The Ancient Witnesses

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

Ambrosiaster did not reply but discussed the question with Mentor, who then spoke with Preacher. “When the body dies, the soul leaves it—that’s all the witness means by rapture ,” explained Mentor. “But what about what the Bible says about the rapture ?” asked Preacher. “Are you thinking of the passage where two men are in the field, one is taken and the other is left?” asked Joseph. “That’s the one,” agreed Preacher. 14 “So, when you hear the word rapture , you think of the saints who have not yet died being snatched up into heaven, body and soul.” “What else?” asked Preacher. “That’s not what the witness means,” explained Joseph, “besides, I think you’re confusing Matthew 24 with 1 Thessalonians 4.” Joseph turned to Matthew 24 and read aloud. They were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left (Matthew 24:39-40). “That’s is how it will be when Christ returns,” said Preacher. “Right,” agreed Joseph, “but that passage is about the Second Coming and final judgment. Besides, it doesn’t say where the man who disappears goes, or what happens to the man who is left behind.” “What do you mean?” he asked.

14 Matthew 24:40.