Chapter 8—The Ministry of John
The apostle John passed his early life in the society of the un-
cultivated fishermen of Galilee. He did not enjoy the training of the
schools; but by association with Christ, the Great Teacher, he obtained
the highest education which mortal man can receive. He drank eagerly
at the fountain of wisdom, and then sought to lead others to that “well
of water springing up into everlasting life” (
John 4:14
). The simplic-
ity of his words, the sublime power of the truths he uttered, and the
spiritual fervor that characterized his teachings gave him access to
all classes. Yet even believers were unable to fully comprehend the
sacred mysteries of divine truth unfolded in his discourses. He seemed
to be constantly imbued with the Holy Spirit. He sought to bring the
thoughts of the people up to grasp the unseen. The wisdom with which
he spoke, caused his words to drop as the dew, softening and subduing
the soul.
After the ascension of Christ, John stands forth a faithful, ardent
laborer for the Master. With others he enjoyed the outpouring of
the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and with fresh zeal and power he
continued to speak to the people the words of life. He was threatened
with imprisonment and death, but he would not be intimidated.
[62]
Multitudes of all classes come out to listen to the preaching of the
apostles, and are healed of their diseases through the name of Jesus,
that name so hated among the Jews. The priests and rulers are frantic
in their opposition as they see that the sick are healed and Jesus is
exalted as the Prince of life. They fear that soon the whole world will
believe on Him, and then accuse them of murdering the Mighty Healer.
But the greater their efforts to stop this excitement, the more believe
on Him and turn from the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees. They
are filled with indignation, and laying hands on Peter and John, thrust
them into the common prison. But the angel of the Lord, by night,
opens the prison doors, brings them forth, and says, “Go, stand and
speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life” (
Acts 5:20
).
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