Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series • VOLUME 12
Chrysostom — Corinthians
SECTION 81
Homily XXX.
Homily XXX. 1 Cor. xii. 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. After soothing them from the considerations that the thing given was of free favor; that they received all from "one and the self-same Spirit;" that it was given "to profit wi…
2,219 wordsSECTION 82Ver. 18. "But now God hath set the members each one of them in the body, even as it pleased Him."
Ver. 18. "But now God hath set the members each one of them in the body, even as it pleased Him." Even as he said of the Spirit, "as He will," so also here, "as it pleased Him." Now do not thou seek further into the cause, why it is thus and why not thus. For though we have ten thousand reasons to give, we shall not be so able …
2,472 wordsSECTION 83Evidently then it is not we that make you wretched, but ye yourselves. For how can it be that the devil should not hence-forth make sport of
Evidently then it is not we that make you wretched, but ye yourselves. For how can it be that the devil should not hence-forth make sport of thee, seeing thee even before the stroke afraid and trembling at the menace? Or rather, when thou dost but esteem this a threat, he will have no need so much as to strike thee any more, but…
1,111 wordsSECTION 84Homily XXXI.
Homily XXXI. 1 Cor. xii. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Having checked the envy of those in lower rank, and having taken off the dejection which it was likely that they would feel from greater gifts having been vouchsafed to others, he humbl…
2,267 wordsSECTION 85Say not then, that such is an ordinary person, but consider he is a member of that body which holds together the whole: and as the eye, so a
Say not then, that such is an ordinary person, but consider he is a member of that body which holds together the whole: and as the eye, so also doth he cause the body to be a body. For where the body is builded up, there none hath anything more than his neighbor: since neither does this make a body, there being one part greater …
2,243 wordsSECTION 86Homily XXXII.
[190] The Text of the Editions seems here slightly corrupt. The word monon apparently should be transposed, and the second negative omitted. [191] psephisamenos. [192] os en tho somati heinai hen. [193] eranon. Homily XXXII. 1 Cor. xii. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ and severally members thereof. For lest any should sa…
2,373 wordsSECTION 87[6.] And see whence he first begins; from that which was marvellous in their eyes and great, the gift of tongues. And in bringing forward th
[6.] And see whence he first begins; from that which was marvellous in their eyes and great, the gift of tongues. And in bringing forward that gift, he mentions it not just in the degree they had it in, but far more. For he did not say, "if I speak with tongues," but, Chap. xiii. ver. 1. "If I speak with the tongues of men,--" …
2,284 wordsSECTION 88[11.] And that ye may learn how great a work of virtue it is, let us sketch it out in word, since in deeds we see it no where appearing; and
[11.] And that ye may learn how great a work of virtue it is, let us sketch it out in word, since in deeds we see it no where appearing; and let us consider, if it were every where in abundance, how great benefits would ensue: how there were no need then of laws, or tribunals or punishments, or avenging, or any other such things…
2,299 wordsSECTION 89[14.] Therefore Paul saith, that the love which we are speaking of is the mother of all good things, and prefers it to miracles and all othe
[14.] Therefore Paul saith, that the love which we are speaking of is the mother of all good things, and prefers it to miracles and all other gifts. For as where there are vests and sandals of gold, we require also some other garments whereby to distinguish the king: but if we see the purple and the diadem, we require not to see…
1,397 wordsSECTION 90Homily XXXIII.
Homily XXXIII. 1 Cor. xiii. 4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. Thus, whereas he had showed, that both faith and knowledge and prophecy and tongues and gifts and healing and a perfect life and martyrdom, if love be absent, are no great advantage; of necessity he ne…
2,468 wordsSECTION 91And if thou wilt, see this also in our case who address you. For my profit depends on thee, and thy advantage on me. Thus, on the one hand i
And if thou wilt, see this also in our case who address you. For my profit depends on thee, and thy advantage on me. Thus, on the one hand it profits thee to be taught the things that please God, but with this have I been entrusted, that thou mightest receive it from me, and therefore mightest be compelled to run unto me; and on…
2,286 wordsSECTION 92[7.] And that thou mayest clearly know how great a thing this is, hear how even Paul, going before an unbelieving judge, made his defence. "
[7.] And that thou mayest clearly know how great a thing this is, hear how even Paul, going before an unbelieving judge, made his defence. "I think myself happy," saith he, "That I am to make my defence before thee." (Acts xxvi. 2.) And these things he said, not to flatter him, far from it; but wishing to gain him by his gentlen…
2,202 wordsSECTION 93Homily XXXIV.
[212] Fronto Ducæus reads kaka. [213] metanoian eis om. [214] aplastos. [215] oikian. LXX. rec. vers. "tents." Homily XXXIV. 1 Cor. xiii. 8 But whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away. Having shown the excellency of…
2,281 wordsSECTION 94If now so great is the virtue of love, with good reason doth he add and say, "Follow after love." For there is surely need of "following," a
If now so great is the virtue of love, with good reason doth he add and say, "Follow after love." For there is surely need of "following," and a kind of vehement running after her: in such sort doth she fly from us, and so many are the things which trip us up in that direction. Wherefore we have ever need of great earnestness in…
2,498 wordsSECTION 95[9.] "But unless wealth be useful," saith one, "wherefore hath it been given by God?" And whence is it evident, that being rich is from God?
