“…I have come to run because it is right, true and just thing for me to do…to live at my authentic level. My true goal, to reach my original splendor. Run for my life…”
“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” Luke 21:19
Bernice winced. A smoky remnant of singed flesh assailed her nostrils. She pushed harder and harder running in any direction that might bring her relief from the terror ripping inside of her.
Bernice was gasping for freedom; propelling her legs to defy the putrid gravity of the bloodied ground’s recalcitrant cries. She couldn’t shake the shadows of dark horror swirling around her. Bodies expunged on wooden stakes were erected everywhere as monuments of the ruling power casting its dense fog of chaos sieging Rome.
Her furtive glances were drawn to the groans of a pierced dying man. His arms reaching for the silent heavens as he assumed his destiny as a sentinel marking a corner of the Appian Way. His defiant purpose twisted in gnarly contortions. His body racked in sacrificial supplications. He implored her from the rolled back whites of his eyes. His blue lips were trembling, barely moving whispering something to her – but what? She couldn’t make out what he was trying to tell her…
Bartholomew dug his sandaled feet into the loose dirt to steady his gait. One more step and he’d be standing on top of the hill. Here he’d be able to get a good look at everything. The harvest was right around the corner and this was his favorite time of year.
Bartholomew closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. Below him stretched rows and rows of fig trees and grape vines. He let the gentle breeze slip between his eye lids to tease them apart. He was not disappointed. His senses were entreated by an array of multicolored wild flowers stretching as far as his eyes could see. The profusion of floral displays bowed to the whims of breezes moving over a sea of verdant grass carpeting the hillsides of the orchards.
Figs and grapes had been in Bartholomew’s family for generations. He was intimately attuned to their wondrous, bequeathing patterns of resting and fruiting. He took pride in his keen sensitivity to their lives. Bartholomew was confident that his half day journey to the fields was well timed. The harvest would be soon.
Figs on the tree were coaxing sun beams to soften their eager plumping skins. Many of the grapes were bursting with fruity potential holding onto their juicy elixir as the others on the vine were finishing their ripening. “Yes, this would be a good year,” he thought to himself.
Bartholomew pursed his lips calculating the details of the yield. He lifted his fingers to trace lines between the large green leafy canopies of the trees. He was estimating how he might optimize the harvest. Bartholomew took pride in his ability to coach his laborers. He wanted their work to go smoothly.
As a child, Bartholomew’s father had him work in the fields with the laborers. The bounty of a yield was humbling. He loved being covered from head to toe with the remnants of his work. His eager hands searching for the best fruit. Each basket was a proud treasure. However it didn’t take long for his excitement to be thwarted by the indefatigable obstinacy of the bounty. This made a lasting impression. He respected the work; it was never easy. Bartholomew learned to see laborers as nothing less than the hands of Adonai.
Bartholomew’s father didn’t want him to become a callous owner consumed with hoarding harvests. Bartholomew learned to be a steward. His father taught him to always be ready for the real Master of the fields to be appear. The fields’ richness is a blessing. All of this prepared Bartholomew well for the even greater responsibility of being a father.
Bartholomew was lost deep in his memories. He was oblivious to the huffing and puffing sound of a young boy running up behind him. He felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see the red, flushed face of his servant bent towards the ground.
Placing a gentle hand on the boy’s sun burned neck Bartholomew inquired, “What is it dear boy? You’ve run such a long way to find me. Catch your breath then tell me everything. I’m all ears…”
“It’s your wife,” the servant choked.
Bartholomew lifted his servant’s chin. “My wife? Is she okay? Has the baby come? Is the baby alright?” Becoming distraught he continued in a strained voice, “but it’s too early… the midwife assured me it would be weeks before the baby was born.”
Tears were streaming down the servants face. “The news is unexpected and very difficult for me to share.”
Bartholomew steadied the boy’s shaking. “Please speak freely… tell me what you know and don’t fear my response.”
The servant’s eyes bulged. He stammered, “It’s… it’s your wife. She’s dead.”
He stopped waiting for Bartholomew’s response. He searched Bartholomew’s face locked in an imploring, pained expression. He continued, “She went into labor. It was sudden like an attack of a ravenous animal pursuing her. Her screams were piercing. People ran to her. They did all they could to help but nothing made a difference. Master, she fought with all her might. I’ve never seen anyone in so much pain. She begged Adonai to spare her baby and take her life…”
Bartholomew dropped to the ground. His whimpering sobs boiled into an uncontrollable bawl. He clenched his fist beating his chest over and over again; tearing his tunic.
The servant’s hand reached for Bartholomew and stopped. Quivering he whispered, “She brought your son into the world. And with her last breath, a second child. Master, you’re a father of twins; a boy and a girl.”
Bernice[1] sprinted past Thomas[2] escaping his flailing arms trying to catch her. This was their favorite game when Papa was busy. Thomas might have been strong but Bernice was as fast as the wind. They spent hours playing this way, laughing and goading each other. It was their secret language. If Bernice happened to slip, fall or become injured in any way, their games of flight and fight came to an abrupt end. Thomas was always there to pick Bernice up and comfort her.
