The Ancient Witnesses

Chapter 6: The Fullness of Time • 185

“So, Herod was shaking at the good news,” said Cesar. “Like a twig blowing in the breeze!” agreed Preacher. Something in the Commentary caught my eye, and I read aloud over Preacher’s shoulder. “Greater than Herod’s fear was the fear inspiring the devil: Herod was fearful of what he thought might be true, but the devil’s fear was based on what he knew to be true. The one whom Herod believed to be a man, the devil knew to be God, for he had heard the angels cry, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will.” 27 “So the devil was afraid too,” said Joseph, “I never thought about that!” “Listen to this,” I read further, “while Herod’s fears were earth-bound, the devil’s were heavenly. For if Herod had believed a heavenly king was to be born, he would not have greatly feared. Nor would the devil have feared an earthly king.” 28 “I don’t get that,” said Preacher. “It makes sense,” said Cesar, “because the devil would only be afraid of God, not a human. And Herod didn’t believe Jesus was God, but he hated the idea of a human successor to his throne.” “Herod’s fear was inspired by the devil who knew Christ’s true identify,” explained Father Greg. “But Herod must have believed the wisemen,” said Cesar, reading Joseph’s Bible— Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what

27 Opus Imperfectum , Second Homily (PG 56, 639) my translation.

28 Same as previous note.