and one remained in Hebrew. Most Christians interpret the term as “the Savior,” and they call the Messiah himself by that title. In the Gospel now in their hands he is reported to have said:

“I did not come to adorn the world, but to save the world.”

The Christians also say in their prayers:

“Truly you were born for us as a savior.”

There is, however, considerable disagreement about the matter. Some Christians claim that it refers to a spirit that descended upon the apostles; others say it was tongues of fire that came down from heaven upon the disciples, through which signs and wonders were accomplished. Hence, those familiar with Christian doctrines observe that they have never met anyone able to offer a satisfactory explanation of the coming of this promised fāraqlīṭ.

Some maintain that it is the Messiah himself, on the grounds that he appeared forty days after the crucifixion and rose from his grave. But to interpret it as a spirit is untenable, and even more baseless is