John's Story Read Online Free PDF Page B

not run into him yet. I fear I would be compelled to challenge him publicly.”
    “I would relish seeing that,” the man said.
    “Do you recall,” John said, “when we recently read aloud those last two epistles of Paul?”
    “I do, yes, but I confess I don’t remember them in their entirety.”
    “That’s understandable, but let me remind you: In the first he cautioned against becoming enamored of philosophy and vain deceit. In essence, he was saying that those who enjoy considering every new wave of doctrine run the risk of being blown about by the wind.”
    Seeing the man’s response on his face, John added, “I say this not to scold you, sir. Please just take my counsel as a caution.”
    And suddenly there stood Polycarp with a wide grin, and next to him one of John’s dearest friends and former disciples, a tall man, reed-thin, with a black beard and piercing dark eyes.
    “Rabbi,” Polycarp said, “I believe you know Ignatius?”
    John was struck dumb. Ignatius. All the way from Syria. What a perfect choice for his temporary substitute. Now John could truly relax. Years ago Ignatius had been John’s Polycarp, learning at his feet, traveling with him, and becoming one of the boldest defenders of the faith John had ever known. John had joined Peter and other disciples of Jesus in selecting Ignatius for his role as bishop at Antioch. All the reports in the years since bore witness to a man, now about half John’s age, who had become a beloved and courageous pastor in the midst of a hostile Roman Empire.
    John greeted his dear old colleague and protégé with a kiss and insisted on personally ushering Ignatius to the guest parlor and washing his feet.
    “This is too much, teacher!” Ignatius said, eyes full. “How wonderful to see you again and to be able to praise God with you.”
    “In spite of my age, you mean to say,” John said, covering the younger man’s feet with water. “I can see it in your eyes. I am grateful for a little more time to serve my Master, and I wish the same for you, though reports of your recklessness worry me.”
    “You need not invest a moment’s concern for me, kind sir. You are as willing as I to be martyred for the cause of Christ.”
    “Willing, but not eager, Ignatius. I have heard from more than one source that you consider martyrdom a thing to be grasped, a crowning achievement to a life of service to God.”
    “I have heard the same,” Polycarp said.
    Ignatius smiled. “Does this game have no rules?” he said. “Am I to be attacked by more than one at once?” As John wiped dry Ignatius’s feet, the Antiochan added, “At least let the youngster fetch my drink so I am required to answer to only one inquisitor at a time.”
    “With pleasure,” Polycarp said, and as he headed for the water he threw back over his shoulder, “Youngster indeed.”
    “Verily,” John said, allowing Ignatius to help him up so he could sit next to him, “may I exhort you as an elder, if you don’t consider me too much an old fool by now?”
    “Don’t even whisper such a thing,” Ignatius said. “I yearn for your wisdom as always.”
    Polycarp returned with the cup and asked if he could sit at the men’s feet.
    Ignatius grabbed the young man’s wrist and tugged him down. “As long as I see open ears and a closed mouth. From what John tells me, by the end of my visit I will have learned more from you than you from me.”
    As the visiting bishop seemed to ponder his reply to the charge that he elevated martyrdom over a life of service, John had to smile. He was encouraged that Ignatius had learned not to answer immediately, as he used to, and as Polycarp often did. John remembered his own impetuousness as a young man. Not much older than Polycarp, John twice humiliated himself before the Master Himself, who responded with such grace that John was even more humbled.
    First, he and his brother James went to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we