The New Testament church did not begin as a human organization with a carefully drafted structure. During His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ called, instructed, and prepared the people who would carry His message after His death and resurrection.

Pastor John begins with the Sea of Galilee, where Peter, Andrew, James, and John left their former lives to follow Jesus. He examines God's foreknowledge and the deliberate selection of the twelve apostles, including Judas Iscariot, whose future betrayal was already known to Jesus. Their calling was part of a larger redemptive purpose that would lead to the cross.

Jesus taught His disciples through personal instruction and by allowing them to witness miracles, healings, and deliverance from evil spirits. He then commissioned the twelve to proclaim the kingdom of heaven and exercise the authority He gave them. Seventy other followers were also sent out in pairs, returning amazed that evil spirits submitted to them through His name. Jesus reminded them that their greatest reason for rejoicing was that their names were written in heaven.

Yet the disciples did not fully comprehend the events ahead. Jesus foretold His suffering, death, and resurrection, with Peter resisting the prospect of the crucifixion. Even after the resurrection, the disciples struggled to understand what had occurred, as the conversation on the road to Emmaus reveals.

Pastor John concludes with the 120 believers awaiting the fulfillment of God's purpose. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered them for the work of the future church. What began with Jesus' call to follow Him developed into a body of witnesses prepared to proclaim Him as Messiah and Savior.