The Ancient Witnesses

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

“Is he saying the Old Testament saints didn’t have the Holy Spirit?” asked Joseph. “Not in abundance like the New Testament saints,” replied Father Greg. “Elijah received the grace through a mantle,” explained Chrysostom, “David by anointing oil, and Moses by fire, as we read about him at the bush. But in Acts the tongues of fire sat on every one of them, and this fire was able to kindle an infinite amount of fuel!” “Dang,” said Preacher, “he makes the Holy Spirit sound like a blowtorch!” “Moses was the greatest of the Prophets,” added Chrysostom, “yet when he shared the Spirit with elders of Israel, there was less for himself. 6 But at Pentecost it was not so. For as a flame lights many fires, at Pentecost the abundance of the Spirit was shown—each disciple receiving a fountain of the Spirit, as the Lord himself foretold, that those who believe in Him should have a well of water springing up into everlasting life . 7 And for good reason, since the disciples did not go out to argue with Pharaoh, but to wrestle with the devil.” 8 “Amen!” agreed the gathered witnesses.

6 See Num. 11:16-17. Paraphrase of Chrysostom with highlight added, The Acts of the Apostles , Homily IV (NPNF 1.11.26), which reads as follows: “Thus Moses was the greatest of the Prophets, yet he, when others were to receive the Spirit, himself suffered diminution.”

7 John 4:14.

8 See previous note.