Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series • VOLUME 10
Chrysostom — Homilies on Matthew
SECTION 81
Homily XXVII.
[1133] anathenai. [1134] hetasthsontai. Wisdom vi. 6. [1135] Luke xii. 47. [1136] Both these sects ascribed the Old Testament to an evil principle, and argued against it from such cases as this of David. Of Marcion, see St. Iren. i. 29, iv. 45. Of Manes, St. Aug. contra Faustum. xxii. 5, 66. [Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, f…
2,310 wordsSECTION 82And see how in this also He shows forth great moderation: in that He said not, "I have it indeed, but despise it," but "I have it not." Sees
And see how in this also He shows forth great moderation: in that He said not, "I have it indeed, but despise it," but "I have it not." Seest thou what exact care goes along with His condescension? Even as when He eats and drinks, when He seems to be acting in an opposite way to John, this too He doeth for the sake of the Jews' …
2,231 wordsSECTION 83Homily XXVIII.
[1169] Matt. viii. 21. [1170] hosion. [1171] philosophan . [1172] Luke ix. 62, en t basile. [The citation is peculiar: (1) en is not found in any of our mss. of the New Testament, the received text is e tn basilean, while the dative alone is better supported. (2) tn orann is substituted for to theo; the former occurring in Ma…
2,330 wordsSECTION 84And from many other things too one might perceive, that it is not possible for a disembodied soul to remain here. For both Stephen saith, "R
And from many other things too one might perceive, that it is not possible for a disembodied soul to remain here. For both Stephen saith, "Receive my spirit;" [1199] and Paul, "To depart and to be with Christ is far better;" [1200] and of the patriarch too the Scripture saith, that "he was gathered unto his fathers, being cheris…
2,249 wordsSECTION 85Again, when it has been in men's power to purchase either gainful offices, or some other such thing, by some trifling meanness they have los
Again, when it has been in men's power to purchase either gainful offices, or some other such thing, by some trifling meanness they have lost all. For because they know not how to sow, but have ever practised reaping, they of course continually fail of their harvest. For no man can be always reaping, as neither can he be always …
872 wordsSECTION 86Homily XXIX.
Homily XXIX. Matt. IX. 1, 2. "And He entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into His own city. And, behold, they brought to Him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." [1211] By His own city here he means …
2,246 wordsSECTION 87See, for example, how He Himself, the insulted one, discourses with us, both in the Old Testament, and in the New; in the one saying, "O my
See, for example, how He Himself, the insulted one, discourses with us, both in the Old Testament, and in the New; in the one saying, "O my people, what have I done unto thee?" [1244] in the other, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me." [1245] And Paul too bids, "In meekness instruct those that oppose themselves." [1246] And Chr…
821 wordsSECTION 88Homily XXX.
Homily XXX. Matt. IX. 9. "And as Jesus passed forth from thence, He saw a man sitting at the receipt of custom, [1250] named Matthew; and He saith unto him, Follow me." For when He had performed the miracle, He did not remain, lest, being in sight, He should kindle their jealousy the more; but He indulges them by retiring, an…
2,264 wordsSECTION 89Having then reproved them, both by common illustrations and by the Scriptures, He adds again,
Having then reproved them, both by common illustrations and by the Scriptures, He adds again, "I am not come to call righteous men, but sinners to repentance." And this He saith unto them in irony; as when He said, "Behold, Adam is become as one of us;" [1274] and again, "If I were hungry, I would not tell thee." [1275] For th…
2,236 wordsSECTION 90Homily XXXI.
[1250] [R.V., "at the place of toll."] [1251] philosophan . [1252] Mark ii. 14; Luke v. 27. [1253] Gal. i. 13. [1254] Luke vii. 38. [1255] It appears by this that St. Chrysostom did not consider Nathanael to be the same with St. Bartholomew. [1256] Matt. iii. 6. [1257] paesan. [1258] enkallopizmeno . [1259] Matt. xi. 19…
2,349 wordsSECTION 91But yet they laughed Him to scorn: He however was not indignant at being disbelieved by those for whom He was a little afterwards to work mi
But yet they laughed Him to scorn: He however was not indignant at being disbelieved by those for whom He was a little afterwards to work miracles; neither did He rebuke their laughter, in order that both it and the pipes, and the cymbals, and all the other things, might be a sure proof of her death. For since for the most part,…
2,218 wordsSECTION 92But hast thou no husband? yet hast thou a consolation, even the Father of the orphans, and Judge of the widows. Hear even Paul pronouncing t
But hast thou no husband? yet hast thou a consolation, even the Father of the orphans, and Judge of the widows. Hear even Paul pronouncing this widowhood blessed, and saying, "Now she that is a widow indeed and desolate, trusteth in the Lord." [1332] Because such an one will appear more approved, evincing as she doth greater pat…
709 wordsSECTION 93Homily XXXII.
