The rest of the evening we discussed different aspects of Christianity as we understood them. I couldn't offer any insight apart from my latest experiences. Mary knew much more than I anticipated her knowing, while Onesiphorus knew more than either one of us. What I did come to understand, though, was the way God worked in each situation described in our conversation. In each case He was thorough in His methods as well as loving and considerate in His responses to His followers. Of all the different gods I have heard about from both the Romans and the Greeks, this one seemed to out-rank them all.
To me, the Greeks were not of much use. It seemed all they were interested in was philosophizing about one thing or another. Even though they have a unique view of world politics and religions, I would still rather talk to a Roman.
"Onesiphorus, have you had many encounters with other religions or philosophies?" I asked hoping to get a better contrast to Christianity.
"Only what I have heard from others. I do know there are a lot of different gods to worship, much like the Egyptians we are taught about in the synagogues," He answered.
"I have heard tales of the Egyptians, and how powerful they were at one time," I offered.
"They were indeed. Along with the Egyptians we were taught of Moses," Onesiphorus said.
"Moses… Moses; it seems like I have heard of this man. Tell me more. Was he a Christian?" I asked.
"Not in so many words. He did believe in God, who is the Father of Jesus Christ," he explained.
"Interesting. Who was Jesus' mother?" I asked curiously.
"Her name is Mary. Her giving birth to the Messiah was miraculous," Onesiphorus said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"She had been with no man before Jesus was born. Many say this was a fulfilling of prophecy. I am not as well educated on prophecy as I am on Jesus," He said.
"If his birth was foretold it would certainly explain Nero's fear of our strange little prisoner," I said.
Onesiphorus paused in reflection as his countenance changed dramatically.
"Could you imagine raising the Son of God in your home? I sometimes wonder what Mary encountered with the child Jesus," He pondered.
"Do you suppose she ever had to correct him?" I asked seriously. It was hard for me to accept Jesus as I saw him earlier, which makes it ever harder to think of him as a child.
"He probably played and learned as any other child in the city," Onesiphorus said.
"The most supreme being I have ever seen in my life; playing like a child. That sort of puts a new twist on things doesn't it?" I asked.
"I would certainly say it adds to his credibility as a Savior," Onesiphorus added.
