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Dialogue with Trypho
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Chapter 39: The Hostility of Jews Towards Christians Who Hold These Beliefs and the Significant Differences Between the Two.
"It is not surprising," I continued, "that you hate us who hold these opinions and accuse you of having a continually hard heart. For indeed, Elijah, speaking with God about you, says: 'Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I am left alone, and they seek my life.' And God answers him: 'I have still seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.' Therefore, just as God did not unleash His anger because of those seven thousand men, He has not yet passed judgment now, knowing that some of you are becoming disciples in the name of Christ and turning away from the path of error. These disciples are also receiving gifts, each according to their worth, enlightened through the name of Christ. For one receives the spirit of understanding, another of counsel, another of strength, another of healing, another of foreknowledge, another of teaching, and another of the fear of God."
TRYPHO SAID TO ME: "I wish you knew that you are out of your mind, expressing these sentiments."
AND I SAID TO HIM: "Listen, friend, for I am not mad or out of control; but it was prophesied that, after Christ's ascent to heaven, He would deliver us from error and give us gifts. The words are: 'He ascended on high; He led captivity captive; He gave gifts to men.' Therefore, we who have received gifts from Christ, who has ascended on high, prove from the words of prophecy that you, 'the wise in yourselves, and those who consider themselves understanding,' are foolish, and you honor God and His Christ only with words. But we, who are instructed in the whole truth, honor Them both in actions, in knowledge, and in heart, even unto death. But you hesitate to confess that He is Christ, as the Scriptures and the events witnessed and done in His name prove, perhaps because you fear persecution by the rulers, who, under the influence of the wicked and deceitful spirit, the serpent, will not stop putting to death and persecuting those who confess the name of Christ until He comes again, and destroys them all, and gives each what they deserve."
AND TRYPHO REPLIED: “Now, then, provide us the proof that this man who you say was crucified and ascended into heaven is the Christ of God. For you have sufficiently demonstrated through the Scriptures you previously quoted that it is stated in the Scriptures that Christ must suffer, return with glory, and receive the eternal kingdom over all the nations, every kingdom being made subject to Him: now show us that this man is Him.”
AND I REPLIED: "It has already been proven, gentlemen, to those who will listen, even from the facts you have acknowledged; yet so you don't think I am unable to provide the proof you seek, as I promised, I will do so at an appropriate time. For now, I will return to the topic I was discussing."