The Ancient Witnesses

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

“I see,” I said. “Is that why they call the first resurrection a resurrection of the body.” “Truly,” agreed Augustine, “and it is the view of materialists.” 25 “What I want to know is, what exactly is the kingdom of God and when will it begin?” asked Cesar. “Let us first answer the question of when ,” said Augustine, “and then we can proceed to the what.” Cesar agreed. “Here is my question for you,” said the Bishop, “when did Christ bind the Strong Man?” 26 “I believe he did that during his earthly ministry,” replied Cesar. 27 “Amen!” agreed Augustine, “therefore, the kingdom of God began with Christ’s first coming.” “That’s right!” said Cesar. “What strong man?” I asked. “The Lord Jesus Christ Himself says, No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man ,” explained the Bishop. 28 “By strong man he means the devil because he had power to take humanity captive. And by plundering his goods he means to deliver those held captive by the devil in various sins, who would come to believe in Him.”

25 Materialists are those concerned with the fleshly and not the spiritual dimension of humanity.

26 The following dialogue is based on Augustine, City of God , XX.5-7 (NPNF 1.2, 423-427).

27 See Matthew 12:29.

28 Matthew 12:29.