repeat some of the general sentiments which He had delivered concerning His passion and some other subjects; but they do not present any explanations concerning them, to show that they understood them better then than at the time when it was said of them, "they understood none of these things." Moreover, we find some of the disciples disputing about the duty of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, and Peter was gifted with a vision as a means for terminating the strife.[1] Paul, who was born out of due time, and who tells us that he was not a whit behind the very chiefest Apostles,[2] declares that they saw through a glass darkly; that they knew but in part, and prophesied but in part, and that they looked forward to a period when that which was more perfect should come.[3] About these facts there can be no reasonable dispute; and who can doubt that the more perfect period contemplated was that of the second coming of the Lord? But how did they understand that event? Let us turn our attention to this inquiry.
It is well known that the disciples commonly interpreted the Lord's teachings respecting the future glory of His kingdom as referring to a reinstatement of the Jewish monarchy in its former glory. Several instances of such interpretation are recorded. The application of James and John to obtain specific appointments in His kingdom, afford a very conspicuous instance;[4] for the other ten were indignant at this attempt to forestall them in the dignities they were all expecting. But notwithstanding the explanation which the Lord gave upon the subject, we find that the old idea still adhered to them; for in the interview which they had with the Lord just previous to His ascension, and which
