The Return

The vine is still the vine.

The knowing is available now — not after the theology is complete, not after the correct tradition is identified, not after the catechism is memorized. The branch does not need to understand the vine's internal structure to draw from it. It needs to remain connected.

Pisteuō eis — trust yourself into Him. All the weight. Both hands.

Ginōskō — stay long enough to know and be known.

This is eternal life.

But the question that remains is what those words were attached to when they first moved through the world. Before the creeds were councils' work. Before the catechisms were drafted. Before any tradition built the walls that would eventually divide the church against itself. What did the apostles actually deliver? What were the words on the lips of those who had seen Him, been with Him, received everything from His hands?

That is not only a historical question. It is the question of every person who wants to know what was said before anyone could add to it. Here is what was delivered.