P1678:1, 150:0.1
On Sunday evening, January 16, A.D. 29, Abner, with the
apostles of John, reached Bethsaida and went into joint conference with Andrew
and the apostles of Jesus the next day. Abner and his associates made their
headquarters at Hebron and were in the habit of coming up to Bethsaida periodically
for these conferences.
P1678:2, 150:0.2
Among the many matters considered by this joint conference was the practice
of anointing the sick with certain forms of oil in connection with prayers
for healing. Again did Jesus decline to participate in their discussions or
to express himself regarding their conclusions. The apostles of John had always
used the anointing oil in their ministry to the sick and afflicted, and they
sought to establish this as a uniform practice for both groups, but the apostles
of Jesus refused to bind themselves by such a regulation.
P1678:3, 150:0.3
On Tuesday, January 18, the twenty-four were joined by the tested evangelists,
about seventy-five in number, at the Zebedee house in Bethsaida preparatory
to being sent forth on the third preaching tour of Galilee. This third mission
continued for a period of seven weeks.
P1678:4, 150:0.4
The evangelists were sent out in groups of five, while Jesus and the twelve
traveled together most of the time, the apostles going out two and two to
baptize believers as occasion required. For a period of almost three weeks
Abner and his associates also worked with the evangelistic groups, advising
them and baptizing believers. They visited Magdala, Tiberias, Nazareth, and
all the principal cities and villages of central and southern Galilee, all
the places previously visited and many others. This was their last message
to Galilee, except to the northern portions.