Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series • VOLUME 10
Chrysostom — Homilies on Matthew
SECTION 121
"But we have no Red Sea now, to pass through afterwards." But we have a sea of fire, a sea not like that, either in kind or in size, but far
"But we have no Red Sea now, to pass through afterwards." But we have a sea of fire, a sea not like that, either in kind or in size, but far greater and fiercer, having its waves of fire, of some strange and horrible fire. A great abyss is there, of most intolerable flame. Since everywhere fire may be seen roving quickly round, …
1,820 wordsSECTION 122Homily XLIV.
Homily XLIV. Matt. XII. 46-49. "While He yet talked to the people, behold, His mother and His brethren stood without, desiring to speak with Him. Then one said unto Him, Behold, Thy mother and Thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with Thee. But He answered and said unto him that told Him, Who is my mother, and [1763] …
2,226 wordsSECTION 123A fourth part is saved; and not this all alike, but even here great is the difference.
A fourth part is saved; and not this all alike, but even here great is the difference. Now these things He said, manifesting that He discoursed to all without grudging. For as the sower makes no distinction in the land submitted to him, but simply and indifferently casts his seed; so He Himself too makes no distinction of rich …
2,553 wordsSECTION 124Homily XLV.
Knowing then these things, let us flee luxury, let us study moderation, that we may both enjoy health of body, and having delivered our soul from all infirmity, may attain unto the good things to come, by the grace and love towards man of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and might forever and ever. Amen. [1763] [In the t…
2,242 wordsSECTION 1253. And thou then, art thou unable to practise virginity? Be chaste in marriage. Art thou unable to strip thyself of thy possessions? Give of
3. And thou then, art thou unable to practise virginity? Be chaste in marriage. Art thou unable to strip thyself of thy possessions? Give of thy substance. Canst thou not bear that burden? Share thy goods with Christ. Art thou unwilling to yield Him up all? Give Him but the half, but the third part. He is thy brother, and joint-…
1,190 wordsSECTION 126Homily XLVI.
Homily XLVI. Matt. XIII. 24-30. "Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tar…
2,215 wordsSECTION 127And what can it be then, he will say, that showed them great? Their contempt of wealth, their despising glory, their freedom from worldly th
And what can it be then, he will say, that showed them great? Their contempt of wealth, their despising glory, their freedom from worldly things. Since surely, had they wanted these qualities, and been slaves of their passions, though they had raised ten thousand dead, so far from doing any good, they would even have been accoun…
1,679 wordsSECTION 128Homily XLVII.
Homily XLVII. Matt. XIII. 34, 35. "All these things spake Jesus unto the multitudes in parables, and without a parable spake He not [1836] unto them; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things that have been kept secret [1837] from the foundation of…
2,278 wordsSECTION 129What then, saith one, is the head of virtue? Humility. Wherefore Christ also begins with it, saying, "Blessed are the poor." [1867] This hea
What then, saith one, is the head of virtue? Humility. Wherefore Christ also begins with it, saying, "Blessed are the poor." [1867] This head hath not locks and ringlets, but beauty, such as to gain God's favor. For, "Unto whom shall I look," saith He, "but unto him that is meek and humble, and trembleth at my words?" [1868] And…
1,590 wordsSECTION 130Homily XLVIII.
Homily XLVIII. Matt. XIII. 53. "And it came to pass, that, when Jesus had finished these parables, He departed thence." Wherefore said He, "these"? Because He was to speak others besides. And wherefore, again, doth He depart? Desiring to sow the word everywhere. "And when He was come into His own country, He taught them in t…
2,230 wordsSECTION 131And the time again contributes no little to the reproof of this enormity. For when he ought to be thanking God, that on that day He had brou
And the time again contributes no little to the reproof of this enormity. For when he ought to be thanking God, that on that day He had brought him to light, then he ventures upon those lawless acts. When one in chains ought to have been freed by him, then he adds slaughter to bonds. Hearken, ye virgins, or rather ye wives also…
2,202 wordsSECTION 132Homily XLIX.
[1889] Matt. xiii. 55, 56. [1890] Matt. xiii. 57, 58. [Chrysostom omits "there."] [1891] Mark vi. 5. [semea, "signs;" but even in Mark this expression does not occur in this connection.--R.] [1892] Luke iv. 23. [1893] Luke iv. 25-27. [1894] Matt. xiv. 1. [R.V., "the report concerning Jesus."] [1895] "Perspicuum est prædict…
2,247 wordsSECTION 133Having then taken the fragments, He gave them not to the multitudes, but to the disciples, and that, because the multitudes were in a more i
Having then taken the fragments, He gave them not to the multitudes, but to the disciples, and that, because the multitudes were in a more imperfect state than the disciples. And, having wrought the miracle, "straightway He constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the…
2,205 wordsSECTION 134And if he have a munificent father, his thraldom becomes worse, his absurd fancy more intense; but if a parsimonious one, he is driven to ot
And if he have a munificent father, his thraldom becomes worse, his absurd fancy more intense; but if a parsimonious one, he is driven to other unseemliness, by way of getting together a little money for such expenses. Hence many young men have even sold their manhood, and have become parasites to the rich, and have undertaken …
1,208 wordsSECTION 135Homily L.
