ACC ~ Mark 1 v17

ON CHOOSING THE UNLETTERED

ORIGEN: Now we can see how in a short time this religion has grown up, making progress through the persecution and death of its adherents and through their endurance of confiscation of property and every kind of bodily torture. And this is particularly remarkable since the teachers themselves were neither very skillful nor very numerous. For in spite of all, this word is being “preached in all the world,” [1] so that Greeks and barbarians, wise and foolish now are adopting the Christian religion. [2] Hence there can be no doubt that it is not by human strength or resources that the word of Christ comes to prevail with all authority and convincing power in the minds and hearts of all humanity. ON FIRST PRINCIPLES 4.1.2. [3]

[1] Mt 24:14.

[2] Cf. Rom 1:14.

[3] TLG 2042.002, 4.1.2.1-9; OFP 259. Humble fishermen were chosen to put the focus upon the power of God.

THE RESISTANCE OF THE UNLETTERED

EUSEBIUS: “But how can we do it?” the disciples might reasonably have answered. “How can we preach to Romans? How can we argue with Egyptians? We are brought up to use the Syrian [1] tongue only. What language shall we speak to Greeks? How shall we persuade Persians, Armenians, Chaldeans, Scythians, Indians and other scattered nations to give up their ancestral gods and worship the Creator of all? What abilities in speaking have we to depend upon in attempting such work as this? And what hope of success can we have if we dare to proclaim laws directly opposed to the laws about their own gods that have been established for ages among all nations? By what power shall we ever survive our daring attempt?” The PROOF OF THE GOSPEL 3.7. [2]

[1] Aramaic.

[2] TLG 2018.005, 3.7.10.1-11..8; POG 1:157*.