The Ancient Witnesses

Chapter 6: The Fullness of Time • 197

“Why do you say that?” asked Joseph. “Did you know the Pharisees kept account of the times to discern when the Messiah would appear?” asked Ephrem. “Not really,” admitted Joseph, “but that makes sense.” “Rumors were spreading concerning Christ’s birth as much as thirty years before his coming, explained Ephrem, “and that’s when Theudas and his companions were at large. They had come before the Lord in order to rob and usurp the name of the Messiah for themselves. This is why our Lord said the Pharisees sought him through observations, not in a hidden way. “A hidden way?” said Joseph. “Inwardly,” replied Ephrem, “for they had not accepted Christ with an inward acceptance.” “They didn’t have Jesus in their hearts,” said Preacher. “Indeed, they did not,” agreed Ephrem. “But who is Theudas?” I asked. “Theudas, is mentioned in the book of Acts,” said Father Greg. Reaching for Joseph’s Bible, the priest turned to chapter 5 and read, But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.” 57

57 Acts 5:34-36.