Preserve The Revelation

Chapter 1

Daniel ran from the waterfront toward his home in Caesarea. He had gone to the harbor that day to watch ships come in, one of his favorite things to do when he wasn’t reading. He loved to look at the arriving passengers, and sometimes engage them in conversation as they stepped from the ships once they were tied to the moles. He learned much from them.

But this day, his favorite time-wasting activity was doubly rewarded. A letter for his father! How lucky he was to have been in the right place at the right time when the mail from one ship had been dumped on a table. A centurion had asked him to read off the names and sort them by city and district, saying he could deliver some himself. The next to last letter on the table turned out to be the one he delivered first.

Father! Father! A letter for you arrived today, from Ephesus!

Augustus ben Adam put down his pen and smiled at his youngest son. He had been sent to deliver notes to a deputy official in the government offices and then come right home. Nothing required him to go to the cargo and mail area of the harbor district, where he sometimes did odd jobs. Well, he was mostly a well-behaved boy, and an occasional lapse like this was not as serious as what they went through with his brother Adam.

All right, bring it here. By what good fortune do you have this? This wasn’t your day to work at the harbor.

I went down to the waterfront to see what ships came in. The centurion asked me to help with the mail, since Alijah didn’t come to work today, and I found this. He even paid me a quarter of a denarius for sorting and to deliver these. He had perhaps ten other letters in his hand.

Augustus examined the letter. Years of working with words as an amanuensis—a clerk, a copyist—had cost him much of his eyesight. The handwriting on the letter was unfamiliar, as was the seal. He could make out the words: Augustus ben Adam ben Zachariah of Caesarea, but they were somewhat difficult. His fifty-three years had been relatively free of strenuous work but had given him painful hands and fingers and the growing dimness. He would not have many more years before maintaining his line of work would be difficult, if not impossible.

Open it, Father, open it. Daniel was small for his age, obviously Jewish in his looks. Even his Roman clothes couldn’t disguise those hereditary features. His enthusiasm for everything he did could be annoying at times, but could also be infectious.

I’ll open it, but you won’t be here when I do. You have a job to do. He pointed at the letters.

Daniel frowned. I don’t need to deliver them right away. Open it.

No, you took on a job, and you need to complete it as best as you can. That includes putting your other wants aside until you do. If that means you miss something, then so be it. Run along. How long will this take you.

Daniel looked at the letters and added distances and times in his mind. I can be back here by the eighth hour.

Augustus pressed his lips together. If you can be back here a half of an hour before that, you might see me open it.

Daniel immediately turned and ran out of the house. Augustus heard giggling behind him and turned to see his wife and their youngest daughter watching from the doorway to the next room.

And why do my two Keziahs laugh at me.

The younger Keziah ran to him and hugged him. Oh, papa. We laughed at Daniel, not you. The look on his face when he thought he couldn’t get back to see you open the letter, then how it changed as he dashed out the door.

We sure did right when we named her, thought Augustus. She has the same spirit and countenance as her mother did when I first met her. He hoped she kept her excited spirit as she grew past her ten years.

Your brother needn’t worry, said the elder Keziah. Father will wait for him, just like always.

Not if he disobeys me and goes by the waterfront when he doesn’t have to.

He won’t this time. He already earned his money for the day, and this letter will keep him on track. Who is it from? Is it really from Ephesus?

The script is not familiar, Augustus said. As for its origin, the markings give no clue. I assume someone told Daniel it was from Ephesus.

Sure enough, the boy was back well before the appointed time. Augustus considered waiting to open it until their other son arrived home from his apprenticeship the next day, but Daniel was too insistent. The boy broke the seal, and August opened the letter. He could make out the Greek letters without difficulty, but decided to do something different.

My eyes are tired, son. Please read this for me.

Daniel’s eyes widened. He took the letter from his father and stood upright, then solemnly orated for his parents and sister.

Polycarp, servant of Jesus Christ, resident of Ephesus, and disciple of John, the apostle whom Jesus loved:

To Augustus ben Adam of Caesarea, servant of Luke the beloved physician.

Greetings in the name of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who day by day shows His care and concern for us and richly blesses us with every physical and spiritual blessing. I write you on behalf of John, who, though old in years, is much alive in his mind and spirit, and who daily labors as an overseer of the churches in this province. He has heard of your assistance to Luke in the matter of writing the gospel that bears his name, effective service indeed, for that gospel is widely read in the province of Asia, and is blessing many.