Homily L. Matt. XIV. 23, 24. "And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: [1952] for the wind was contrary." For what purpose doth He go up into the mountain? To teach u…
2,357 wordsSECTION 136What excuse shall we have then, when feeding on such food, we commit such sins? when eating a lamb, we become wolves? when feeding on a shee
What excuse shall we have then, when feeding on such food, we commit such sins? when eating a lamb, we become wolves? when feeding on a sheep, we spoil by violence like the lions? For this mystery He directs to be always clear, not from violence only, but even from bare enmity. Yea, for this mystery is a mystery of peace; it al…
1,630 wordsSECTION 137Homily LI.
Homily LI. Matt. XV. 1. "Then came to Jesus Scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do Thy disciples," etc. [1978] Then; when? when He had wrought His countless miracles; when He had healed the infirm by the touch of the hem of His garment. For even with this intent doth the evangelist mark the time, that …
2,242 wordsSECTION 138Why, so strong was the feeling of scruple about the meats, that even after the resurrection Peter said, "Not so, Lord, for I have never eate
Why, so strong was the feeling of scruple about the meats, that even after the resurrection Peter said, "Not so, Lord, for I have never eaten anything common or unclean." [1993] For although it was for the sake of others that He said this, and in order to leave Himself a justification against his censurers, by pointing out that …
2,285 wordsSECTION 139And who is so wretched and miserable, one may say, as not to become gentle in prayer? He that prays with an imprecation, and fills himself w
And who is so wretched and miserable, one may say, as not to become gentle in prayer? He that prays with an imprecation, and fills himself with wrath, and cries out against his enemies. 6. Nay, if thou wilt accuse, accuse thyself. If thou wilt whet and sharpen thy tongue, let it be against thine own sins. And tell not what evil…
1,322 wordsSECTION 140Homily LII.
Homily LII. Matt. XV. 21, 22. "And Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him, [2018] saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil." But Mark saith, that "He could not be …
2,222 wordsSECTION 141Now He goes about Himself, now sits awaiting the diseased, and hath the lame brought up unto the mountain. And no longer do they touch so mu
Now He goes about Himself, now sits awaiting the diseased, and hath the lame brought up unto the mountain. And no longer do they touch so much as His garment, but advance a higher step, being cast at His feet: and they showed their faith doubly, first, by going up into the mountain though lame, then by wanting nothing else but t…
2,205 wordsSECTION 142For not in order to believe did they seek, but to lay hold of Him. Since had they come unto Him as ready to believe, He would have given it.
For not in order to believe did they seek, but to lay hold of Him. Since had they come unto Him as ready to believe, He would have given it. For He who said to the woman, "It is not meet," [2061] and afterwards gave, much more would He have shown His bounty to these. But since they did not seek to believe, therefore He also cal…
2,247 wordsSECTION 1433. What then saith Christ? "Thou art Simon, the son of Jonas; thou shalt be called Cephas." [2091] "Thus since thou hast proclaimed my Fathe
3. What then saith Christ? "Thou art Simon, the son of Jonas; thou shalt be called Cephas." [2091] "Thus since thou hast proclaimed my Father, I too name him that begat thee;" all but saying, "As thou art son of Jonas, even so am I of my Father." Else it were superfluous to say, "Thou art Son of Jonas;" but since he had said, "S…
2,271 wordsSECTION 144Since not merely by the fingers ought one to engrave it, but before this by the purpose of the heart with much faith. And if in this way tho
Since not merely by the fingers ought one to engrave it, but before this by the purpose of the heart with much faith. And if in this way thou hast marked it on thy face, none of the unclean spirits will be able to stand near thee, seeing the blade whereby he received his wound, seeing the sword which gave him his mortal stroke. …
2,202 wordsSECTION 145[2040] Matt. xv. 29-31. [Comp. the more exact rendering of the R.V., "the dumb speaking," etc.]
[2040] Matt. xv. 29-31. [Comp. the more exact rendering of the R.V., "the dumb speaking," etc.] [2041] dapsile. [2042] thlo.] [2043] Mark viii. 17, 18. [2044] Matt. xvi. 8-10. [2045] Matt. xv. 33. [R.V., "in a desert place."] [2046] Matt. xiv. 16. [2047] Matt. xv. 34. [2048] John vi. 9. [2049] Matt. xv. 35, 36. [The imp…
799 wordsSECTION 146Homily LV.
Homily LV. Matt. XVI. 24. "Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after me, let him renounce himself, [2131] and take up his cross and follow me." Then; when? When Peter said, "Be it far from Thee, this shall not be unto Thee;" and was told, "Get thee behind me, Satan." [2132] For He was by no means satisfie…
2,232 wordsSECTION 147For tell me, shouldest thou see thy servants in luxury, and thyself in extreme calamity, wilt thou indeed profit aught by being master? By n
For tell me, shouldest thou see thy servants in luxury, and thyself in extreme calamity, wilt thou indeed profit aught by being master? By no means. Make this reckoning then with regard to thy soul also, when the flesh is in luxury and wealth, and she awaiting the destruction to come. "What shall a man give in exchange for his …
2,200 wordsSECTION 1488. After this again, they seem to begin afresh, but they are keeping to the same argument. As Paul also in the beginning of an epistle, havi
8. After this again, they seem to begin afresh, but they are keeping to the same argument. As Paul also in the beginning of an epistle, having closed with a doxology, where he says, "According to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever. Amen;" [2154] begins the subject again on which he was writing. And again in…
1,422 wordsSECTION 149Homily LVI.
