The Ancient Witnesses

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

“Paul has already shown the Jews to be guilty of more evils that can be counted! He simply says what he says 41 to make his condemnation less harsh, but I agree with the esteemed Master,” he indicated Origen, “that their fall is not incurable.” If their forfeit means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness mean? ” recited Origen, once more from his place. “But Paul does not say when they return or how much more their return will mean,” countered Chrysostom, “or even their changing , but simply, how much more their fullness .” The debate continued without consensus for some time. Aside from Origen, the Pre-Nicene witnesses were uniformly harsh in their view of Israel, while the later fathers—especially Augustine and Ambrosiaster—refused to dismiss Israel as having no place in God’s future salvation. There were witnesses still waiting to testify when Mentor announced a break. One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church After this, Mentor called for us to recite the Nicene Creed, toward the end of which comes the line, We believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. As we were seated he invited the witnesses to testify to the four marks of the Church— one, holy, catholic, and apostolic . A fresh line formed, at the head of which was Irenaeus. 42

41 i.e. So I ask, did they (i.e. the Jews) stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! In other words in verse 11 of Rom. 9.

42 The following selection of texts is indebted to Gregg R. Allison, Historical Theology , 566—572.