Thomas declared he was going to be strong and valiant in life. He loved facing down fears. He made a daily ritual of seeking any new experience he could find; approaching the unknown with reckless abandonment. Bernice ran interference for Thomas. She was his loyal sentry. If he was somewhere he shouldn’t be or doing something he shouldn’t being doing, Bernice made sure she alerted him before he was discovered and got into trouble.
Bernice hungered for speed and agility. She practiced dodging people in the marketplace. A feint to the left, a quick step to the right, and a swift unexpected kick was sure to startle unexpected market goers. Bernice had a reputation. Bartholomew had to apologize on more than one occasion to someone unnerved by one of her acrobatic antics.
Bernice and Thomas saw Papa walking home. They ran to greet him. Of course Bernice reached him first. Papa wrapped his children in a huge hug. They immediately went to work on pestering him to tell them a story. They loved when Papa sat them on his lap and regaled them with all kinds of adventures and tales. Thomas liked to hear Papa tell stories about Joshua conquering the Canaanites and knocking down the walls of Jericho. Bernice liked to hear about the Hebrew woman Miriam leading the Israelites out of Egypt with her brother Moses and Aaron.
Thomas pleaded first, “Papa, papa we want to hear a story. Tell us about Joshua.”
“I got here first,” retorted Bernice shaking her finger at Thomas. “I think Papa should tell us about Miriam.”
Papa suppressed an encouraging grin. It tickled him to see the children vie for his attention. Nothing could have prepared him for the joys and challenges of cultivating the spirts of his children.
There was something special about them. Was it fatherly pride? Maybe he was looking for his children to fill the void of his wife. He felt like Thomas’ and Bernice’s lives were destined to be lived well beyond the corners of their birthplace. Despite the urging of Papa’s family, he hadn’t been able to bring himself to remarry. He was regarded as odd by most but this never bothered him. It just didn’t matter.
Bernice tugged on her Papa’s beard, “What story are you going to tell us?”
“And why should I tell you a story?” teased Papa.
“Because you love to,” said Thomas playfully butting heads with Papa.
“Well, I think I might just have a new story that both of you will like,” responded Papa.
Thomas crinkled his nose and elbowed Bernice. “I like different kinds of stories than her.”
Bernice ignored her brother. “Papa tells the best stories. I know it’s going to be a great story!”
Papa tightened his arms around them. “Well let’s not delay then. This is a story about a battle that took place in Greece five hundred years ago.[3]”
Thomas eyes widened as he relaxed into Papa’s arms.
Pleased by Thomas’s approval Papa continued, “The Greeks lived in constant fear of the mighty Persians. The Medes were a conquering group of people intent on dominating everyone within their reach. Their armies and fighters were unrivalled. They were masters of iron; forging great swords that cut through the bone of men as easily as you bite into one of Papa’s ripe figs. The Greek people of Athens would’ve never dreamed of confronting this ruthless brood of vipers.”
Bernice shuddered.
Thomas leaned forward, “Not me Papa. I would’ve led the Athenians into battle. Adonai would be at my side like he was with Joshua. We would squash them like grapes being pressed for wine.”
Impatient with Thomas’ outburst, Bernice frowned and motioned Papa to continue.
“Well… the people of Athens put their trust in many gods. They had a god for everything. Imagine having to determine what god to consult or appease before ever doing anything?
“Papa you talk to Adonai all the time,” asserted Thomas.
“And about everything,” added Bernice.
“Yes, you’re right, that’s true but, Adonai is our Creator. His love made our fig trees and our grape vines. Best of all He made you. He is King and Lord of all – Ha-Elohim. The Athenian gods were idols. Do you know what an idol is?
Thomas and Bernice shook their heads.
“An idol is like a trap we use to catch animals. It holds the animals captive in a deep pit. The animal has little to no chance of ever escaping. Imagine a deer roaming in wide open fields. The deer goes about its business of grazing and looking for running streams of water. It has no idea a trap has been set to ensnare it. Idols are like traps. They catch people into deceptive pits of belief that eventually rob them of life.”
“I’m going to run away from idols,” insisted Bernice.
Thomas made a sweeping gesture with his hands, “I’ll uncover every idol trap on my path to keep others safe.”
Papa continued, “So as the Medes lined up to organize their march on Athens, the people made sacrifices to their idol gods. They were convinced the blood and smoke of their sacrifices were pleasing to their gods. They became possessed with a spirit of fight. There were about eight stades between the Medes and Athenian armies.”[4]
“I could run that distance faster than a bolt of lightning,” added Bernice.
Papa turned his head to take in Bernice’s face. “Hold that thought, you’ll see how important running was in this battle.”
Thomas grew impatient. “Come on Papa get to the fighting part.”
“The Athenians decided to do something that had never been done before in battle. They charged at the Persians without cavalry on horses or archers to protect them.”
“The Athenians ran with reckless abandonment and all of their force and might. The barbarian Medes were caught off guard. Swords and spears flew in all directions but despite their small numbers the Athenians appeared to have the upper hand.”
Thomas knocked his fists together. “Papa how did the small number Athenians overwhelm the barbarians?”
Bernice sighed. “Papa when will we get to the part of the story I’ll like?”
Papa gave her arm a reassuring squeeze as he continued, “It was an intense battle. At the center of skirmish things didn’t look good for the Athenians. Led by ferocious fighters the Medes pursue them. This proved to be a mistake as the Athenians kept surprising their enemies with running attacks from the wings. The disruption became too much. The Medes were overwhelmed and fled to their ships.”
