The Ancient Witnesses

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

As before, Mentor began by reading aloud from the Scriptures, And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. 1 “Luke the evangelist records the fulfillment of this prophecy,” Mentor continued, When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 2 The Pre-Nicene witnesses commented again, “Now it is possible to see women and men among us who possess gifts of the Spirit of God!” 3 said Justin Martyr. “Truly,” agreed Irenaeus, “the God who promised by the prophet that he would send His Spirit upon the whole human race has fulfilled His own promise.” 4

1 Joel 2:28-29.

2 Acts 2:1-4.

3 Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho, a Jew 88 (ANF 1, 243).

4 Irenaeus, Against Heresies , 3.12 (ANF 1, 430).