understanding of the spiritual kingdom he was proclaiming. Though they occasionally misunderstood his message, expecting an earthly kingdom rather than a spiritual one, their devotion to Jesus remained steadfast throughout this preparatory period.

After delivering his sermon on "The Kingdom," Jesus met with his six apostles to discuss plans for visiting the cities around the Sea of Galilee. His brothers James and Jude were hurt because they weren't included in this meeting, which marked the beginning of an increasing separation between Jesus and his family. This estrangement continued throughout his public ministry and was not fully resolved until after his death and resurrection. As Jesus chose his apostolic leaders, he deliberately excluded his own family members, leading to a situation where his mother wavered between faith and disappointment, while only his youngest sister Ruth remained consistently loyal.

Jesus' entire family, except for Ruth, had minimal involvement with his ministry until after his resurrection. As a prophet is not without honor except in his own country, Jesus found himself without understanding from his own family members during his most important work.

On Sunday, June 23, A.D. 26, Jesus gave his final instructions to the six apostles before their first missionary journey. He directed them to travel in pairs, teaching the good news of the kingdom through personal work rather than public preaching or baptizing. Jesus explained that this initial phase would help them gain practical experience in working with people before engaging in more formal public ministry. He sent James and John to Kheresa, Andrew and Peter to Capernaum, and Philip and Nathaniel to Tarichea.

Before their departure, Jesus announced his intention to ordain twelve apostles to continue the kingdom work after he was gone. He authorized each of the current six to select one convert for the expanded apostolic group. When John asked if these new members would share equally with them, Jesus confirmed they would, instructing the six to teach the newcomers everything about the kingdom. After some discussion led by Andrew, the six accepted this plan and departed, though somewhat disappointed that the kingdom's inauguration wasn't happening as they had imagined.

The first missionary journey proved highly successful for the six apostles. They discovered the tremendous value of direct personal contact in sharing their religious message and returned enthusiastic about their experiences. Upon their return, each apostle presented his nomination for the expanded group, and after voting on each candidate, all six new apostles were formally accepted. Jesus announced they would visit each nominee to officially call them to service.

The newly selected apostles were a diverse group: Matthew Levi, a customs collector from Capernaum (nominated by Andrew); Thomas Didymus, a fisherman and former carpenter (nominated by Philip); James Alpheus, a fisherman and farmer (nominated by James Zebedee); Judas Alpheus, James's twin brother (nominated by John Zebedee); Simon Zelotes, a former merchant and zealot officer (nominated by Peter); and Judas Iscariot, a disowned son of wealthy parents who had previously followed John the Baptist (nominated by Nathaniel). Jesus spent a full day with the six, answering questions and listening to their mission reports, confirming the wisdom of his approach of personal ministry before public proclamation.

The next day, Jesus and the six apostles visited Matthew the customs collector. As they approached his tax office, Jesus simply said, "Follow me," and Matthew immediately prepared to turn his business over to his brother. Matthew then arranged a dinner celebration at his home, inviting his family and friends, with Jesus as the guest of honor. Meanwhile, Peter informed Matthew that Simon Zelotes would also be joining the apostles and invited him to the dinner.

After lunch at Matthew's house, they went to see Simon the Zealot, who was at his place of business, now operated by his nephew. Jesus greeted Simon with the same simple command: "Follow me." That evening at Matthew's banquet, many tax collectors and so-called "sinners" were present, causing the observing Pharisees to criticize Jesus for such associations. When one Pharisee expressed this criticism to Peter, Jesus responded by saying he had come to proclaim joy to the socially downtrodden and spiritual liberty to moral captives, explaining that those who are well don't need a physician, but those who are sick do.

The following day, all nine men traveled by boat to Kheresa to formally call James and Judas Alpheus, the twin fishermen nominated by James and John Zebedee. The twins were expecting them and awaiting their arrival on the shore. James Zebedee introduced Jesus, who simply said, "Follow me," and they joined the group. That afternoon, Jesus gave them thorough instructions about attending festive gatherings, emphasizing that all people are welcome in God's kingdom, regardless of their social standing.

Jesus taught that the heavenly Father does not despise any of his creatures and that the kingdom is open to all who seek truth and God. He instructed his apostles to break bread with everyone, whether Pharisee or sinner, Sadducee or publican, Roman or Jew, rich or poor, free or bond. That evening, the twins were formally received into the apostolic family during a simple supper at the Alpheus home. Afterward, Jesus gave his apostles their first lesson about unclean spirits, though they struggled to comprehend his teachings on this complex subject.

