The Ancient Witnesses

198 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

Father Greg explained that the passage was Gamaliel’s advice to the Jewish Ruling Council that they should take no action against the preachers but make careful observations to see whether the preaching of Peter and the Apostles would come to anything. “Is that what you meant by observations , Father Ephrem?” asked the priest. “Yes,” Ephrem agreed, “the Pharisees believed they could discern all truth through their subtle observations. Theudas had shown himself to be no messiah since he sought to rob people in secret. Yet the Pharisees were no better than thieves and robbers who never show themselves in daylight. The true Lord of the flock had come to them, entering his sheepfold by the gate. That is, He was coming into his inheritance with confidence and strength, by reason of his miracles. Still, the Pharisees could not identify him by their astute observations.” “I see what you mean,” said Father Greg, “the Pharisees’ corrupt hearts were shown by their inability to recognize their own Messiah: Jesus said the kingdom of God is in your hearts , because one perceives God’s kingdom from one’s heart.” “But the disciple’s hearts weren’t right, were they?” asked Cesar. “That’s true,” agreed Joseph, “besides, Jesus said they were given the knowledge.” “Where does it say that?” I asked. “Right here in Matthew,” said Joseph. Turning the pages of his Bible he read, To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.