Page:Jesus of Nazareth the story of His life simply told (1917).djvu/140

 them. The Evangelists, who have written the Gospel story, all name him first in their lists of the Apostles. He was not the oldest, not the first called, but he was "the Rock."

Simon, Andrew and John had like so many others left their homes in Galilee to come down to Judea that they might hear the preaching of John the Baptist. The fourth disciple, Philip of Bethsaida, was another Galilean fisherman. He came from the village of Simon and Andrew on the shore of the Lake.

The day after His words to Peter our Lord was returning with His little company to Galilee when "He found Philip," says St. John. To the disciples this meeting first with one then with another of them might seem to be chance. But there is no chance with God. Each of this chosen band was sought out by the Master, and at the right moment found.

Looking on Philip He said to him:

"Follow Me."

Two words, but enough. Philip followed, and was so happy in the company of his new Master that he could not rest till he had made Him known to a friend of his named Nathaniel. Nathaniel was sitting alone under a fig tree when Philip broke in upon his solitude exclaiming joyfully:

"We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and the prophets did speak, Jesus of Nazareth."

"Of Nazareth." His little speech could scarcely have had a more unfortunate ending, the effect of the good news was spoilt completely.

"Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Nathaniel replied coldly.

"Come and see," was the answer. It took some persuasion, but at length the two were on their way to our