Chapter Three, The First Picture: The Apostle in the Waves Summary and Analysis

Ricci gives Cheng Dayue the first picture to place in the "Ink Garden"—a picture of the Apostle Peter trying to walk on water in the Sea of Galilee, as Jesus was at that moment. Since the Bible has not been translated into Chinese, Ricci can use the story as he pleases. He presents a new version of the story, with Jesus as a wise man, akin to Chinese sages in their tradition. Ricci gives a new interpretation out of necessity, in part to use the picture for mnemonic purposes that the Chinese might remember the story. Ricci has a variety of images from the gospels with him at the time, and decides to keep the picture of Peter and Christ. He...