The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vol 1 - Predestination

of Peter, which at that period may have been ' the
house' or temporary' home ' of the Saviour, as to
fill its limited space to overflowing, and even to
crowd out to the door and beyond it. The general
impression on our minds is, that this audience was
rather in a state of indecision than of sympathy
with Jesus. It included ' Pharisees and doctors of
the Law,' who had come on purpose from the
towns of Galilee, from Judsea, and from
Jerusalem. These occupied the ' uppermost rooms,'
sitting, no doubt, near to Jesus. Their influence
must have been felt by the people. Although
irresistibly attracted by Jesus, an element of
curiosity, if not of doubt, would mingle with their
feelings, as they looked at their leaders, to whom
long habit attached the most superstitious
veneration. If one might so say, it was like the
gathering of Israel on Mount Carmel, to witness the
issue as between Elijah and the priests of Baal.
Although in no wise necessary to the understanding
of the event, it is helpful to try and realise the
scene. We can picture to ourselves the Saviour
'speaking the Word' to that eager, interested