Unable to control himself Thomas blurted, “they better not let those barbarians get away.”
“Of course they’re going to get away,” quipped Bernice. “They’re going to sail away and the Athenians don’t have ships to go after them.”
“Yes, Bernice that’s true,” answered Papa.
Bernice gave Thomas an askance glare punctuated with a proud smirk.
“However…” continued Papa, “the Athenians began setting the ships on fire. Many mighty Athenian leaders lost their lives lighting up the harbor with the barbarians’ ships turned into blazing wooden coffins. And in the process the Athenians captured seven ships.”
“Now it became a running race of boats in the water. The barbarians sailing to reach Athens first to lay siege to the city. The Athenians did two things to secure their safety. They got to Athens before the barbarians.”
Looking intently at Bernice. He continued, “and legend has it that a runner was sent to bring word to Athens that victory from the clutches of the Medes was at hand.”
Bernice looked confused, “Papa why did the runner need to bring word to the Athenians?”
Papa felt a burning sensation his heart. This was not a simple question of a child consumed with details of a story. His answer must be tailored to the unique emerging spirit of Bernice. Papa heard words forming in his mind that were not his own.
He continued, “Before dropping dead from her difficult, long journey the runner yelled, “Nike!”
“What does Nike mean?” inquired Bernice.
“It must have something to do with defeating the enemy,” asserted Thomas.
Papa nodded, “You’re right Thomas. Nike means victory.”
“Searching Bernice’s face Papa continued, “The runner yelled victory to every person who could hear her. She wanted them to celebrate triumph in the face of death, destruction at the hands of evil bent barbarians. Her run was a joyous cry of hope.”
Bernice seemed to be grabbing hold of something in her mind. Her little body twitching as if she was running. A word was forming on her lips. Squinting her eyes with the strain of a thought well beyond her years. She began to whisper, “Free…”
Papa seized the thought from Bernice. “Yes Bernice… freedom from the grips of death. To assure others of this freedom, was worth running for – even if it meant the runner had to sacrifice her life.”
Thomas jumped off Papa’s lap. “Papa that story was for Bernice. I wanted to hear more about the fighting.”
He poked Bernice, “I’ll show you how the Athens fought the barbarians.”
Not if you can’t catch me, challenged Bernice. She was off and running.
Papa’s death left a hole in Thomas. He did all he could to keep the orchards growing but it was as if the trees were in a perpetual state of mourning. Thomas did not have his father’s touch. Thomas felt the gentle encouragement of Papa in his spirit. There was gnawing and tugging. Papa always wanted Thomas to fight the fights worth fighting – and this adventure as an orchard farmer was not going anywhere. In his heart he knew he had the blessing of Papa.
Thomas knew what he had to do. He sold the orchards before no one would buy them. Without the orchards he had no place – no sense of belonging. Everything he cherished, everything he held as true and good were ghostly in the faint, echoes of the memories of Papa’s voice.
Thomas tried to fight the pangs of guilt with his characteristic determination. He thought he had let his Papa down. He wasn’t sure what he would do with the money from the sale of the orchards. Money meant nothing to him. Without Papa, without the orchards, Thomas was ready for a war.
Thomas was grateful for Bernice’s companionship. She could cajole him. They were seen as renegades in their village. Thomas was unmarried with no passions to sow his seeds and Bernice had no interest in accepting any suitor. Thomas respected her wishes so she did not have to contend with social pressures to conform to the customs and norms of the time. Their independence had been sustainable in the shadows of Papa’s quirky ways and their social position but, now they were exposed. The relentless gossip and criticism was deafening.
They were grateful for the distraction of an itinerant preacher who had been traveling around the villages of Galilee. Thomas was intrigued. Something about this man was mesmerizing. He spoke about a “Way.”
Yeshua was his name. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”[5]
When Thomas heard him speak, he felt sure Papa would have agreed. Papa was always saying Adonai was going to act soon and revive the weary and wayward spirits of His people.
Papa was adamant in his observations. He saw how the legalistic strictures of being a Jew had taken people away from the joy of discovering and experiencing Adonai in their lives. That’s why Papa marveled in the joys of watching his trees burst forth with life and fruit. In these things he taught Thomas and Bernice to look for the hand of Adonai at work.
Yeshua’s words catapulted the imagination of Thomas’ embattled heart. There was an eager contagion of possibilities hidden in the spirit animating the man that spoke them.
With a large bag of silver and no purpose, Thomas and Bernice quietly followed Yeshua as he traveled from Galilee into Judea on the other side of the Jordan River. Thomas and Bernice edged their way to the front of a group assembling to listening to Yeshua.
Just then a man came up to Yeshua and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Yeshua replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”
“Which ones?” he inquired.
Yeshua replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”
Yeshua answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”[6]
Thomas and Bernice looked at each other. If they needed to give up their bag of silver to enter the kingdom of heaven neither felt any hesitation. They listened intently as Yeshua continued to speak to his followers.
“Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Yeshua looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
[One of Yeshua’s followers] answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”
Yeshua said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”[7]
Thomas and Bernice looked at each other with a knowing glance, and without a word rushed towards Yeshua. They fell to their knees and dropped the bag of silver coins in the dust at his feet. Master, we have sold everything we own. Please show us the way… Our Papa spoke of such a times as this. Please grant us a place in your kingdom. We vow to fight and run for all things that will bring us and others into the kingdom of heaven.
Yeshua’s eyes burned with love. Come and follow me…
Bernice loved traveling the Judea Samaria country side with Yeshua. No day was like another. She rose early in the morning to greet the day the way she loved best – running free until her legs begged her to stop.
Yeshua was always sitting by himself praying to His Father. Even if his eyes were closed he knew she was here. He’d open his glistening eyes that had an uncanny ability to stop her in her tracks. Then with a broad, warm, tender smile he’d ask her the same question every time, “Are you off for one of your prayer runs?” Bernice would nod self-consciously and then take off with a burst of energy.
Yeshua was always talking about the importance of praying. Even when Yeshua’s group of followers were silently traveling along dusty roads to their next destination he moved his lips reciting King David’s Psalms. Bernice observed that one of Yeshua’s favorite psalms that seemed to always give him great comfort was:
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.[8]
Bernice ran with reckless abandonment. When her lungs were burning and full of the day’s fresh air she’d collapse on a grassy hill or along the shores of the Jordan bank. Then she’d rolled onto her back and look up into the sky. There was her real home. This was how she knew how to pray. In this way she could find Papa who always led her to a silent experience of the Great I AM.
Yeshua had a unique way of making people imagine Adonia. It felt like Yeshua was inseparable from His Father; never in a far off distant kind of way but in a personal way. There was an inclusivity to his gentle, strong ways. Yeshua made Adonia real by the signs, and miracles he worked in his father’s name. Yeshua also spoke in ways everyone could understand.
Bernice found her mind tumbling over itself in crisscrossing paths of thoughts. She became lost in all the possibilities posed by any one of Yeshua’s parables. Just when she felt she had gotten a firm grip on a clear message there was another layer waiting for her to discover.
More and more people were becoming attracted to the Way. They were hungry for the Kingdom of Heaven Yeshua preached about. His words were changing lives. There had been talk among Yeshua’s followers that he was going to select twelve men to serve as his closest disciples. Bernice somehow knew that Thomas would become one of Yeshua’s chosen servants. She saw the way Yeshua loved her brother’s fighting spirit.
Bernice admired her brother’s courageous endurance. She had come to know well his fiery tenacity. Bernice learned how to guide Thomas’ impulsive tendencies to become embroiled in a righteous fray. His heart was pure even if his judgment was sometimes clouded. When Bernice or anyone showed Thomas the truth of a matter he would never back down. It became his cause and nothing was going to stop him.
One evening after super, Bernice saw Yeshua carefully surveying all of his followers. He seemed to be examining them with the same tender, attention that her Papa use to give to every piece of fruit on his trees.
That night, “Yeshua went out to a mountainside and spent the night in prayer. When morning came, Yeshua called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.”[9]
On the other hand the Jewish officials saw Yeshua as someone upsetting order, power, and control. They were becoming increasingly nervous. The leading religious leader looked for any way to justify their fears by stoking an accusatory fervor of blasphemy. They were looking for a way to silence Yeshua and his followers.
Yeshua and his followers left Jerusalem to get away from the boiling tensions. While they were keeping a low profile, news reached them that one of Yeshua’s beloved friends, “named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Yeshua, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
When he heard this, Yeshua said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Yeshua loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”
Yeshua answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”
After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”
His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Yeshua had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.
So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
Yeshua’s followers were hesitating. What exactly did Yeshua mean? People’s eyes were cast down battling images of death. Bernice knew facing fears and unknowns was Thomas’ strength. She elbowed Thomas. Bernice didn’t need to say anything. He knew exactly what she was thinking.
“Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “’Let us also go, that we may die with him.’”
They looked at him like he was crazy but Thomas’s courage convicted them. Yeshua and his followers headed back to Bethany.
“On his arrival, Yeshua found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Yeshua was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
“Lord,” Martha said to Yeshua, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Yeshua said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Yeshua said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Yeshua had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
When Mary reached the place where Yeshua was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
When Yeshua saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
Yeshua wept.
Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
Yeshua, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
Then Yeshua said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
So they took away the stone. Then Yeshua looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
When he had said this, Yeshua called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Yeshua said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”[10]
Word of Yeshua’s raising Lazarus from the dead spread quickly. Bernice and Thomas felt a heightened sense of uncertainty. Nerves were running high among Yeshua’s apostles and disciples. Many quarreled among themselves about leaving but with Passover around the corner, Yeshua seemed intent on staying in Jerusalem.
There was an air of finality. Thomas confided in Bernice. He believed a major storm of wills was brewing. He felt it in his bones. This was not going to be just a fight. Bernice looked into Thomas eyes to read what he might be thinking. Thomas glared past her probing gaze and muttered, “Bernice, this is going to be an epic battle.”
She saw the strain in Thomas’ face as his muscles tightened in way she had never seen before. Bernice did not think anything would ever dwarf Thomas’ voracious courageous appetite; nor had she seen anything challenge his indomitable spirit. If a war for Yeshua’s kingdom was ensuing then this might be a battle that must be lost in order for a very long, difficult war to be won.
