Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series • VOLUME 12
Chrysostom — Corinthians
SECTION 41
If then you know who are the injured, restore and do what Zacchæus did, with much increase. But if you know not, I offer you another way yet
If then you know who are the injured, restore and do what Zacchæus did, with much increase. But if you know not, I offer you another way yet; I do not preclude you from the remedy. Distribute all these things to the poor: and thus you will mitigate the evil. But if some have transmitted these things even to children and descend…
1,841 wordsSECTION 42Homily XVI.
Homily XVI. 1 Cor. v. 9-11 I wrote unto you in my epistle to have no company with fornicators: yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters, for then must ye needs go out of the world: but now I write unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a bro…
2,234 wordsSECTION 43Then, that no one should think he speaks about other persons, mark how he generalizes his speech. "And if the world is judged in you, are ye
Then, that no one should think he speaks about other persons, mark how he generalizes his speech. "And if the world is judged in you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?" The thing is a disgrace to you, he says, and an unspeakable reproach. For since it was likely that they would be out of countenance at being judged…
2,377 wordsSECTION 44[10.] Now then, if you commit injustice, it is plain that you cannot be righteous: but if you are injured and bear it, (for this is a specia
[10.] Now then, if you commit injustice, it is plain that you cannot be righteous: but if you are injured and bear it, (for this is a special mark of a righteous man,) you have no need of the laws which are without. "How then," say you, "shall I be able to bear it when injured?" And yet Christ hath commanded something even more …
1,925 wordsSECTION 45Homily XVII.
Homily XVII. 1 Cor. vi. 12 "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought into the power of any. Here he glances at the gluttons. For since he intends to assail the fornicator again, and fornication arises from luxuriousness and want of moderation, he s…
2,335 wordsSECTION 46But what is the wise argument of the gain-sayers; rather, I should say, their exceeding senseless one? "Why how, when the body is mixed up w
But what is the wise argument of the gain-sayers; rather, I should say, their exceeding senseless one? "Why how, when the body is mixed up with the earth and is become earth, and this again is removed elsewhere, how," say they, "shall it rise again?" To thee this seems impossible, but not to the unsleeping Eye. For unto that all…
1,689 wordsSECTION 47Homily XVIII.
Homily XVIII. 1 Cor. vi. 15 "Know ye not that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ, and make them members of a harlot? God forbid. Having passed on from the fornicator to the covetous person, he comes back to the former from the latter, no longer henceforth discoursing with him but w…
2,252 wordsSECTION 48So do the heavens also glorify Him, uttering no voice, but by the view of them attracting wonder and referring the glory unto the Great Arti
So do the heavens also glorify Him, uttering no voice, but by the view of them attracting wonder and referring the glory unto the Great Artificer. So let us glorify Him also, or rather more than they. For we can if we will. For not so much do the heaven nor day nor night glorify God, as a holy soul. For as one that gazeth upon t…
2,133 wordsSECTION 49Homily XIX.
Homily XIX. 1 Cor. vii. 1, 2 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote to me: it is good for a man not to touch a woman. But because of fornications, let each man have his own wife; and let each woman have her own husband. Having corrected the three heaviest things laid to their charge, one, the distraction of the Church, an…
2,291 wordsSECTION 50Again, there is a hope that this man may be reclaimed by his wife for she is made completely his own: but for the other it is not very easy.
Again, there is a hope that this man may be reclaimed by his wife for she is made completely his own: but for the other it is not very easy. For how will she who dishonored him in former times and became another's and destroyed the rights of marriage, have power to reclaim him whom she had wronged; him, moreover, who still remai…
2,254 wordsSECTION 51For instance; what did Joseph suffer from his mistress to be compared with what she suffered from her evil desire? For he indeed did not the
For instance; what did Joseph suffer from his mistress to be compared with what she suffered from her evil desire? For he indeed did not the things which she wished to put upon him; but she performed every thing which her mistress ordered her, I mean her spirit of unchastity: which left not off until it had put her to open shame…
1,351 wordsSECTION 52Homily XX.
Homily XX. 1 Cor. viii. 1 Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth. It is necessary first to say what the meaning of this passage is: for so shall we readily comprehend the Apostle's discourse. For he that sees a charge brought against any one, exce…
2,379 wordsSECTION 53Next, he adduces what indeed is the greatest token of divinity; "of Whom are all things." For this implies also that those others are not go
Next, he adduces what indeed is the greatest token of divinity; "of Whom are all things." For this implies also that those others are not gods. For it is said (Jer. x. 11.), "Let the gods who made not the heaven and the earth perish." Then he subjoins what is not less than this, "and we unto Him." For when he saith, "of Whom are…
2,205 wordsSECTION 54After having said, "Take heed lest this your liberty become a stumbling-block," he explains how and in what manner it becomes so: and he con
After having said, "Take heed lest this your liberty become a stumbling-block," he explains how and in what manner it becomes so: and he continually employs the term "weakness," that the mischief may not be thought to arise from the nature of the thing, nor demons appear formidable. As thus: "At present," saith he, "a man is on …
2,007 wordsSECTION 55Homily XXI.
