count as work. This shining light, hanging where Philip
could plainly see it as he drew his boat up on the beach in front of
Capernaum, made him feel a little guilty. Hurriedly he stored the oars
under the seats and set out for the home of Simon, his friend in the
city.

Simon's house was in a high part of Capernaum, set back against the
hills. It was not a long walk for Philip through the streets that led up
from the lake front. Leaving the street of hard-packed dirt, Philip went
under an arch into a square courtyard, open to the sky. The house was
built on four sides, and doors led from a narrow porch into the rooms.
Philip hesitated a moment and then knocked at one of the doors.

"Philip!" Simon stood in the doorway, smiling at his friend. His broad
shoulders and short neck made him seem burly. "Come in, my friend!"
Simon called across the courtyard to his wife: "Bring some food! Philip
has come."

Inside, oil lamps were lighted and Simon's children were playing on the
floor in a corner of the room. Philip was very fond of them. He ran his
fingers through the hair of the oldest, a black-haired lad of seven. The
child gave him a friendly smile.

"What brings you to us on the Sabbath, Philip?" inquired Simon, half
teasing, half reproving.

"I did not leave the river mouth until about three o'clock," explained
Philip, a bit ashamed. "I was very eager to come to Capernaum."

Simon was immediately curious. "What made you come?"

"Everyone in Bethsaida is talking about the new Rabbi who is teaching
here," answered Philip. "They say that he talks of a new kingdom."
Philip was a little surprised to see how intently Simon was listening to
his words, but he did not pause. "I thought you could tell me more about
him. I hear that he comes from Nazareth. When did you first find out
about him?"

"A couple of months ago John and Andrew went up to Jerusalem and when
they came back they told us they had met this man," answered Simon.
"They saw him baptized by John the Baptizer. The Prophet told them that
Jesus was going to be a mighty servant of God. We didn't take it very
seriously though--you know how enthusiastic Andrew gets.

"We never realized what kind of person Jesus was until we saw him
ourselves," continued Simon. "He isn't like an ordinary teacher. You
feel that he is so sure of himself and yet he is so humble." Simon was
deeply earnest. "Everything he says goes right to your heart, Philip. I
can hardly understa