When the people who had gathered round Jesus heard that Saul, the terrible weaver, was scouring the desert with a troop of police, they began to melt away.

They feared unpleasant consequences.

They fully recognised the right, but most of them were disinclined to suffer persecution for that right.

They must return to their domestic duties, to their families, industries, and commerce, and, so far as was possible, live according to the Master's teaching.

They left Him because it seemed to them that His cause was falling.