Matthew 18:21 says, Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?  I believe that when Peter asked Jesus this question that he was still looking at fulfilling the law and what he would have to do to be justified by the law.  We may at times look to justify ourselves based on how well we keep God's commandments, but we can never do enough to do so.  Verse twenty-two states, Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.  If Peter was looking to justify himself, Jesus made it impossible.  The law may have required forgiving someone seven times, but Jesus said that we are to forgive them seventy times seven, which would basically mean that there is no limit on forgiving others.  Verse twenty-three says, Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.  Jesus was once more using a simple parable to teach Peter and the other disciples a lesson about what God expects of His people.  The king would be representative of God.  Verse twenty-four states, And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.  One of the king's servants who owed him a great debt was brought before the king.  Anytime we go before God we go as a great debtor at His mercy.  There was no doubt that the debt was owed, just as there can be no doubt that we are indebted to God.  Verse twenty-five states, But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.  The king demanded that the debt be paid, and that everything the servant owned, including his family, be sold.  God could make such a demand on us, and we still would not have paid the debt.  Verse twenty-six says, The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  The servant asked for patience, or mercy.  That is all we can ask from God.  The servant promised to repay the king, and we know that we never can repay God, even if we promise to.  Verse twenty-seven says, Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.  Like this king, when we come to God, through faith in Christ, He will be moved with compassion for us.  Verse twenty-eight then states, But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.  This servant who was forgiven by the king encountered a person who owed him money, and instead of having compassion on Him, he violently demanded payment. This would refer to followers of Christ, who had been totally freed from our debt to God not being willing to forgive others who are indebted to us.  Verse twenty-nine states, And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  This was the same reaction that the servant demanding payment had with the king.  We are like the one that the debt was owed to.  Having been forgiven of our debt to God, how do we react to those who owe us a debt?  Verse thirty declares, And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.  The forgiven servant did not forgive.  He had the one who owed him cast into prison until he could repay him.  We can assume that this was his legal right, but we as followers of Christ are called on to act with compassion instead of demanding satisfaction under the law.  Verse thirty-one says, So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.  The other servants saw what was done, were sorry and told the Lord what had happened.  We can be certain that God knows what we do, even without someone telling Him.  Verse thirty-two states, Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:  The lord was not at all happy with the unforgiving servant, and reminded him what the lord had done for Him.  He was called a wicked servant.  When we as followers of Christ refuse to forgive others when they in some way harm us, we are just as evil from God's perspective.  Verse thirty-three asks, Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?  The lord wanted to know why his servant didn't have compassion for his fellow servant.  God expects His followers to be compassionate and forgiving to those around them, even those who may have harmed them.  Verse thirty-four declares, And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.  The servant, who had been forgiven but would not forgive was delivered to his tormentors until the debt was repaid.  I believe that God takes forgiveness very seriously, and He expects us to forgive others.  We can never repay what we owe God, so our only hope is His forgiveness, and we are told that He will forgive us as we forgive others. In verse thirty-five Jesus says, So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.  Jesus makes very clear the importance of forgiving others.  This parable was in answer to Peter's question about how many times we should forgive another person, and I believe that the answer is as often as necessary.

Matthew 18:12 says, How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?  Jesus had just said that He came to save the lost, and now He uses the analogy of a shepherd who had lost one out of a hundred sheep.  Jesus asked if the shepherd would leave the ninety-nine who were safe and go search for the one that was lost.  The shepherd would not endanger those sheep that were safe, but would make the lost sheep his priority.  Jesus does not leave us defenseless when He is searching for the lost of the world, but leaves us safe in the arms of God.  Verse thirteen states,  And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.  This rejoicing over the one lost sheep that was found more than that ninety-nine who were safe does not mean that they are not important, but Jesus had stated that His purpose was to save the lost, and when one is saved, who comes safely into His fold, then He rejoices and so should we.  Verse fourteen declares, Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.  Jesus tells us that just like the shepherd looking for the lost sheep, so is the heavenly Father.  God does not want anyone, even the least in the eyes of the world to perish, so He sent Jesus to save all who will believe in Him.  We need to acknowledge that God does not send anyone to hell, but that He simply allows them to go there if they reject the salvation of Christ.  Verse fifteen states, Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.  Jesus now begins to speak about the relationship between people, and I believe that it applies to those who follow Him in particular.   If we feel that someone has somehow harmed us, we are to go to that person and tell them what we think they have done, and that we are to keep it between the two of us.  We are not told to go to someone else and ask if they can believe what this person has done to us.  Verse sixteen says, But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.  Jesus tells us if they will not reconcile, then to take one or two more that by the mouth of two or more witnesses the truth can be established.  Still, we often refuse to believe that something wrong has occurred, even if several people say it has happened.  Verse seventeen declares, And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.  Jesus said if the person refused to hear when two or three others went to that person, the take them before the whole church.  The church represents Christ in the world, and we are charged with following in obedience to Him.  If we profess to follow Jesus, then we must listen to our fellow believers if they attempt to correct us when we are doing something to harm the witness of the church.  Jesus then said that if a person would not listen to the church, then that person is to be treated as a heathen or a publican.  There really is no room within the church body for personal disputes, nor is there really room for such disputes between individual Christians.  If they occur, we must do all that we can to resolve them.  In verse eighteen Jesus says, Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.  Again, I believe that this means anyone we reach with the gospel will be freed from the power of sin and death, and those who will not listen will still be bound.  Verse nineteen states, Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.  Again, this would have to be done for God's glory and not for our own personal desires.  Verse twenty states, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.  When we gather together as followers of Christ, then God is in the midst of us.  We do not gather to be entertained, but we gather to glorify God and learn how to better represent Him in the world.