Homily XXXII. Matt. IX. 27-30. "And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed Him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. [1334] And when He was come into the house, the blind men came to Him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They say unto Him, Yea, Lord. Then touched …
2,290 wordsSECTION 945. Then, since He had mentioned to us two pairs of apostles, that of Peter, and that of John, and after those had pointed out the calling of
5. Then, since He had mentioned to us two pairs of apostles, that of Peter, and that of John, and after those had pointed out the calling of Matthew, but had said nothing to us either of the calling or of the name of the other apostles; here of necessity He sets down the list of them, and their number, and makes known their name…
2,208 wordsSECTION 95But mark, I pray thee, how He doth not even yet give the whole to them. For neither doth He as yet bestow upon them foreknowledge, so as to
But mark, I pray thee, how He doth not even yet give the whole to them. For neither doth He as yet bestow upon them foreknowledge, so as to learn who is worthy, and who is not so; but He bids them inquire, and await the trial. How then did He Himself abide with a publican? Because he was become worthy by his conversion. And mar…
2,388 wordsSECTION 96For, as to miracles, they oftentimes, while they profited another, have injured him who had the power, by lifting him up to pride and vaingl
For, as to miracles, they oftentimes, while they profited another, have injured him who had the power, by lifting him up to pride and vainglory, or haply in some other way: but in our works there is no place for any such suspicion, but they profit both such as follow them, and many others. These then let us perform with much di…
1,292 wordsSECTION 97Homily XXXIII.
Homily XXXIII. Matt. X. 16. "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Having made them feel confident about their necessary food, and opened unto them all men's houses, and having invested their entrance with an appearance to attract veneration, chargi…
2,207 wordsSECTION 98But none of these things did they either think or say, neither did they require any account of His injunctions, but simply yielded and obeye
But none of these things did they either think or say, neither did they require any account of His injunctions, but simply yielded and obeyed. And this came not from their own virtue only, but also of the wisdom of their Teacher. For see how to each of the fearful things He annexed an encouragement; as in the case of such as rec…
2,265 wordsSECTION 99If now it should happen, as I pray it may not happen nor at any time fall out, that there be a war against churches, and a persecution, imag
If now it should happen, as I pray it may not happen nor at any time fall out, that there be a war against churches, and a persecution, imagine how great will be the ridicule, how sore the reproaches. And very naturally; for when no one exercises himself in the wrestling school, how shall he be distinguished in the contests? Wha…
1,940 wordsSECTION 100Homily XXXIV.
Homily XXXIV. Matt. X. 23. "But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into the other; for verily I say unto you, ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of Man be come." Having spoken of those fearful and horrible things, enough to melt very adamant, which after His cross, and resurrection, and …
2,231 wordsSECTION 101Seest thou how He signifies the conflicts to be easy? Because in truth, death did exceedingly agitate their souls, inspiring terror for a ti
Seest thou how He signifies the conflicts to be easy? Because in truth, death did exceedingly agitate their souls, inspiring terror for a time, for that it had not as yet been made easy to overcome, neither had they that were to despise it partaken of the grace of the Spirit. Having, you see, cast out the fear and distress that…
2,209 wordsSECTION 102Homily XXXV.
[1438] Matt. x. 26. [1439] Matt. x. 10. [1440] Matt. x. 19, 22. [1441] Matt. x. 24-26. [1442] [In the Greek this seems to be a repetition of verse 24, and not a question.--R.] [1443] gnesiteta pideiknmeno. [1444] John xv. 15, 14. [1445] Matt. x. 16. [1446] [R.V., "proclaim."] [1447] Matt. x. 27. [1448] gumn t kephal. …
2,246 wordsSECTION 103And mark an instance of unspeakable consideration. For not in respect of our parents only doth He practise this reasoning, nor of our childr
And mark an instance of unspeakable consideration. For not in respect of our parents only doth He practise this reasoning, nor of our children, but with regard to our life, which is nearer than all; that the other point may thenceforth become unquestionable, and they may learn that they will in this way profit those of their kin…
2,280 wordsSECTION 104So also, when he was admonishing those of the Gentiles, in his Epistle to the Romans, not to be highminded against the Jews, he brought forw
So also, when he was admonishing those of the Gentiles, in his Epistle to the Romans, not to be highminded against the Jews, he brought forward also the wild olive, and he seems to be saying one thing to these, another to those. [1500] Let us not therefore fall away into cruelty, but let us listen to Paul, saying, "Be not weary…
1,632 wordsSECTION 105Homily XXXVI.
Homily XXXVI. Matt. XI. 1. "And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding His twelve disciples, He departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities." That is, after He had sent them, He proceeded to withdraw Himself, to give them room and opportunity to do what He had enjoined. For while He was present a…
2,283 wordsSECTION 106So then the prophets, so many years before, speak of the hall of judgment, and of the condemnation, and of them that were crucified with Him
So then the prophets, so many years before, speak of the hall of judgment, and of the condemnation, and of them that were crucified with Him, and of the division of the garments, and of the lot cast upon them, and of many more things besides (for indeed it is unnecessary to allege all now, lest we make our discourse long): and w…
2,086 wordsSECTION 107Homily XXXVII.
