For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. Philippians 1:29.  {CC 277.1}        John the Baptist had been first in heralding Christ's kingdom, and he was also first in suffering. . . . He was now shut in by the walls of a dungeon cell. . . . As week after week passed, bringing no change, despondency and doubt crept over him. His disciples did not forsake him. . . . But they questioned why, if this new teacher was the Messiah, He did nothing to effect John's release. . . .  {CC 277.2}        Like the Saviour's disciples, John the Baptist did not understand the nature of Christ's kingdom. He expected Jesus to take the throne of David; and as time passed, and the Saviour made no claim to kingly authority, John became perplexed and troubled. . . . There were hours when the whisperings  ...