27. Cf. 1 Jn 4.16. 28. Cf. Rom 5.5. (continued)
TRACTATE 9 203 your soul, is dead, so your soul, if it is without the Holy Spirit, that is, without love, will be accounted dead. Therefore "the water jars held two measures" because in the prophecy of all times the Father and the Son are preached; but the Holy
Spirit is there too, and so it was added "or three."
(4) "I and the Father," he says, "are one." '^^ But far be it that the Holy Spirit should be missing when we hear, "I and the Father are one." Nevertheless, because he named the Father and the Son, let the water jars hold "two measures," but hear "or three." "CjO, baptize the nations in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." And so where it is said, "two each," [the Trinity] is not expressed but understood; but where it is said "or three," the Trinity also is expressed.
9. But there is another meaning which must not be left unmentioned, and I shall state it. Let each one choose what pleases him; we do not withhold what is suggested. For it is the Lord's table and his minister ought not deceitfully to deprive the banqueters, especially those as hungry as you in your eagerness appear to be. The prophecy which is dispensed from ancient times pertains to the salvation of all the nations. Moses was indeed sent to the people of Israel alone, and through him the Law was given to that people alone, and the Prophets themselves were from that people. Wherefore the water-jars are also said to be "according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews."
(2) But still it is clear that the prophecy was announced also to the rest of the nations, inasmuch as Christ was concealed in him in whom all the nations are blessed, as it was promised to Abraham when the Lord said, "In your seed all the nations shall be blessed." However, this was not yet understood because the water had not yet been turned into wine. Therefore the prophecy was dispensed to all the nations. And that this may become clear in a more pleasant way, let us, as time allows, mention certain things about each of the eras, as represented by each of the water-jars.
29. Jn 10.30. 30. Cf. Mt 28.19. 31. Cf.Gn 22.18.