The Ancient Witnesses

Chapter 6: The Fullness of Time • 175

“They must understand there are four Gospels for a reason,” replied Augustine. “What reason?” I asked. “The four authorities correspond with the four corners of the world,” replied Augustine, “or perhaps the number is a sign that Christ’s Church is everywhere throughout the world. In either case, the four Gospels do not disagree with one another, as I have shown in my work, Agreement Among the Evangelists .” “But they do disagree at points, don’t they?” asked Cesar. “No,” said Augustine, “that claim is only made by those who say they honor Christ but who do not believe the Gospels.” 1 “Could you give us an example?” I asked. The Bishop directed me to the opening words of Matthew’s Gospel… The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king. 2

1 Augustine’s words on this page are paraphrased from his Agreement Among the Evangelists 1.1-1.2, and his Revisions II, 16 (43). For both of these see John Rotelle, The Works of Saint Augustine, New Testament 1 & 2 (I/15, I/16), 133-139.

2 Matt. 1:1-6 NKJV.