Chapter 18—Meeting of the Brethren
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain
where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they wor-
shiped him; but some doubted.” There were others besides the eleven
who assembled on the mountain-side. After he had revealed himself to
them, certain followers of Jesus were only partially convinced of his
identity with the crucified One. But none of the eleven had any doubt
upon the subject. They had listened to his words, revealing the straight
chain of prophecy in regard to himself. He had eaten with them, and
shown them his wounded side and his pierced hands and feet, and they
had handled him, so there was no room for unbelief in their minds.
This meeting at Galilee had been appointed by the Saviour; the an-
gel from Heaven had announced it to several of the disciples; and Jesus
himself had given them special directions in regard to it, saying, “After
I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.” The place upon the
mountain-side was selected by Jesus, because of its accommodation
for a large company. This meeting was of the utmost importance to
the church, which was soon to be left to carry on the work without
the personal presence of the Saviour. Jesus here designed to manifest
himself to all the brethren that should assemble, in order that all their
doubt and unbelief might be swept away.
The appointment of Jesus was repeated to those who believed on
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him, while they were yet lingering at Jerusalem, attending the festal
occasions which followed the passover. The tidings reached many
lonely ones who were mourning the death of their Lord; and they
made their way to the place of meeting by circuitous routes, coming
in from every direction, that they might not excite the suspicion of the
jealous Jews. With the most intense interest they assembled together.
Those who had been favored with a sight of the resurrected Saviour
recounted to the doubting ones the messages of the angels, and their
interviews with their Master. They reasoned from scripture, as Jesus
had done with them, showing how every specification of prophecy
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