Bernice questioned Thomas, “if there’s no hope in this battle shouldn’t we retreat?” He met her question with silence.
She implored Thomas, “why don’t we run away?” As soon as she asked the question she was stricken with a spasm in her side. It was worse than one of those intense debilitating cramps that took her breath away or forced her to stop on a hard run.
Thomas watched his sister double over with a severe spasm. He understood exactly what she was experiencing. It was what he did not want to believe or accept as being true. Whatever the outcome or however futile the fight might be, Thomas knew that they must stay in Jerusalem with Yeshua. Whatever the cost they mustn’t abandon Yeshua. In their wordless exchange, Bernice nodded. She knew Yeshua had a plan even if they could not see it or understand it.
Yeshua left the Passover meal. He asked his followers to keep watch while he went to pray. After a festival meal of tender proportions Yeshua had become suddenly quiet. His face was ravaged by an otherworldly assault of anguish.
Bernice and Thomas could not keep their eyes open. There was a malaise of nameless grief sieging their hearts; a weight upon their spirits that not even a perturbing, escapist sleep could fend off. The dark night was possessed by a brazen, taunting moon brandishing the garden with an eerie luminous darkness.
The air was thick, humid and heavy with perfumed flowers fighting an odorless odiferous pungency. Bernice and Thomas woke to the sound of commotion. Judas of Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles that Yeshua had named, was standing with soldiers and temple authorities. Yeshua was being arrested.
Thomas ran to Simon Peter’s side who had drawn a sword to protect Yeshua. Bernice yanked Thomas away as Peter struck the ear of the High Priest’s servant Malchus. The battle had begun. It was time to run.
Bernice weaved in and out of the web of narrow passages of Jerusalem. Her deft turns and breakneck pace reminded her of childhood romps through the market of her village.
Things were dangerous. Bernice didn’t want anyone to track her movements or figure out where she was going. She hadn’t been able to find Thomas in time. Yeshua’s beloved apostle John had told her to meet with him and the other inner circle of Yeshua’s followers in a secret location. There was news of an extraordinary experience from two of the followers.
Panting to catching her breath Bernice burst into the small upper room where everyone was assembled.
She found, “the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Yeshua was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
While they were still talking about this, Yeshua himself stood among them and said to them,” “’Peace be with you!’” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Yeshua said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”[11]
Bernice felt her heart burning. She remembered Yeshua teaching about forgiveness. Forgiveness was the healing Yeshua always sought to bring people. She experienced many miraculous healings. She had a healed a few children during her travels with Yeshua. Bernice realized Yeshua was giving his followers a new power that felt at once familiar and other worldly at the same time.
Bernice couldn’t wait to find Thomas. He was not going to believe her or any of the other apostles. She was certain of that. Bernice knew all too well Thomas’ propensity for being stubborn, and willful. He always sought to confirm things for himself. Bernice and Thomas had learned how to be independent after Papa had died. It had been key to their survival. Thomas took being doubtful to an extreme.
Bernice’s impassioned descriptions of what she had experienced with the other disciples left Thomas unimpressed. Everyone wanted to believe that Yeshua’s death had never happened. They all wanted things to return to the way they had been. Thomas felt he had to be strong and help the others overcome their grief. They needed to figure out what they were going to do next in the war for the Kingdom of Heaven. Bernice told John and the other disciples that Thomas did not believe her.
“So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
A week later [Yeshua’s] disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Yeshua came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Yeshua told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”[12]
Yeshua placed his hand on Thomas’ shoulder and smiled at Bernice. “Your Papa is proud of you two. Thomas, you will travel far to bring the Good News of my resurrection and my Father’s Kingdom to foreign lands. Your courage and fight will yield a rich harvest with a long legacy.”
Yeshua turned to Bernice with fire burning in his eyes. “Bernice, please run for me. Every stride you run in my name brings me joy and gives glory to my Father. Your running will bring hope to many in need and set them free.”
Bernice and Thomas settled into a challenging but vibrant life in Jerusalem with Yeshua’s followers. Thomas and Bernice traveled to the edges of the region to bring the Good News of salvation to anyone and everyone ready to receive it.
Bernice loved baptizing new followers. The water covering their faces became like rainbows bridging their life from broken to a new way full of wholeness. Bernice would laugh with the newly baptized. The water melted weights of chains on their shoulders. She could feel people experiencing the freedom that came from realizing Jesus had conquered sin and death.
Thomas held small gatherings in people’s homes sharing the good news of Yeshua’s life, death, resurrection and the promises of eternal life with a God who loved them unconditionally. Thomas felt closest to Yeshua and the other followers when through the power of Yeshua’s name and love Thomas transformed common bread and wine into the living gifts of Yeshua’s presence. Time stood still even for an instant. This was a door to heaven.
Thomas and Bernice discovered the great joy of Yeshua’s presence in the breaking of the bread from Yeshua’s mother Mary. They never knew their mother but there wasn’t a day that Bernice didn’t imagine her with great longing. Papa described their mother with intense tenderness.
Mary somehow instinctively understood Bernice’s need for a mother in her life. She paid special attention to Bernice who was attracted to Mary’s quiet, radiant strength. Bernice felt Mary absorbing the questions stirring in her heart. Mary had a unique way of soothing Bernice’s aching doubts and worries with an otherworldly peace from her son.
