The Training of the Twelve [Paperback]

Alexander B. Bruce (Author), D. Stuart Briscoe (Introduction), Olan Hendrix (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 6, 1979

With many ministers and religious organizations already using modern techniques found in management books, why not go straight to the source? A. B. Bruce's 1877 work The Training of the Twelve shows the methods Jesus used to lead his disciples and teach them to spread His Word. Though written more than a century ago (and based on Gospels two thousand years old), the ideas in this volume apply as surely today as they did in 1877, and church leaders (or those aspiring to be church leaders) will find this an invaluable resource. Learn... • how Jesus chose and trained his disciples • how and what he taught them about evangelism and prayer • the nature of true holiness • humility and self-sacrifice • and much more.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The preeminent work on the association of Christ with His disciples. (Wilbur M. Smith 20040603)

[Bruce] marked my thoughts greatly in the whole area of discipleship. (Howard Hendricks 20040603)

I have often sat and read chapters for no other reason than I needed the nourishment that comes to me only from devotional application. D. Stuart Briscoe This classic continues to be must reading for every Christian. (F. Duane Lindsay Bibliotheca Sacra )

One of the finest biblical approaches and the best teaching I know of [in the method] employed by the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ted Engstrom ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 552 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Pubns (June 6, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825422361
• ISBN-13: 978-0825422362
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,030,272 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading, August 8, 2005

By 

Robert A. Weber - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Training of the Twelve (Paperback)

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.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Classic on Christian Discipleship, October 18, 2000

By 

Paul M. Dubuc (Columbus, OH USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Training of the Twelve (Paperback)

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.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just religious, July 9, 2005

By 

D. Placette (Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Training of the Twelve (Paperback)

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