He Heals the Possessed Before the Philosophers

“These signs are enough to prove that the faith of Christ alone is the true religion. But look! You still do not believe, and you are looking for arguments. We, however, make our proof ‘not in the persuasive words of Greek wisdom,’ as our teacher puts it, but we persuade by faith, which plainly goes before proof by argument. Look, there are some people here who are troubled by demons.” For some had come to him who were badly disturbed by demons. He brought them into the middle and said: “Either you cleanse them, by arguments or by whatever art or magic you choose, calling on your idols; or, if you cannot, give up your quarrel with us, and you will see the power of the cross of Christ.” Having said this, he called on Christ and made the sign of the cross over the sufferers two or three times. At once the men stood up whole and in their right mind, and immediately gave thanks to the Lord. The philosophers, as they are called, wondered and were utterly astonished at the man’s understanding and at the sign that had been worked. 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. So believe yourselves as well, and you will see that with us there is no trick of words, but faith worked in us through love toward Christ. If you yourselves gain this faith, you will no longer look for proofs by argument, but will count faith in Christ enough.” These are the words of Antony. And marveling at this too, they greeted him and went away, admitting the benefit they had received from him. [a]