Thomas loved to feed people’s hunger for a personal encounter with God. People were enmeshed in failing miserably in following an onerous collection of rules, bound in fearful pagan practices, or doing anything and everything they could to abate their inner drive for something more than what their lives offered. Thomas was embattled for Jesus.
The followers amassed and congregated. Eye witnesses of Yeshua’s resurrection brought a spirited contagion to the gospel. Among the apostles and early followers there was an immediacy and urgency to their work. Yeshua had said, “I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”[13] The followers were expecting Yeshua to show up any moment.
Thomas remained quiet when the others would speak of Yeshua’s imminent return. He knew a long fight for acquiring souls for Yeshua was underway. As much as he wanted Yeshua to return as soon as possible, he did not agree with the others in their beliefs of Yeshua’s soon return.
Thomas confided in Bernice. If Yeshua told him to travel far to share the good news then Yeshua must intend people of foreign lands to hear the gospel and know him. Bernice encouraged Thomas to trust his instincts. Yeshua had changed everything. She knew in her heart that the goodness of Yeshua was for anyone and everyone who had open ears and hearts.
Thomas was concerned that the followers were becoming too comfortable or complacent in their mission to spread the good news. He remembered the example of Yeshua and his words, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”[14]
Bernice guided Thomas to pray about his concerns. She was confident the Spirit of Yeshua would guide Thomas. His words had been clear to Thomas. Bernice believed Thomas was meant to travel far away from the faith community in Jerusalem and bring the word.
Bernice confided in Mary who knew her thoughts regarding Thomas before she voiced them. Mary confirmed Bernice’s understanding of Thomas’s calling. Mary encouraged Bernice to support Thomas in his discernments.
“You are twins,” Mary explained. “There will always be a unique, powerful connection between you. If you accept this mission in your heart, mind, soul, and body you will make it easier for Thomas to follow his heart being guided by my son.”
Yeshua’s spirit was moving in the most powerful and unlikeliest of ways. Saul of Tarsus who had been a feared and unstoppable persecutor of Yeshua’s followers was dramatically converted after a jolting experience of extraordinary circumstances. Saul now known as Paul was on fire for Yeshua.
Thomas never met Paul but he knew they were kindred spirits. Paul was adamant in asserting to the apostles and elders of the churches that the promises of eternal life, free from the stains of sin, were for everyone. Followers of Yeshua needed to be free of the obligations of the Jewish laws. Yeshua was a new covenant from Adonai. That made perfect sense to Thomas.
As the early fire of faith in Yehsua spread in the Roman Empire, the years passed quickly. Thomas saw the ultimate sacrifice many of his brothers and sisters in Yeshua made. He never forgot Yeshua’s words to him. He did not want to let Yeshua down. He felt called to travel east well beyond the borders of the Roman Empire.
The anointed day arrived and Thomas did what he knew he was called to do. He found a quiet time and space to tell Bernice. She wasn’t surprised. She had been praying for Thomas for years now. Bernice knew this is what he had to do. She also knew he needed to go by himself. This would be a series of battles he and Yeshua had to win on their own.
Thomas and Bernice had never been separated at any point in their lives. They had been through so much together. Yes, the community of followers was always a comfort but, Thomas and Bernice were flesh and blood to each other; twins. They knew each other’s thoughts. They could anticipate the needs, feelings, and actions of each other.
Thomas and Bernice stood face to face. Bernice was facing the east watching the sun rise. It was the same sun she yearned for on her early morning runs. It brought the face and voice of Yeshua rushing to her heart with swells of gratitude and wonder. She focused her eyes above Thomas head averting his eyes.
Thomas stood facing the west; pausing for a moment before he answered the call of the east pulling his spirit. They inhaled quiet space between them. Bernice was the first to break the silence, “Thomas, we’re making more stories for Papa… he’s proud of your courage. Papa and Yeshua will be with you every step of the way. You can’t lose this fight.”
Thomas blinked back a tear. He felt a vision rise in his heart. It hit him. Bernice could not stay in Jerusalem. It would be too difficult for her. They lowered their heads sipping the insidious heaviness enveloping them; neither able to acknowledge the gravity of the moment.
Thomas slid through the thickening wordless grief growing between them. “Bernice, Paul is in Ephesus. I believe Yeshua wants you to go and help him in his ministry.”
Bernice lifted her puffy, reddened face. She might have been the runner but she looked up to her brother as a fighter. Bernice wanted him to be proud of her. They had been through so much together. She wanted to be strong. They both realized this was a permanent good bye. Bernice would never see Thomas again until they were in heaven with Yeshua. She made the sign of the cross on Thomas heart as she said, “May the peace and love of Yeshua be with you and remain with you always Thomas. We are twins. There’s no distance or circumstance that can ever come between us. Our hearts beat in unity as one in Yeshua.”
Bernice gave Thomas a mighty, but quick hug and ran away as fast as she could.