Homily LVI. Matt. XVI. 28. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, There are some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom." Thus, inasmuch as He had discoursed much of dangers and death, and of His own passion, and of the slaughter of the disciples, and had laid on…
2,207 wordsSECTION 150And see how even in the very midst of the actual dangers he counselled amiss [2181] for himself. We know that when so great a multitude enco
And see how even in the very midst of the actual dangers he counselled amiss [2181] for himself. We know that when so great a multitude encompassed them, so far from flying, he even drew the sword, and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant. To such a degree did he disregard his own interest, and fear for his Master. Then …
2,320 wordsSECTION 1519. For indeed a dreadful disease, beloved, dreadful and needing much attendance, hath fallen on the church. Those, namely, who are enjoined
9. For indeed a dreadful disease, beloved, dreadful and needing much attendance, hath fallen on the church. Those, namely, who are enjoined not even by honest labors to lay up treasures, but to open their houses to the needy, make a profit of other men's poverty, devising a specious robbery, a plausible covetousness. For tell m…
1,702 wordsSECTION 152Homily LVII.
Homily LVII. Matt. XVII. 10. "And His disciples asked Him, saying, Why then say the Scribes that Elias must first come?" Not then from the Scriptures did they know this, but the Scribes used to explain themselves, and this saying was reported abroad amongst the ignorant people; as about Christ also. Wherefore the Samaritan w…
2,361 wordsSECTION 153But do thou not only from this observe His providence and His beneficence, but also from that other time, during which He allowed the devil
But do thou not only from this observe His providence and His beneficence, but also from that other time, during which He allowed the devil to be in him. Since surely, unless the man had been favored with much providential care even then, he would have perished long ago; for "it cast him both into the fire," so it is said, "and …
2,277 wordsSECTION 1544. After this, to obtain yet more acceptance for His saying, He establishes it not by the honor only, but also by the punishment, going on t
4. After this, to obtain yet more acceptance for His saying, He establishes it not by the honor only, but also by the punishment, going on to say, "And whoso shall offend one of these little ones, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." [2274] "For a…
2,455 wordsSECTION 155"But he rejoices," thou wilt say, "and exults in these things, and they brighten him up." The crowning point [2285] of his evils lies in tha
"But he rejoices," thou wilt say, "and exults in these things, and they brighten him up." The crowning point [2285] of his evils lies in that word of thine, and the incurable part of the disease. For he that rejoices in these things, would be unwilling however easily to be released from that which is the ground of his evils; yea…
1,169 wordsSECTION 156Homily LIX.
Homily LIX. Matt. XVIII. 7. Woe unto the world because of offenses: [2288] for it must needs be that offenses come: but woe to that man by [2289] whom the offense cometh." "And if it must needs be that offenses come,'" (some one of our adversaries may perchance say), "why doth He lament over the world, when He ought rather to…
2,440 wordsSECTION 157It is quite plain, and there is no one who would not say this. Wherefore I entreat you to be in earnest, and to cleave to virtue, and ye wil
It is quite plain, and there is no one who would not say this. Wherefore I entreat you to be in earnest, and to cleave to virtue, and ye will have no need of these questions. For our evils are mere names, if we be willing. Inquire not then whence are evils, neither perplex thyself; but having found that they are from remissness …
2,219 wordsSECTION 158For the merchant too, to increase his wealth, crosses the sea; and the artisan, to add to his substance, doeth all things. Let us also then
For the merchant too, to increase his wealth, crosses the sea; and the artisan, to add to his substance, doeth all things. Let us also then not be satisfied with our own salvation only, since else we destroy even this. For in a war too, and in an engagement, the soldier who is looking to this only how he may save himself by flig…
2,240 wordsSECTION 159Homily LX.
But may God both deliver you from this disease, and cause us to glory in you, for to Him be glory, and dominion, world without end. Amen. [2288] [R.V., "occasions of stumbling," skandlon; see the comment below.] [2289] [R.V., "through."] [2290] 2 Cor. vii. 5. [2291] 2 Cor. xi. 26. [2292] Acts xx. 30. [2293] Matt. x. 36. […
2,340 wordsSECTION 160But if all things are there, and thou ask things expedient, and contribute all thine own part, and exhibit an apostolical life, and have con
But if all things are there, and thou ask things expedient, and contribute all thine own part, and exhibit an apostolical life, and have concord and love towards thy neighbor, thou wilt obtain on thy entreaty; for the Lord is loving towards man. 3. Then because He had said, "Of my Father," in order that He might show that it is…
1,071 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.