Section 80

“These signs are sufficient to demonstrate that faith in Christ alone is true religion. But here you are: you still do not believe and continue asking for arguments.

“We do not make our demonstration ‘in persuasive words of Greek wisdom,’ as our teacher says. We persuade through faith, whose manifest operation comes before argumentative proof.

“Look: here are some people tormented by demons.” There were, in fact, several people there who had come to Antony in great distress because of demons. He brought them into the middle and said to the philosophers:

“Cleanse these people yourselves—whether by arguments, by whatever art or magic you choose, or by calling upon your idols. But if you cannot, then stop contending against us and you will see the power of the cross of Christ.”

After saying this, Antony called upon Christ and made the sign of the cross over the sufferers two or three times. Immediately the men stood up completely healed, in their right minds, and at once gave thanks to the Lord.

The men called philosophers marveled and were overwhelmed with astonishment both at Antony’s understanding and at the sign that had taken place.

But Antony said: “Why do you marvel at this? We are not the ones who do these things. It is Christ who works them through those who believe in him. Believe yourselves, and you will see that among us there is no trick of words, but faith working through love toward Christ. If you yourselves obtain this faith, you will no longer look for demonstrative arguments but will regard faith in Christ as sufficient.”

These were Antony’s words. The philosophers marveled at this also, greeted him respectfully, and departed, acknowledging the benefit they had received from him.