Thomas the fisherman and Judas the wanderer met Jesus and the apostles at the fishing boat landing in Tarichea. Thomas led the group to his nearby home, where Philip presented Thomas and Nathaniel presented Judas Iscariot as nominees 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 refreshments, Jesus took all twelve apostles aside to pray with them and teach them about the Holy Spirit's nature and work. However, they largely failed to grasp these profound truths, as they consistently tried to fit Jesus' new teachings into their existing religious beliefs. The next day, Jesus left the twelve alone to become better acquainted and to reflect on his teachings. They later traveled to Capernaum, staying at Zebedee's home, where Jesus outlined plans for proclaiming the kingdom while avoiding conflict with civil authorities. During this time, Judas Iscariot asked why nothing was being done to free John from prison, showing dissatisfaction with Jesus' approach.

The next week was dedicated to intensive training for the apostles. Each day, the six new apostles worked with their respective nominators for thorough review of everything they had learned in preparation for kingdom work. In the evenings, they all assembled in Zebedee's garden to receive Jesus' instruction. During this period, Jesus established a mid-week holiday for rest and recreation, which they maintained throughout his earthly ministry. On these days, Jesus would usually spend time alone while his apostles rested or engaged in recreational activities.

Jesus made concerted efforts to help his apostles understand the distinction between his teachings and his life. He urged them to focus on proclaiming the kingdom gospel rather than creating legends about him or his teachings. He sought to avoid controversies with his apostles except when they involved misconceptions about his heavenly Father. Throughout his postbaptismal life, Jesus had only one motive: to reveal his Paradise Father more clearly. He consistently encouraged his apostles to seek sinners, comfort the anxious, and find the downhearted, as he pioneered a new and better way to God through faith and love.

Jesus planned a five-month quiet missionary campaign focused on personal work, without telling the apostles how long it would last. However, early in the first day of the week, Simon Peter, James Zebedee, and Judas Iscariot approached Jesus privately, asking when they would enter the kingdom and what positions they would hold when it was established. Jesus expressed disappointment at their misunderstanding, reminding them that his kingdom was not of this world but was a spiritual reality within the hearts of believers.

Jesus emphatically told them that his kingdom was not about power or glory and that they should focus on serving others rather than seeking positions of authority. The apostles were stunned by this rebuke, and Jesus sent them away in pairs to pray. When they returned at noon, Jesus recounted their shared experiences, including John's baptism, the marriage at Cana, and the selection of the six new apostles. Despite their disappointment, the apostles declared their unwavering devotion to Jesus. After discovering they had limited funds, Jesus instructed them to fish for two weeks to earn money before beginning their ministry work, assuring them that this practical approach aligned with God's will.

After selling their two-week catch of fish, Judas Iscariot, the appointed treasurer, divided the apostolic funds into six equal portions, with provisions already made for dependent families. Around mid-August in A.D. 26, the apostles went out two by two to their assigned work areas, following Andrew's direction. During the next several months, Jesus accompanied each pair for two weeks, enabling him to work personally with each apostle before bringing them all together for public ministry.

Jesus taught the apostles to preach forgiveness of sin through faith in God without requiring penance or sacrifice. He instructed them to avoid discussing certain topics: John the Baptist's imprisonment, the voice at Jesus' baptism, and the turning of water into wine at Cana. For five to six months, they alternated between fishing for two weeks to support themselves financially and then spending two weeks in missionary work. This practical approach proved effective, allowing them to earn sufficient money while gaining valuable ministry experience. Common people were amazed that these "ignorant" men could be both pious and joyful, contrary to what the rabbis had taught about righteousness.

This period of alternating between fishing and personal work became a significant test for the twelve apostles, but they endured it successfully. Despite occasional complaints, doubts, and dissatisfaction, they remained loyal to Jesus. The personal relationship they developed with Jesus during these testing months created such strong bonds of friendship and loyalty that they stayed faithful to him even through his death, with only Judas Iscariot eventually betraying him.

This season of public inactivity was also challenging for Jesus' family. By the time Jesus was ready to begin his public work, his entire family except Ruth had essentially abandoned him. They could not comprehend his philosophy or teachings and nearly believed he was mentally unstable. Meanwhile, the apostles continued their personal ministry work in numerous towns and cities around Galilee. By the end of this period, they had developed satisfactory arrangements for the care of their families, allowing them to devote their full energies to Jesus' work without worrying about their families' financial welfare.

The apostles organized themselves with clear roles and responsibilities: Andrew served as chairman and director general; Peter, James, and John were assigned as Jesus' personal companions to attend to his needs day and night; Philip became the group's steward, responsible for food provisions; Nathaniel watched over the apostles' families' needs; Matthew handled financial matters and balanced the budget; Thomas managed their travel itinerary and accommodations.

Additionally, James and Judas Alpheus were responsible for managing the crowds during gatherings; Simon Zelotes organized recreation and Wednesday programs; and Judas Iscariot was appointed treasurer, carrying the money bag and paying all expenses. This effective organization functioned from their early days until Judas' betrayal forced a reorganization. The apostles continued working in this manner until Sunday, January 12, A.D. 27, when Jesus formally ordained them as ambassadors of the kingdom and preachers of its good news. Shortly thereafter, they prepared to embark on their first public preaching tour in Jerusalem and Judea.