The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 27

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THE TRAINING OF THE TWELVE 21 that the gospel of the kingdom would be preached to all nations for a witness; He knew that truth armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the battle with evil, and that the blood-stained banner would one day wave triumphantly over His followers. As Christ's earthly ministry drew to a close, and He realized that He must soon leave His disciples to carry on the work without His personal supervision, He sought to encourage them, and to prepare them for the future. He did not deceive them with false hopes. As an open book He read what was to be. He knew He was about to be separated from them, to leave them as sheep among wolves. He knew that they would suffer persecution, that they would be cast out of the synagogues, and would be thrown into prison. He knew that for witnessing to Him as the Messiah, some of them would suffer death. And something of this He told them. In speaking of their future. He was plain and definite, that in their coming trial they might remember His words, and be strengthened to believe in Him as the Redeemer. He spoke to them also words of hope and courage. *^Let not your heart be troubled,'' He said; ^'ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself ; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. ' ' ' For your sake I came into the world; for you I have been working. ^ John 14:1-4,