John has asked that you assist him in the same way you assisted Luke. For John believes the life and teaching of Jesus is not fully told. He wishes to add to the gospel record based on his own knowledge and memory. I can provide this service, but John insists that I not be deterred from my other duties for him and the church, and so has requested your presence in Ephesus. We assume this letter will reach you by the ides of May, and that you can find passage by the calends of June. This should bring you to Ephesus with enough time to complete the work and have you back on the sea well before winter drives all ships into port.

For the expenses of the trip and for an advance on your stipend, for you and for an assistant if you think advisable, please see Azariah ben Zacchaeus of Jericho. A letter has gone to him at the same time as this, requesting that he aid you on the trip and charge it to John’s account.

John and I urge you to make haste, and not refuse this request. The apostle’s light grows dim, and we cannot be sure how long he will be with us. He is the last of the apostles, and his memories must be recorded.

May God grant you success and convenience of arrangements. John asks that you give greetings to the churches in Jerusalem and that you convey this message to them: Hold on to your first love, and serve Him with every strength you have.

At one point as Daniel had read, he had to have Augustus help him with a Greek word. Polycarp was obviously a highly-educated man, and his Greek rivaled that of Luke’s for its erudite nature. But Daniel did an excellent job. His time as his father’s apprentice was clearly nearing an end. A year in the best school at Caesarea and he would be a fully qualified amanuensis.

Augustus shifted his focus to the letter, rereading it silently. Such a request for services, coming with no warning, demanded serious consideration. He looked at his wife and daughter, who were staring at him. He knew he must speak.

Keziah, I don’t know what to do about this.

Dear husband, your eyes tell me your heart has already decided, and that you must leave us here for some months. I don’t look forward to it, but I understand the calling this letter makes.

Such a separation is not something I would want, but how can I deny the request of an apostle, indeed the last of the apostles to still live on this earth.

No, you cannot. I wouldn’t ask you to. She rose and started toward the kitchen, then turned to him. How will you proceed.

Augustus ran his hands down the sides of his face then clasped them before his chest. I believe we should take two days to pray, and to seek the counsel of the elders. That would place our decision day on the Sabbath, six days before the ides. If the decision is to go, I will sail by the time suggested by Polycarp.

* * *

That evening Augustus and Keziah discussed the matter, in the privacy of their own room, with the lights out for the night, and in hushed tones.

If you go, will you take an assistant.

I don’t really know if I would need one, but perhaps one of our sons should join me. Perhaps Daniel.

Why not Adam? He’s older, and you know it’s been his ambition for some time to sail away somewhere. How he hates being in Jerusalem when all the ships are at Caesarea.

Augustus nodded in the dark. Yes, but he has no desire to take up the pen for his work. He learns the business of commerce with my brother, tolerating it only because he believes it will take him to sea as a merchant. No, Daniel is better suited for this task, should a second pen be needed.

Yes, by aptitude Daniel is the one. Keziah reached her fingers to her husband’s hair. Graying for sure, but still full. He enjoyed that small gesture from her. "But Adam will benefit more from the adventure. If you won’t need an assistant, perhaps he can make trade contacts for your brother in Ephesus, maybe even work some while you’re there. And he can do copying work if really needed."

Augustus didn’t reply right away. He pondered the question for some time, mulling the best course to take. I think tomorrow I’ll see about ships sailing for Ephesus in the near future. Then, I’ll accompany Adam back to Jerusalem after the Sabbath, and go on to Jericho and see what the full stipend is and what arrangements can be made. If the money is enough to sustain you and the children for four months, then I will go.

You need not worry about us, dear husband. Our sons-in-law will look after us for that time. It will be your presence, not your income, that will put a hole in my heart for those months.

Strange, Augustus said, after a minute of silence.

What’s strange.

This is now the third time I’ve been called on to prepare a document to help the church spread the message of Jesus. But until now I’ve not had to travel to do so. For some reason, it feels strange. I’ve never been on the sea.

God will keep you safe in your travels, and give you success in this work.

One other thought occurs to me, Augustus said, slowly bringing his thoughts to words. Neither of our sons shows much interest in being a devout follower of Jesus.

Adam less so than Daniel, who at least reads the scriptures.

Yes, but neither one prays much. Perhaps on this trip; I can work on that with whichever one I take.

In which case, you should probably take Adam.

It’s worth considering.

* * *

Five days after the ides of May, Augustus and Adam sailed from Caesarea for the capital of the province of Asia on a merchant ship. Adam would be his father’s assistant to whatever extent needed. In other hours he would work with a trading partner of Samuel ben Adam of Jerusalem, his uncle. He carried letters of introduction, but had no assurance that the other work would actually be available.