Homily XXI. 1 Cor. ix. 1 Am I not an Apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? Inasmuch as he had said, "If meat make my brother to stumble I will eat no flesh forever;" a thing which he had not yet done, but professed he would do if need require: lest any man should say, "…
2,204 wordsSECTION 56Nor is he satisfied with one example. For to him who is rather simple and dull, this also is wont to come as a great refreshment, viz. their
Nor is he satisfied with one example. For to him who is rather simple and dull, this also is wont to come as a great refreshment, viz. their seeing the common custom also going along with the laws of God. Wherefore he proceeds to another topic also and says, "Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof?" For as …
2,362 wordsSECTION 57But we are not only not forward to do more, and to go beyond the precepts, but we fall very short even of the measure of things commanded. A
But we are not only not forward to do more, and to go beyond the precepts, but we fall very short even of the measure of things commanded. And whereas Paul suffered hunger that he might not hinder the Gospel; we have not the heart even to touch what is in our own stores, though we see innumerable souls overthrown. "Yea" saith on…
2,365 wordsSECTION 58Homily XXII.
In fact, the Church through your meanness is compelled to have such property as it has now. Since, if men did all things according to the apostolical laws, its revenue should have been your good will, which were both a secure chest and an inexhaustible treasury. But now when ye lay up for yourselves treasures upon the earth and …
2,288 wordsSECTION 59"What then is the reward? That, when I preach the Gospel," saith he, "I may make the Gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my
"What then is the reward? That, when I preach the Gospel," saith he, "I may make the Gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the Gospel." See how throughout he uses the term "right," intimating this, as I have often observed; that neither are they who receive worthy of blame. But he added, "in the Gospel,…
2,340 wordsSECTION 60And that what I say may become more evident, let us suppose for argument's sake one man having a wife, yet defiling the marriage-bed of his
And that what I say may become more evident, let us suppose for argument's sake one man having a wife, yet defiling the marriage-bed of his neighbor and taking pleasure in this wicked robbery, enjoying his paramour. Then let us again oppose to him another who loves his own spouse. And that the victory may be greater and more evi…
1,355 wordsSECTION 61Homily XXIII.
Homily XXIII. 1 Cor. ix. 24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Having pointed out the manifold usefulness of condescension and that this is the highest perfectness, and that he himself having risen higher than all towards perfection, or rather having gone beyond it by declining to …
2,232 wordsSECTION 62Ver. 5. "For they were overthrown," saith he, "in the wilderness." Declaring by this word both the sweeping destruction, and the punishments
Ver. 5. "For they were overthrown," saith he, "in the wilderness." Declaring by this word both the sweeping destruction, and the punishments and the vengeance inflicted by God, and that they did not so much as attain to the rewards proposed to them. Neither were they in the land of promise when He did these things unto them, but…
2,208 wordsSECTION 63[7.] Considering therefore the greatness of His mercy, let us here make Him propitious unto us, and "let us come before His face by a full c
[7.] Considering therefore the greatness of His mercy, let us here make Him propitious unto us, and "let us come before His face by a full confession," (Ps. xcv. 2. LXX.) that we may not depart hence without excuse, and have to endure the extreme punishment. For if in the present life we exhibit even an ordinary diligence, we sh…
2,083 wordsSECTION 64Homily XXIV.
Homily XXIV. 1 Cor. x. 13 There hath no temptation taken you, but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it. Thus, because he terrified them greatly, relating the ancient ex…
2,210 wordsSECTION 65Do not then run to the contrary things. For neither if thou wert a king's son, and having the privilege of thy father's table, shouldest lea
Do not then run to the contrary things. For neither if thou wert a king's son, and having the privilege of thy father's table, shouldest leave it and choose to partake of the table of the condemned and the prisoners in the dungeon, would thy father permit it, but with great vehemence he would withdraw thee; not as though the tab…
2,265 wordsSECTION 66And why speak I of the world to come? Since here this mystery makes earth become to thee a heaven. Open only for once the gates of heaven an
And why speak I of the world to come? Since here this mystery makes earth become to thee a heaven. Open only for once the gates of heaven and look in; nay, rather not of heaven, but of the heaven of heavens; and then thou wilt behold what I have been speaking of. For what is there most precious of all, this will I show thee lyin…
1,054 wordsSECTION 67Homily XXV.
