The Ancient Witnesses

Chapter 1: A Journey to Nicaea • 37

“We shouldn’t be touching anything ,” said Joseph, distressed. “But if this is the palace library,” said Cesar, “then we’ve found Constantine’s palace!” “It might be a museum,” said Joseph, “in which case we are tres passing.” “Unless…” said Cesar. “What?” asked Preacher. “What if this is the lost library of Alexandria!” he said, his voice trembling with excitement. “You saw that on the History Channel,” said Preacher, “it burned down.” “You’re right,” agreed Cesar, “and what a tragedy— that library had all the literature of the ancient world.” “What are all these books?” I asked. “I’m not sure yet,” said Cesar, but some are written in Greek.” “Lemme see that,” said Joseph, suddenly becoming interested. “He was the best Greek student in our class,” said Preacher. Joseph read the title page from the book Cesar had pulled off the shelf. “This is not simple Koine Greek,” he said, referring to the ancient language of the New Testament. “It’s later, and more difficult to read.” “What about the title,” asked Cesar, “can you read that?” “ Didache tone dodeka Apostalone ,” read Joseph.