Mary had given Bernice two things to bring to Paul; a blue mantle and an earthen, clay vessel. Every night Bernice wrapped herself in Mary’s blue mantle before she fell asleep. Bernice prayed to Yeshua for a sign or assurance of Thomas’[15] success on his mission. On the fortieth evening of her journey to Ephesus Bernice had a dream…
Papa was standing on the top of a tall hill surveying his fig trees and grape vines. His concentrated gaze was interrupted with insuppressible grins of delight. Storm clouds began gathering and covering the hill. Papa was covered in a dark shadow. Papa was in anguish. He screamed and fell to the ground. His head was buried in his hands.
Five crimson streams poured out of his heart. The thirsty ground beneath him soaked up the blood. It was disappearing faster than it could fountain from Papa’s heart.
Bernice saw two children running up the hill. It was Thomas and her. As soon they reached Papa he lifted his head and rose to greet them. However, now he was no longer Papa. Yeshua had risen to greet them. The children watched in horror as a soldier charged Yeshua with his lance and pierced Yeshua’s side. Yeshua’s face changed. It became Thomas’ face.
Bernice and Thomas as children were kneeling on the ground watching this scene unfold. Papa appeared again. He was radiant washed in brilliant white light. The pierced body of Thomas fell into the arms of Papa and both began to rise as the dream faded.[16]
Bernice arrived in Ephesus after seventy days of travel. It had been a remarkable trip full of conversions. Wherever she spoke the name of Yeshua she found people ready to open their hearts and homes to her. It was exactly like Yeshua said it would be.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.”
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.”
“When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.”[17]
To imagine that a woman could travel alone and be received by people whose customs were different from her own. Yeshua’s spirit had a way of connecting people to one another. This never ceased to amaze Bernice.
It didn’t take long for her to find Paul. Bernice waited for the right moment and silently approached Paul. Without saying a word she handed the earthen cup to Paul. The look of joy in Paul’s eyes endeared Bernice to him immediately. He lifted the cup towards heaven lowered it and kissed its side. Paul gently took the blue mantle from Bernice and wrapped it around his shoulders.
Thomas was right. He would have loved Paul. He was a fusion of Papa’s gentleness, Mary’s radiance, and Yeshua’s tender, intense passion. Paul was like a man who was at once himself, and like one who had completely forgotten himself.
Bernice appreciated the way Paul immersed himself in his work, thinking, praying, preaching, or whatever he was doing. This was the way Bernice ran. She ran with abandonment. It’s why in the process of forgetting herself through the physical prayer of running, she became more of herself in relationship to Adonia, Yeshua and all of the things that she knew were well beyond the reaches of her mind. Bernice’s heart fueled her running. Paul’s heart, love, and trust in Yeshua’s word made him strong.
Paul quickly became the father Bernice missed dearly in her life. Paul felt free to show all sides of himself to her. It wasn’t uncommon that after what on the surface to Bernice was a moving testimony that Paul would confide in her how concerned he was that his words had fallen woefully short.
Like Yeshua, Paul always wanted to know about Bernice’s runs. Every morning when she returned he would ask her about her run, and what she had seen and encountered. It was as if he expected she would bring back some message from Yeshua.
Bernice felt her runs were prayers but they were simple ones made in the quiet spaces of her heart’s pounding work to fuel her body’s exertions. Bernice preferred the sound of her feet striking the ground and the songs of nature waking up around her, to the banter of her mind. She felt Yeshua’s presence in the silence.
It was during these morning conferences that Bernice became Paul’s trusted ears for the letters he was writing to the churches. Paul was concerned that church he had established in Corinth would succumb to all of the pagan ways around them. It would be easy for them to revert back to customs that went against the way and truth of following Yeshua.
One morning Paul sought her advice on one of his letters, “Bernice you’re a runner, and lover of our Lord. You’ve inspired me to paint a picture for our brothers and sisters in Corinth. Tell me does this resonate with you? Paul began to read the letter he was writing to Bernice:
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.[18]
Bernice smiled. She understood perfectly what Paul had written. He saw what her face registered and felt a sense of relief.
Paul sighed imploring Bernice, “Dear child pray for me always that I not be disqualified for the prize.” It was Paul’s humility which was at the center of his intensity that made Bernice feel the holy presence of Yeshua’s beautiful spirit at work.
Paul and Bernice didn’t stay long in Ephesus. They traveled to Corinth to be with the church there. During their stay in Corinth, Paul involved Bernice more and more in the daily rhythm of ministering to the church. She felt like he was preparing her for a mission. While they were staying in Corinth, Paul had been working on a letter to the Church of Rome.
One morning after a particularly hard run, Paul didn’t ask Bernice about her run. She knew something serious must be on his mind and weighing on his heart.
He explained, “Bernice this letter to the Church of Rome I’ve been writing has seized my spirit. Ever since I started writing it I’ve been consumed with nightmares and visions of our brothers and sisters being ruthlessly killed for following Yeshua. There are no indications that these things are happening on a wide spread basis in Rome yet. I believe Yeshua is giving me visions of the future. Will you please commit these words to heart?
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Yeshua who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Yeshua our Lord.[19]
Bernice nodded. She remembered Paul reading her these words after he had first written them. She noticed then the serious glint of pain in his eyes. Bernice didn’t want to ask him what had moved him to write these words.
Paul grabbed her with his intense eyes, “Bernice, I want you to bring this letter[20] to Rome in advance of my visit. I’m concerned dear child for your safety. I shall introduce you as Phoebe. It is a name that will disguise your Hebrew background.”
