The Training of the Twelve

I am using it in a bible study. We have been through the first 4 chapters. It is helping me think about and understand the thought process of the disciples during that time. To grasp Jesus' reach and calling at that time. I can't to get through it all.

I would recommend this book to any one interested in bible study. You can read it several times and gain something each time it is read.

After the Bible, The Training of the Twelve has been one of the most influential books in my development as a Christian. Using a loose "harmony of the Gospel" approach, Bruce uses all four gospel narratives to show how Jesus discipled His disciples. The book's greatest strength is that it is NOT a how-to book on discipleship or a 12-step program for leadership development. Instead, Bruce exegetes the passages showing what Jesus was doing with his disciples and leaves contemporary application to the reader. Written in the late 1800's, Bruce's use of the English language is outstanding, but many people used to USA Today type writing (monosylabic words, one sentence equals one paragraph) may find it difficult. It is well worth the effort. I find myself rereading it almost every other year. The first few times I read it as a disciple - what did Jesus want me to learn as His follower? Then I began to read it as a discipler - how can I be more effective in the process of making disciples? Now I also use it as a parent - how can I shepherd my lambs the way Jesus shepherded His? Transcending cultures, I have had the privilege of using this book to train small group leaders in the U.S. and around the world. Theologically sound, biblically true, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to obey Jesus's command to make disciples.

This book is a great retreat formation book. It can also be used in any leadership position. There was definitely a plan...

This book is a classic study of Jesus' teaching and training of his disciples (first published in 1871). When I first read it, I was fascinated by the light it shed on my reading of the Gospels. It is a very valuable study for any Christian who serves in any form of leadership capacity or anyone seeking to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.The book's 31 chapters give an absorbing commentary on selected passages of the four Gospels, following in chronological order Jesus ministry and teaching among his disciples. The writing style will take a bit of getting used to for the average modern reader, but it's well worth the effort. There is also a table of Scripture references discussed in the book that make it useful reference work. Read it cover to cover first.