Augustus watched his wife, his three daughters, and his other son wave goodbye from the north mole. Daniel looked the most disappointed. He would work in his father’s place for three months, a great chance for a boy not yet turned sixteen. Augustus hoped he wasn’t taking the wrong son with him.

Chapter 2

4 days before the calends of June

Augustus, loving and faithful husband, follower of the risen Christ;

To Keziah, my wife of many years, mother of my children, and fellow servant of the God of all the world:

May the grace of God and the love of his Son Jesus Christ fill all your days, and may my love comingle with it from afar, to uplift and strengthen you through your labors.

We are at sea, slowly making our way to the west. The weather is fine and fair, though the wind is slack, and we make little headway. Our captain says this is the calmest he remembers it in twenty years of sailing these waters. He says at this rate it will be another ten or fifteen days to Ephesus. I will be anxious to arrive there and begin work and return to you again.

Adam is, I think, a little bored. Perhaps he has found that sailing isn’t always exciting. No doubt if we had gales and storms he would find more excitement on the vast sea. He has been all over the ship, come to know the crew and officers, and their routines. He seems to pay close attention to most things, but has trouble remembering names. I worked with him on that, giving him techniques to aid his quick memory. Will it help? You well know our oldest son is not the best listener.

Our fellow passengers are mostly merchants from Syria, accompanying their cargo of spices and cloths from the East, and I take it other goods as well. Half will be offloaded in Ephesus, where one merchant will stay to make contracts; the rest will continue to Rome. The man who will stay at Ephesus has been talking with Adam about hiring him as an assistant for our time there. I haven’t said yes or no, as I’m not sure if I will need him or not.

As I think about this assignment, I’m puzzled. Why does John need me? There in Ephesus he cannot conduct research, as Luke and I did in Jerusalem, Judea, and Galilee. And we have three excellent records of Jesus’ ministry and teaching. What does John plan on adding to that? Certainly he has memories of Jesus’ life that could add something of value, but is that enough reason to go to the expense of bringing me so far, when they would have a choice of any number of men with skills equal to mine right there in Ephesus? This doesn’t make sense.

Of course, I’m happy for the employment and the money. With the excess, we can fully pay for the costs of Daniel’s last year of school.

You may ask why I write this letter, in the middle of the Mediterranean, only eight days removed from you and at least ten days before we see a port. It’s because I miss you so much, and long to be back with you. It took Luke and me three years of work to come up with what eventually became his gospel. Surely this will be just the few months Polycarp said it would be. However, should we happen to make contact with an eastbound ship, or put into port unexpectedly, I’ll have something ready to send you. If neither of those happen, I’ll add to it from time to time until we arrive in Ephesus.

It is now one day after the calends of June. The winds have increased somewhat, and we make better progress. We have turned north. Asia is still to our right, but now Greece is to our left rather than in front of us. Of course, we can see neither. Our whole voyage we have been out of sight of land, except for a brief view of Cyprus. Our captain had intended to push on to Crete for a stop, but the merchants on board have persuaded him to go straight to Ephesus, that persuasion having consisted of a number of denarii, I believe. We lost so much time when the winds were calm, I suppose they want to try to make some up.

Adam continues well. I suggested he start a letter to you, but till now he ignores me. He is not one to sit and do hand and head tasks. I hope my brother is teaching him that a large part of a merchant’s work is to keep records, to correspond about trading, and to keep track of monies owed and due. He has time to learn.

Darling wife, we have just disembarked at Ephesus. I learned a ship leaves on the turn of the tide for Tyre, so I bring this letter to a close. Fear not for me and Adam, and I won’t fear for you, so long as God is with us. I do hope our daughters’ husbands are looking in on you and Keziah from time to time. I’m sorry this letter is so jumbled. Perhaps writing it over several days wasn’t the best idea.

I will seal this and take it to the departing ship, trusting it, as I do you, to the grace of God, then go to find my employer, the aged apostle John.

Chapter 3

His letter arrangements made, Augustus turned away from the water and looked at Ephesus. His knowledge of port cities was limited to Caesarea, and of inland cities to Jerusalem and Damascus. Beyond those, he had only been in much smaller places. Ephesus, it seemed to him, was Caesarea and Jerusalem combined. The city appeared massive. Buildings were close together, streets narrow and full of people and animals. The buildings stretched as far as he could see. Smoke rose here and there, and the smells in the harbor area were tantalizing. Laborers were unloading spices from the ship they had been on.

