The apostles were slow, however, to understand this truth, though Jesus taught it to them plainly. It was right, of course, that they should minister first to the children of Israel. Israel constituted the chosen people. From them, and through them, had come to the world the knowledge of the one great God--the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob. From them, too, had come now the Messiah, by whom was to be wrought the salvation of the world. What the apostles did not appreciate, however, was that the Jews would prove themselves unworthy of their Savior. Yet, Jesus taught this, too; and in teaching this truth, He declared further that the Gospel would be given to others. To the woman of Samaria, Jesus declared, "Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him." No longer, after the ministry of Jesus, should Jerusalem be the center of divine worship. The world over, men should learn to worship God in spirit and in truth. Not only so; but Jesus asserted also that because of the unbelief of the Jews, the privileges of His Church should be taken away from them and given to others. "Did ye never read in the scriptures," Jesus asked of the Jews, "The stone which the builders rejected, the same has become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? {293} Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof." And, indeed, such a transfer of privilege and responsibility was almost necessary to fulfill the ancient prophecy, "Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon Him, and He shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. . . . And in His name shall the Gentiles trust." [Sidenote: The case of Cornelius.]