The Ancient Witnesses

Chapter 7: The Last Times • 249

was his commentary on Romans. I braced myself for what I assumed would be more negative comments about the Jews, but he took a different course. “In the verses just read,” Origen began, “Paul asks did they (i.e. the Jews) stumble in order that they might fall? But note well his answer: By no means!” Origen paused to let the answer to sink in. “Let us suppose,” he continued, “that a righteous man is overcome by some weakness of the flesh. If he continues seeking God, can we really say that he has fallen with no chance for repentance? By no means! And Israel, though it persecuted those sent by God to preach salvation, still have something that remains.” 40 “This is why the Apostle Paul says they have not stumbled so as to fall,” concluded Origen, “that is to say, they have not turned completely away. Besides this, if their offense toward Christ means riches for the world, and if their forfeit means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness mean!” Origen closed his commentary and returned slowly to his choir stall. “Ari,” said Joseph, encouraging me, “I think he’s saying that God’s not done with the Jews, that He still has something for them.” “Okay,” I agreed, “but what is that something?” Chrysostom, who had not left the lectern, spoke up.

40 Origen, Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans , Book 8, chapter 9, in Thomas Scheck, Fathers of The Church 104, pages 168-169.