But, Augustus didn’t know exactly where to go. He had no idea where John lived, if Polycarp lived with him or elsewhere, if they had accommodations for him and Adam, or if they needed to find an inn for the night then lodgings for three months. It was mid-afternoon. That didn’t leave much time for making enquiries, and going wherever they needed to go.

And, what would he ask for? Excuse me, do you know where the Apostle John lives? He doubted most people in Ephesus would know, and doubted Polycarp would be any better known. Given that he had heard that Emperor Domitian had recently begun persecuting Christians, he couldn’t exactly ask to be taken to the nearest Christian household. What to do?

What’s wrong, Father. Adam had come up beside him. He had disappeared right after they got off, Augustus assumed to watch the bustle of the harbor.

I’m not sure where to go. I don’t know if John and Polycarp expect us to go straight to John’s home, or if we should get a room at an inn. And, I don’t know where John lives.

Adam said something Augustus didn’t quite understand, maybe that he’d be back shortly. He was gone for ten minutes while Augustus negotiated with some porters to take their luggage, though he didn’t know where they were to take it. He asked them for information about nearby inns. Soon Adam was back, with someone who he said would guide them to the house of Polycarp.

It’s a forty minute walk, to near the edge of the city, he says.

Augustus had no idea what Adam asked, and who he asked it to, to find this guide. Soon they were on their way, backs to the harbor, walking to the southeast. The walk was uphill, but not excessively so, and caused no discomfort, even in the mid-afternoon sun.

Soon they were at the right house. Adam knocked on the door. After a minute a servant opened it. Augustus presented their business. Before long, Polycarp was at the door.

Augustus! Thank you, thank you for coming. Please come in. John has been expecting you, hoping for the last two weeks that you would get here. Come inside and take refreshment. He talked to the porters, while Augustus paid them and the guide, then they all went in the modest house.

Once inside, Augustus and Adam were taken to an inner room that was cool and refreshing, the only light coming from a small lantern. A servant girl brought damp cloths for them to use to cool off, then drinks and some fruit. Polycarp came into the room a few minutes later.

I was checking on John. He is resting now, after a busy morning, and will join us for supper. So tell me, how was your voyage? He took a drink and part of an orange from the servant girl. Augustus guessed he was in his mid-twenties. Of moderate build, he was obviously not Jewish. Augustus couldn’t tell if he was Asian or Greek.

Augustus recounted the trip. Polycarp asked about his family, and the conversation went back and forth on personal matters. He seemed tired, and frequently fell silent, even in mid-sentence, apparently lost in thought or weary. He must have seen a puzzled look on Augustus.

I’m sorry if I seem—distracted. It’s been a busy day even before your arrival. I’m not much of a conversationalist today, I’m afraid.

Tell us, Augustus said, trying to focus on an issue he thought Polycarp might be able to concentrate on. Why did John send for me? You seem to be an educated man, and could do all the writing John requires. For that matter, why could John not write his gospel himself.

Polycarp took a long time before answering, leading Augustus to think he wasn’t going to answer. "The Elder has had some education, and can speak Greek, but cannot write it well. He does better with Aramaic. In addition, his eyes are failing him. He sees only with effort, effort which causes him to tire quickly. Just this morning he had me write out a letter to Ignatius, and just that effort had him exhausted.

As to why I don’t help, with John now so feeble, he has transferred much of the care of the churches in Asia to me. I go to Smyrna at least once a month to help the church there; in fact, I was there just yesterday. John also wants me to make a yearly visit to all the churches. I will do that for the first time next month. Given John’s advanced age, he thought he should get this done as soon as possible.

But why not hire a local amanuensis? Surely you have no shortage of them in Ephesus, or in nearby cities. The expense to have me come all this way—

Polycarp interrupted. Ah, Augustus, your reputation precedes you. We know just how much you helped Luke in writing his gospel. As I said in my letter, John believes, and I agree, that your unique blend of experience, education, and your walk with Christ makes you the right person to be John’s assistant. It will be time well spent, I assure you. John’s body may be wasting, but his mind remains as active as ever. You will find it a joy to be with him.

Will we be referencing the other gospels? I didn’t bring copies with me, supposing you had copies we could use.

Yes, we have copies. I don’t know whether you’ll need them or not. When John and I first discussed this, he said he wanted to write a gospel with a different emphasis. He wants to share things the other gospel writers left out. How much this new gospel will overlap with the others remains to be seen. I think you can help him deciding what stories to include, and which to leave out.

The conversation ceased, and