Homily XXXVII. Matt. X. 7, 8, 9. "And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment; behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye ou…
2,317 wordsSECTION 108Now He used so many dark sayings, to stir them up to inquiry. And if not even so were they awakened, much more, had all been plain and clear
Now He used so many dark sayings, to stir them up to inquiry. And if not even so were they awakened, much more, had all been plain and clear. For this surely no man could say, that they dared not ask Him, and that He was difficult of approach. For they that were asking him questions, and tempting Him about common matters, and wh…
2,204 wordsSECTION 109For tell me, art thou pleased at hearing men blaspheme? Dost thou not rather shudder, and stop thine ears? Surely I think thou dost. Why so?
For tell me, art thou pleased at hearing men blaspheme? Dost thou not rather shudder, and stop thine ears? Surely I think thou dost. Why so? Because thou blasphemest not thyself. Just so do thou act with respect to filthy talking also; and if thou wouldest show us clearly, that thou hast no pleasure in filthy speaking, endure no…
2,217 wordsSECTION 110Homily XXXVIII.
[1583] Matt. xi. 15. [1584] Matt. xi. 16, 17. [The former verse is abridged. R.V. (ver. 17), "We piped unto you, and ye did not dance; we wailed, and ye did not mourn (Greek, beat the breast)."--R.] [1585] Isa. v. 4 [LXX.] [1586] ["demon."] [1587] Matt. xi. 16-19 [see note 1]. [1588] John x. 41. [1589] Matt. xi. 19. [The t…
2,248 wordsSECTION 111Even before the things to come, He gives thee here thy recompense, and bestows the prize already, making the saying acceptable, both hereby,
Even before the things to come, He gives thee here thy recompense, and bestows the prize already, making the saying acceptable, both hereby, and by setting Himself forward as an example. For, "Of what art thou afraid?" saith He, "lest thou shouldest be a loser by thy low estate? Look to me, and to all that is mine; learn of me, …
2,070 wordsSECTION 112Homily XXXIX.
Homily XXXIX. Matt. XII. 1. "At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn; and His disciples were a hungered, and began to pluck the [1645] ears of corn, and to eat." But Luke saith, "On a double Sabbath." [1646] Now what is a double Sabbath? When the cessation from toil is twofold, both that of the regular Sab…
2,206 wordsSECTION 1134. Let us keep the feast then continually, and do no evil thing; for this is a feast: and let our spiritual things be made intense, while ou
4. Let us keep the feast then continually, and do no evil thing; for this is a feast: and let our spiritual things be made intense, while our earthly things give place: and let us rest a spiritual rest, refraining our hands from covetousness; withdrawing our body from our superfluous and unprofitable toils, from such as the peop…
1,149 wordsSECTION 114Homily XL.
Homily XL. Matt. XII. 9, 10. "And when He was departed thence, He went into their synagogue: and, behold, a man which had his hand withered." Again He heals on a Sabbath day, vindicating what had been done by His disciples. And the other evangelists indeed say, that He "set" the man "in the midst," and asked them, "If it was …
2,370 wordsSECTION 1154. But to declaim against envy, one may say, is easy; but we ought to consider also how men are to be freed from the disease. How then are w
4. But to declaim against envy, one may say, is easy; but we ought to consider also how men are to be freed from the disease. How then are we to be rid of this wickedness? If we bear in mind, that as he who hath committed fornication cannot lawfully enter the church, so neither he that envies; nay, and much less the latter than …
2,086 wordsSECTION 116Homily XLI.
Homily XLI. Matt. XII. 25, 26. "And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself shall be brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself, shall not stand: and if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?" Even before now…
2,217 wordsSECTION 117But to me He seems here to be hinting also at the Jews, setting them on the devil's side. For they too were against Him, and were scattering
But to me He seems here to be hinting also at the Jews, setting them on the devil's side. For they too were against Him, and were scattering what He gathered. As to the fact that He was hinting at them also, He declared it by speaking thus, "Therefore I say unto you, that all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto m…
1,776 wordsSECTION 118Homily XLII.
Homily XLII. Matt. XII. 33. "Either make the tree good, and his fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by his fruit." Again in another way He shames them, and is not content with His former refutations. But this He doth, not freeing Himself from accusations, (for what went befo…
2,225 wordsSECTION 1193. Wouldest thou however be a judge? Thou hast a court of judgment which hath great profit, and bears no blame. Make consideration, as judge
3. Wouldest thou however be a judge? Thou hast a court of judgment which hath great profit, and bears no blame. Make consideration, as judge, to sit down upon thy conscience, and bring before it all thy transgressions, search out the sins of thy soul, and exact with strictness the account thereof, and say, "wherefore didst thou …
1,375 wordsSECTION 120Homily XLIII.
Homily XLIII. Matt. XII. 38, 39. "Then certain of the Scribes and Pharisees answered Him, saying, Master, we would see a sign from Thee. But He answered and said, [1740] An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign, and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the Prophet Jonas." Could then anything be mo…
2,210 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.