Matthew 18:1 says, At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?  The disciples still did not understand the true nature of the kingdom of Christ.  They were basically asking which of them would have the highest position of power in the kingdom of Christ.  Matthew Henry says that they had missed the fact of the suffering that Christ would endure, and instead had focused on His glory to come.  We cannot go to Christ demanding to be great in His kingdom, but can only go to Him by declaring our own unwothiness, and humbling ourselves before the cross.  In verse two and three, Jesus answers them saying, And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,  Then continuing in verse three, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  The disciples were concerned with positions of power, and Jesus called a little child to Himself.  Then, He said that unless the disciples be converted and become as little children, they would not enter God's kingdom, much less rule in it.  We can only come to Jesus with a childlike faith, then rely on Him to teach us and help us grow in faith.  We can never come to Jesus simply for some position of power, either in this world or the one to come.  Salvation is not about material riches or power, but is simply about restoration to a right relationship with God, through the sacrifice of Christ.  Verse four states, Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus told the disciples that instead of worrying about positions of power that they must humble themselves as a little child if they wanted to be great in the kingdom of God.  A little child had no power or wisdom to offer to God, but could only come to Jesus by faith.  That is the same way we must.  Verse five declares, And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.  We are to receive those who come to Jesus by faith, especially the children.  I cannot say at what age a child comes to understand the need to come to Jesus for salvation, but I can say that no matter how young or old we may be, we must come to Jesus as a child.  We place our lives in His hands as simple servants of God, not as someone demanding a position of power.  Verse six states, But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  This is a very strict warning against offending those who come to Jesus as little children.  I believe that sometimes we accept that someone, especially a child, comes to a saving understanding of salvation and put their faith in Him, but we do not expect them to have any real ability to serve God.  Since we all come to Jesus in childlike faith, then no matter our earthly age, we are all expected to grow in our relationship to Christ, and we should never hinder anyone from doing so.  Jesus said the penalty for doing so would be severe.  Verse seven states, Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!  Jesus says that offences to the gospel must come in the world, but pronounces woe on those who are responsible for the offences.  Though nothing may happen to those who work against or simply fail to accept the gospel, they will know the woe that Jesus spoke of when He returns.  Verse eight says, wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.  Jesus once more tells us that if our hands of feet offend us, or come between God and us, it is better to cut them off if necessary to remain faithful to God.  In verse eight Jesus continues, And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.  Jesus again tells us the same thing applies to the eyes.  If what we see continually leads us to sin, then we are better off blind and faithful.  Verse ten says, Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.  We cannot simply dismiss those who come to Jesus as being saved without also leading them to grow in their faith.  Verse eleven declares, For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.  Jesus came to save those who are lost, and that means anyone who puts their faith in Him as Savior and Lord, no matter what their earthly circumstances may be.  Once saved, we are all equal in the sight of God.

