But this did not destroy their confidence in the Scriptures.  They believed the prophecy it contained would yet be fulfilled.  At this time John is supposed to have been about twelve years of age.  Had he been older, the temperament which he afterward showed, and which sometimes misled him, allows us to think that he might have been drawn into the rebellion.  Peter also in his fiery zeal might have drawn his mistaken sword.  They might have become comrades in war, as they did become in peace.  For many years they continued their Scripture studies, without however gaining the full knowledge of the Messiah and His kingdom, to which at last they attained.

[Illustration:  SIMEON AND ANNA IN THE TEMPLE Old Engraving Page 39]

CHAPTER V

Early Influences on Character

As we trace the history of the five youthful Bethsaidans, it seems almost certain that some special influence or influences helped to shape their characters, and to unite them in thought, purpose and effort; and so secure marked and grand results.  This union was not a mere coincidence.  Nor can it be accounted for by their being of the same nation or town, and having the same education common to Jewish boys.  There was something which survived the mere associations of boyhood, and continued to, or was revived in, manhood.  The influence whatever it was must have been special and powerful.  What was it?  In that little village were their faithful souls praying more earnestly than others, and searching the Scriptures more diligently, finding spiritual meanings hidden from the common readers, and so understanding more correctly, even though not perfectly, who was the true Messiah, and what He would do when He came?  Or, was there some rabbi in Bethsaida like Simeon in Jerusalem, of whom it could be said, “the Holy Ghost was upon him,” and “he was waiting for the consolation of Israel”—­the coming of the Messiah?  Or, was there a teacher of the synagogue school in Bethsaida, instructing his pupils as no other teacher did?  Or, was there some aged Anna, like the prophetess in the Temple, who “served God with fastings and prayer,” who going about the village full of thoughts concerning the Messiah, “spake of Him to all them that looked for His coming”?  Or, was it in the homes of the five that we find that special influence?  Did Jonas talk with his sons as few other fathers did, while Andrew and Peter listened most attentively to his words?  Did Zebedee and Salome, as Jonas, prepare by teaching their sons for the coming time when the two pairs of brothers should be in closer companionship than the family friendship of these Galilean fishermen and business partnership could secure?  Was Peter, full of boyish enthusiasm, a leader of the little company; or did John in quiet loveliness draw the others after himself?  Did Philip have such family training as had the other four, or was he guided by the lights that came from their homes?