The Ancient Witnesses

Chapter 7: The Last Times • 235

“The eastern and western views are not so different,” I suggested to Father Greg, “both Chrysostom and Arator interpreted Pentecost in light of the past—the anointing of the Old Testament figures, and the building of the tower of Babel.” “Agreed,” said Father Greg, “but Ephrem’s interpretation points to the future.” The Church Militant “Speaking of the future, the disciples will be arrested in Acts 4,” said Joseph, reading from his Bible, The priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because the Apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody… Acts 4:1–3 “As glorious as Pentecost was,” he added, “the apostles had lots of enemies.” “That’s why they’re called the Church Militant,” 13 added Cesar, “and the next passage names their enemies...” he read, Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples 13 The Church Militant comes from the Latin Ecclesia Militans , and is the body of Christ comprised of members currently alive (and therefore who struggle against sin and the devil), in contrast to the Church Triumphant ( Ecclesia Triumpans ) comprised of those who have died in the Lord and are now with Christ in heaven. See also Susanne de Dietrich, God’s Unfolding Purpose , 222.