Matthew 17:22 says, And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:  Jesus warned the disciples that He would be betrayed into the hands of men.  I believe that anytime we act out of fear of the world or greed for the things of the world instead of faith in God that we betray Jesus.  We know that Judas betrayed Jesus for material gain and that Peter even denied knowing Him after Jesus was arrested.  This is what will happen when we do not truly accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord, or when we allow our faith in Him to waver.  I wonder how many times we may have had an opportunity to speak out for Jesus, but have allowed greed or fear to prevent us from doing so.  If we have done this, in that moment we betrayed Jesus.  Verse twenty-three states, And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.  Jesus told the disciples that He would be killed and rise again the third day.  This was His purpose in coming to earth, to pay the penalty of sin for all people for all time.  Of course, we have to accept Jesus' gift of salvation, but He died even for the sins of those who refuse to believe and accept His gift of salvation.  Verse twenty-four says, And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?  When Jesus and the disciples came to Capernaum, Peter was asked about if his Master, Jesus, paid tribute.  This was not a civil tribute, or tax, but a religious one.  Those asking the question did not go to Jesus, but to Peter.  If they had questions about Jesus, they should have gone to Jesus for the answer, and so should we.  Verse twenty-five states, He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?  Peter answered yes, without asking Jesus.  If we are going to profess to speak for Jesus, we need to first make sure that we have gone to Him for the answer.  Jesus asked Peter what he was doing.  Hopefully, Jesus never has to ask us the same thing.  Jesus asked Peter who earthly rulers asked tribute of, their own children, or citizens, or strangers.  Verse twenty-six says, Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.  Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.  Jesus provided the money for the tribute.  He said He did so to not offend those asking about tribute.  I don't believe that this means that we are to give in to the demands of the world, but that Jesus did not want those who were against Him to have a reason for being so.  This was simply a material matter and not a spiritual one.  Jesus never gave in on spiritual matters, and neither should we.

Matthew 17:14 says, And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,  Jesus and His disciples were once again among the multitudes.  After we spend time alone with God, we must once more go out to the multitudes.  God never calls us to isolate ourselves from the world, but calls us to go to the multitudes.  I believe that too often, we as followers of Christ, withdraw from the world in fear, instead of reaching out to the lost people in the world empowered by God.  The world can indeed be a scary place, but our God is greater than any world power.  A certain man came to Jesus with a particular need.  If we have concerns today, we must bring them to Jesus.  Verse fifteen states, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.  The man made his concern, which was about his son, known to Jesus.  The man's son was a lunatic, according to the man.  The son was often injuring himself, either falling into the fire or the water.  We should always bring our concerns, especially about our children, to God.  No matter how bad off we may think they are, through Christ there is always hope.  Verse sixteen says, And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.  The man said he had already brought his son to the disciples and they could not cure him.  Although we do not have the power to heal the lost of the world by our own ability, we do know that Jesus said that through faith in Him we could do everything that He did on earth, except be the Savior of the world.  Verse seventeen states, Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.  Jesus was not speaking about the man who came to Him, but about the those who were following Him, and I believe the disciples in particular.  Jesus said that they were a faithless and perverse generation.  What would Jesus call us today, who profess to follow Him, but often cower in fear, afraid of what the world may do to us if we boldly profess Christ.  We need to realize that through the power of the Holy Spirit that we never need to be afraid of anyone, or anything, in this world.  When we are, it shows a lack of faith on our part.  Even though Jesus was not to physically be with them much longer, though our faith in Him, He is with us forever, through the Holy Spirit indwelling us.  We must not doubt that God will give us the ability to accomplish anything He calls us to do.  Verse eighteen states, And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.  We never find a case where the Devil had any power over Jesus, just as the Devil has no power over us if we are living under the power of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus rebuked the devil, the devil departed, and the child was cured that very hour.  Verse nineteen says, Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?  The disciples wanted to know why they failed.  We today may sometimes wonder why we aren't able to do great things for Christ.  It is best to go to God for the answer.  Verse twenty declares, And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.  Jesus told the disciples that it was because of their unbelief.  They did not really have faith in Jesus to empower them to cast out this devil. Jesus said that with even a mustard seed amount of faith that they could move mountains.  I believe that this would not be simply to show of their faith, but would be to bring glory to God and accomplish His purpose.  Just like the disciples, if we struggle in doing what we know God wants us to do, it is because our faith is too small.  Verse twenty-one says, Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.  Jesus tells us that this mountain moving faith only comes from prayer and fasting, which help us focus on the will of God.