“Bernice you can boast in Christ – I’m very proud of you and grateful for the time we’ve spent together. You’ve grown strong in Yeshua’s spirit. He’s pleased to work in you, and through you.”
“Our Lord changed my name from Saul to Paul. Your name of Bernice with its meaning of, “victory” has achieved its purpose. You have won your victory in Yeshua. The prize is waiting for you. Now you’ll carry the new name of Phoebe that Romans will recognize as meaning, “pure,” “bright,” and “radiant.”[21]
I need you to stay with the Church of Rome. I will follow you as soon as the Lord’s spirit leads me there. Here’s what I’ve written to introduce you:
16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.[22]
Paul’s letter opened a new door for Phoebe’s ministry. She found an active place in the Church of Rome. When Paul arrived around two years later, Phoebe had been hard at work. The fruits of her labors and Yeshua’s followers were multiplying and strengthening.
Phoebe never forgot Paul’s visions in Corinth. While the Church of Rome was a strong testament to Paul’s desire to bring the Good News of Yeshua to the gentiles, there were signs of a growing intolerance of followers by Roman authorities. Ardent followers abandoned their pagan participation in the social and political rites afforded to the Roman panoply of gods. This was viewed as a major threat to Roman control.
Political corruption and intrigue in Rome was intensifying. Nero’s rise to power as emperor instilled an uneasiness in the populace. He was an insidious affront to all the teachings of Yeshua. Nero’s ways were antithetical to the lives of Yeshua’s followers.
When Paul arrived in Rome she told him everything that had been going on. Paul grimaced. He was sure many of Yeshua’s followers would die at Nero’s hand. Phoebe was distraught. She could see in Paul’s eyes that he believed that his own death would be a part of the martyred blood God would allow to be shed to share in the living sacrifice of His Son.
The heat in Rome burst into a blaze. Nero’s wrath was felt immediately. Yeshua’s followers were pinned as scapegoats for a fire that had destroyed large sections of the city. Yeshua’s followers began to feel Nero’s fury. Under his edict, Roman soldiers began to hunt and kill Yeshua’s followers in the most gruesome and appalling ways.
Shortly after the fire, Phoebe was worshipping in a private home when Roman soldiers came bursting in. The followers gathered fled. Phoebe did what she knew how to do best. She grabbed the scroll that had been used during their gathering and bolted out of the house as fast as she could.
Phoebe winced. A smoky remnant of singed flesh assailed her nostrils. She pushed harder and harder running in any direction that might bring her relief from the terror ripping inside of her.
Phoebe was gasping for freedom; propelling her legs to defy the putrid gravity of the bloodied ground’s recalcitrant cries. She couldn’t shake the shadows of dark horror swirling around her. Bodies expunged on wooden stakes were erected everywhere as monuments of the ruling power casting its dense fog of chaos sieging Rome.
Her furtive glances were drawn to the groans of a pierced dying man. His arms reaching for the silent heavens as he assumed his destiny as a sentinel marking a corner of the Appian Way. His defiant purpose twisted in gnarly contortions. His body racked in sacrificial supplications. He implored her from the rolled back whites of his eyes. His blue lips were trembling, barely moving whispering something to her – but what? She couldn’t make out what he was trying to tell her…
Phoebe collapsed in a pool of her blood. Her eyes cast to heaven in one last pleading prayer. A smile spread across her face. She was going home…
A young boy had been crouched and hiding in a corner near where Phoebe had fallen. He saw a scroll in the open palm of Phoebe. He lifted it from her hands and went running home as fast he could to show it to his father:[23]
[1] Bernice is a girl’s name of Greek origin meaning “she who brings victory”.
Source: https://nameberry.com/babyname/Bernice
[2] Thomas: also known as Judas Tomas Didymus – Aramaic T’oma’ = twin, and Greek Didymous = twin (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15) Source:https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Apostles
[3] Based on the description of the Battle of Marathon from The History of Herodotus, trans. David Grene, (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1987), pp.454-456.
[4] “The name derives from the Greek unit of measurement, the stade, the distance covered in the original Greek footraces (about 600 feet [180 metres])” source: https://www.britannica.com/technology/stadium#ref100143
[5] Mark 1:15
[6] Mathew 19: 16-21
[7] Mathew 19: 22-27
[8] Psalm 16: 9-11
[9] Luke 6: 12-19
[10] John 11: 1-44
[11] John 20: 18-23
[12] John 20: 25-29
[13] John: 14:3
[14] Matthew 8:20
[15] Traditionally, Thomas is believed to have travelled outside the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel, travelling as far as Tamilakam which are the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in present-day India. According to tradition, Thomas reached Muziris, (modern-day North Paravur and Kodungalloor in the state of Kerala, India) in AD 52. He is often regarded as the patron saint of India. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle
[16] https://thirdhour.org/blog/faith/scripture/new-testament/original-apostles-deaths/
[17] Luke 10: 2-12
[18] 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27
[19] Romans 8: 18-39
[20] Some scholars believe Phoebe was responsible for delivering Paul’s epistle to the Roman Christian church. Source: https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=115
[21] Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoebe_(biblical_figure)
[22] Romans: 16: 1-2
[23] Romans 8: 14-17