Homily XXV. 1 Cor. x. 25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. Having said that "they could not drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of the devils," and having once for all led them away from those tables, by Jewish examples, by human reasonings, by the tremendous Mysteries, by the …
2,312 wordsSECTION 68But not only to things hurtful have I submitted, but also to things toilsome. For, "I robbed other Churches," saith he, "taking wages of the
But not only to things hurtful have I submitted, but also to things toilsome. For, "I robbed other Churches," saith he, "taking wages of them; (2 Cor. xi. 8.) and when it was lawful to eat and not to work, I sought not this, but chose to perish of hunger rather than offend another." This is why he says, "I please all men in all …
2,145 wordsSECTION 69Homily XXVI.
Homily XXVI. 1 Cor. xi. 2 Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you. Having completed the discourse concerning the idol-sacrifices as became him, and having rendered it most perfect in all respects, he proceeds to another thing, which also itself was a co…
2,302 wordsSECTION 70Do not therefore apply the examples to all, since elsewhere also from this source many grievous errors will occur. For so in the beginning o
Do not therefore apply the examples to all, since elsewhere also from this source many grievous errors will occur. For so in the beginning of this very Epistle, he said, (1 Cor. iii. 22, 23.) "All are yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's." What then? Are all in like manner ours, as "we are Christ's, and Christ is God'…
2,211 wordsSECTION 71"For this cause:" what cause, tell me? "For all these which have been mentioned," saith he; or rather not for these only, but also "because
"For this cause:" what cause, tell me? "For all these which have been mentioned," saith he; or rather not for these only, but also "because of the angels." "For although thou despise thine husband," saith he, "yet reverence the angels." It follows that being covered is a mark of subjection and authority. For it induces her to l…
2,239 wordsSECTION 72[8.] Let not then the wife tarry for the virtue of the husband and then show her own, for this is nothing great; nor, on the other hand, the
[8.] Let not then the wife tarry for the virtue of the husband and then show her own, for this is nothing great; nor, on the other hand, the husband, for the obedience of the wife and then exercise self-command; for neither would this any more be his own well-doing; but let each, as I said, furnish his own share first. For if to…
1,678 wordsSECTION 73Homily XXVII.
Homily XXVII. 1 Cor. xi. 17 But in giving you this charge, I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. It is necessary in considering the present charge to state also first the occasion of it. For thus again will our discourse be more intelligible. What then is this occasion? As in the case…
2,202 wordsSECTION 74Ver. 21. "For in your eating, [149] each one taketh before other his own supper," saith he, "and one is hungry, and another is drunken."
Ver. 21. "For in your eating, [149] each one taketh before other his own supper," saith he, "and one is hungry, and another is drunken." Perceivest thou how he intimates that they were disgracing themselves rather? For that which is the Lord's, they make a private matter: so that themselves are the first to suffer indignity, de…
2,306 wordsSECTION 75[7.] These words let us also listen to, all of us, as many as in this place approach with the poor to this holy Table, but when we go out, d
[7.] These words let us also listen to, all of us, as many as in this place approach with the poor to this holy Table, but when we go out, do not seem even to have seen them, but are both drunken and pass heedlessly by the hungry; the very things whereof the Corinthians were accused. And when is this done? say you. At all times …
1,209 wordsSECTION 76Homily XXVIII.
Homily XXVIII. 1 Cor. xi. 28 But let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup. What mean these words, when another object is proposed to us? This is Paul's custom, as also I said before, not only to treat of those things which he had proposed to himself, but also if an argument incidental to …
2,340 wordsSECTION 77And not only their untimely death, but many things besides there were to grieve him; such as their being all in the flower of their age, all
And not only their untimely death, but many things besides there were to grieve him; such as their being all in the flower of their age, all virtuous and loving, all together, that not one of either sex was left, that it befel them not by the common law of nature, that it came after so great a loss, that when he was unconscious …
2,319 wordsSECTION 78Homily XXIX.
[162] pathematon Savile: matheton Bened. [163] tes euphemias tautes, "this way of using well-omened words." Homily XXIX. 1 Cor. xii. 1, 2 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that when ye were Gentiles, ye were led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might be led. This whole …
2,299 wordsSECTION 79[4.] Having therefore made manifest the soothsayers and the prophets both by the first sign and also by the second, he next discourses of th
[4.] Having therefore made manifest the soothsayers and the prophets both by the first sign and also by the second, he next discourses of the wonders; not passing without reason to this topic, but so as to remove the dissension which had thence arisen, and to persuade both those that had the less portion not to grieve and those …
2,222 wordsSECTION 80[7.] Wherefore as he comforted them, when he said, that "there are diversities of ministrations, but the same Lord; and diversities of opera
[7.] Wherefore as he comforted them, when he said, that "there are diversities of ministrations, but the same Lord; and diversities of operations, but the same God;" so also when he said above, "there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit;" and after this again when he said, "But all these worketh the one and the same Sp…
2,139 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.