Matthew 17:1 says, And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,  After six days, Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a high mountain with Him.  We are not told what happened in that week, but I believe that we can safely say that Jesus was still preparing His disciples for His coming death, burial and resurrection.  I do not know why Jesus took only these three disciples, nor how the other disciples felt about being left behind.  What we must acknowledge is that not everyone is called to follow Jesus in the exact same way, and we must never feel jealous if someone else seems to do something for Jesus that seems to bring them more glory in the eyes of the world.  The opposite is also true.  Peter, James and John could not go down the mountain claiming to be morally superior to the other disciples, and no matter what we do for God today, we can never feel morally superior to other Christians.  Verse two states, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.  These three disciples got at least a glimpse of Who Jesus really was.  His face shined like the sun and His clothes were as white as light.  I cannot imagine what Peter, James and John felt, but they must have been overwhelmed.  Verse three states, And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.  Moses and Elijah appeared talking with Jesus.  I personally do not believe that they returned to earth, but that these three got a glimpse into Heaven.  Verse three states, Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.  Peter was ready to build tabernacles for Moses, Elijah and Jesus.  Peter said this would be a good thing, but none of the three could stay long in this world.  Moses and Elijah were already in heaven, and Jesus would soon be.  We cannot keep Jesus to ourselves, but have a responsibility to go out into the world with His message of salvation.  Verse five declares, While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.  Even as Peter stated his plan, a bright cloud overshadowed them.  Then the voice of God came down, telling these three disciples that Jesus was God's beloved Son, with whom God was well pleased, and that they should listen to Jesus.  Just like Peter, instead of attempting to tell Jesus what to do, we need to simply listen to what He wants us to do.  Verse six says,  And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.  I am not sure how we would react if we heard a voice from heaven, declaring that Jesus was the beloved Son of God.  The three disciples there fell to their faces and were very afraid.  God does speak to each individual, maybe not in such dramatic fashion, but He does call everyone to Him, through His beloved Son Jesus.  Verse seven declares, And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.  Jesus touched them, told them to arise and to not be afraid.  When Jesus comes into our life today, if we listen to and accept His call, then we no longer need to be afraid.  We have everlasting security through our faith in Christ.  Verse eight states, And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.  When they looked up, they didn't see the source of the voice, only Jesus.  When we come to God, we can only come by seeing Jesus alone as our Savior and Lord.  Verse nine says, And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.  When they came down off the mountain, Jesus told Peter, James and John to not tell anyone what they had seen.  We today, since Jesus has completed His redemptive act, are told to go and tell the world about Him.  Verse ten says, And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?  The disciples questioned Jesus about why the scribes said that Elias, or Elijah, had to come before the Messiah could come.  They were looking for a physical return of Elijah, once more misinterpreting the scripture.  We must be careful that we do not attempt to change what God's word says into what we think it should say.  Verse eleven states, And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.  Jesus answered them, just as He will answer our questions today.  Jesus said that Elijah must come first to restore all things, but He was not speaking of a physical return of Elijah.  Verse twelve says, But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.  Jesus said Elijah had already come, but the people did not recognize or accept him, just as they would fail to recognize Jesus and He would suffer at their hands.  Verse thirteen declares, Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.  The disciples, when they asked Jesus about Elijah, were led to the understanding that Jesus was speaking about John the Baptist, who was the one who was like Elijah returning.  When we go to Jesus with a question, if we listen to His answer, we will be left with a clear understanding of what God is really saying to us.  Jesus did not change the scripture, but He gave the disciples a better understanding of what the scripture actually said.  We are never going to be led by God to do anything that goes against the scripture, but by the leadership of the Holy Spirit we will always be led to a clearer understanding of what the scripture does say.

Matthew 16:21 says, From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.  Jesus now began to prepare His disciples for what was ahead for Him.  Jesus told them that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, those who were supposedly God's representatives to His people.  This would ultimately lead to Jesus's death, burial and resurrection the third day, which He had already said was the only sign that would be given in order for people to accept Him as the Messiah.  It is still the only sign today.  We either accept this by faith, or Jesus has no meaning in our life.  Verse twenty-two declares, Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.  Peter, whose faith had just been called a rock, now began to rebuke Jesus.  Peter still did not accept Who Jesus really was.  As followers of Christ, if we are led to a place of Christ suffering, must never rebuke, or question, the will of Christ.  We cannot make Jesus into anything other than Who He is if He is to truly be the Lord of our life.  In verse twenty-three Jesus says, But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.  Having just praised Peter for his faith, Jesus now calls him Satan, because Peter was wanting the things of the world and not the will of God.  We must be careful that we never become the same way, pronouncing Christ as our Savior and Lord, but then desiring the things of the world more than we do following the will of God.  In verse twenty-four Jesus declares, Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  As I have said before, this is about as far removed from a prosperity gospel as we can get.  God wants us to be happy, not because of material wealth, but because we are saved by Christ.  Verse twenty-five continues, For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.  I believe that Jesus is telling us that if we live for earthly satisfaction above living for by will of God, then we may gain a lot materially, but we will lose our everlasting life with God.  Not even saving our physical life should come between God and us.  Verse twenty-six declares, For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  Once more, Jesus tells us nothing, even the riches of the whole world, should come between God and us.  The richest person in the world, if that person does not accept Jesus as Savior, loses their immortal soul, and everything they own, when they die.  Verse twenty-seven states, For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.  This does not mean that we work for our salvation, but that the things that we do for God after we are saved will be rewarded.  Salvation is a free gift, but we do then have a responsibility to do the work that God calls us to do.  Verse twenty-eight says, Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.  I do not believe that Jesus was referring to the second coming, but to His ascension into heaven after His death and resurrection.  This was truly the beginning of the kingdom of Christ.