Silence settled over the men. James could not understand what was the matter. Finally Philip said hesitantly, "We thought Levi might know how to deal with the Romans."
"Oh, I don't think so!" exclaimed John. "He knows only the Romans in Galilee."
"Besides, the best people in Jerusalem might hold it against him that he was a taxgatherer," added James, without thinking how his words sounded.
Levi flared up. "Well, I am not so sure they will like a fish peddler any better," he remarked bitingly.
"That is beside the point," snapped James. "Simon Peter was the first—and you have to admit it!"
At that moment the Zealot and Judas joined the group. "What are you talking about?" demanded the Zealot. When no one replied, Judas laughed and remarked: "It's not hard to guess! Well, we shall see who is greatest when we get to Jerusalem!"
It was a long and hot trip from Caesarea Philippi to Capernaum, and the men did not stop arguing until they came to the very door of Peter's house. Their home-coming was spoiled. Everyone was in bad humor. Peter remembered how he had longed to see his wife and children when he had looked down on the Lake of Galilee from Mount Hermon. Now this bitter dispute had completely taken away the pleasure of it. Peter's wife could not understand why all the men, even her husband, ate supper in silence. After they had finished eating, James rose and stood in the open doorway, blocking it. He glared angrily at Judas and the Zealot.
He could hardly restrain his bitter resentment against these men, and he was determined to make the Master put them in their place.
But it was Jesus who spoke first—before James could begin his angry accusations. "What were you wrangling about on the road?"
James felt his anger turn against the Master, who was sitting near the door. He had not been wrangling! It was a matter of simple fairness!