[9.] "But unless wealth be useful," saith one, "wherefore hath it been given by God?" And whence is it evident, that being rich is from God? "The Scripture saith, The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' and to whomsoever I will, I will give it." (Hag. ii. 8.) Here, if I were not doing an unseemly thing, I could at this moment…
2,161 wordsSECTION 96Homily XXXV.
Homily XXXV. 1 Cor. xiv. 1 Follow after love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts; but rather that ye may prophesy. Thus, inasmuch as he had with exactness rehearsed unto them all the excellence of love, he exhorts them in what follows, with alacrity to lay hold of it. Wherefore also he said, "Follow after:" for he that is i…
2,227 wordsSECTION 97[5.] "What then must be done?" saith he. Why, so far from disparaging, one ought to recommend and to teach it; as indeed himself also doth.
[5.] "What then must be done?" saith he. Why, so far from disparaging, one ought to recommend and to teach it; as indeed himself also doth. Since after he had accused and rebuked it and shown its unprofitableness, he proceeds to counsel them; saying, Ver. 12. "So also ye, since as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye…
2,409 wordsSECTION 98[11.] Wilt thou examine also the conduct of those under grace, when from every side great was the glory of the teaching flowing round them,
[11.] Wilt thou examine also the conduct of those under grace, when from every side great was the glory of the teaching flowing round them, and wilt thou see then also this passion cast out? Consider, I pray, this same Apostle who speaks these things, how he ever ascribes the whole to God, how of his sins he makes mention contin…
2,173 wordsSECTION 99Homily XXXVI.
Homily XXXVI. 1 Cor. xiv. 20 Brethren, be not children in mind; howbeit in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men. As might be expected, after his long argument and demonstration he adopts a more vehement style and abundance of rebuke; and mentions an example suited to the subject. For children too are wont to gape after trif…
2,204 wordsSECTION 100This then he doth in respect of the tongues, showing that they not only deprive of glory, but also bring shame upon those who have them in t
This then he doth in respect of the tongues, showing that they not only deprive of glory, but also bring shame upon those who have them in the eyes of the unbelievers. But prophecy, on the contrary, is both free from reproach among the unbelievers, and hath very great credit and usefulness. For none will say in regard to prophes…
2,233 wordsSECTION 101Shall I speak of another repository too emptied of its hereditary splendor? They all met together in old time and sang psalms in common. Thi
Shall I speak of another repository too emptied of its hereditary splendor? They all met together in old time and sang psalms in common. This we do also now: but then among all was there one soul and one heart: but now not in one single soul can one see that unanimity, rather great is the warfare every where. "Peace," even now,…
2,091 wordsSECTION 102Homily XXXVII.
Homily XXXVII. 1 Cor. xiv. 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law. Having abated the disturbance both from the tongues and from the prophesyings; and having made a law to prevent confusion, that they who speak with tongue…
2,394 wordsSECTION 103But I shall be told, "the one enjoys his desire, the other not so." But freedom from disgrace, and from being a slave under her tyrannical c
But I shall be told, "the one enjoys his desire, the other not so." But freedom from disgrace, and from being a slave under her tyrannical commands, the not being led and dragged about by her as a drudge, beaten, spit upon, pitched head foremost; dost thou consider this to be a small pleasure, tell me? Nay, if one would accurate…
1,277 wordsSECTION 104Homily XXXVIII.
Homily XXXVIII. 1 Cor. xv. 1, 2 Now I make known unto you, brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand; by which also ye are saved: in what words I preached it unto you. [255] Having finished the discourse of spiritual gifts, he passes to that which is of all most necessary, t…
2,391 wordsSECTION 105[4.] Ver. 4. "And that he was buried."
[4.] Ver. 4. "And that he was buried." And this also confirms the former topics, for that which is buried is doubtless a body. And here he no longer adds, "according to the Scriptures." He had wherewithal, nevertheless he adds it not. For what cause? Either because the burial was evident unto all, both then and now, or because …
2,266 wordsSECTION 106But consider how he abounds in the expressions of humility. For so, "to me last of all He appeared," saith he. Wherefore neither doth he wit
But consider how he abounds in the expressions of humility. For so, "to me last of all He appeared," saith he. Wherefore neither doth he with himself mention any other, and saith, "as of one born out of due time," and that himself is "the least of the apostles," and not even worthy of this appellation. And he was not content eve…
2,349 wordsSECTION 107Homily XXXIX.
[255] tini logo euengelisamen humhin. [256] methodeian. Eph. iv. 14. [257] gumne loipon te kephale boa. [258] en protois. [259] hekei. LXX, echthe. [260] As a Manichæan. [261] John xvii. 19. huper auton. [262] John xvi. 11. katakekritai. rec. text kekritai. [263] The Benedictines insert a negative here, which contradicts…
2,242 wordsSECTION 108But what necessity is there at all, that except mankind be not without sin, neither should Christ Himself be so? Whereas, if He were not to
But what necessity is there at all, that except mankind be not without sin, neither should Christ Himself be so? Whereas, if He were not to raise men up, it were natural to say, "wherefore came He and took our flesh and rose again?" But on our supposition not so. Yea, and whether men sin or do not sin, there is ever with God an …
2,287 wordsSECTION 109Further; having closely urged these converse arguments in the former verses, he tries it again in another way, calling Him the "first-fruits
Further; having closely urged these converse arguments in the former verses, he tries it again in another way, calling Him the "first-fruits," and pointing to His "abolishing all rule and authority and power, and death last." "How then should death be put down," saith he, "unless he first loose the bodies which he held?" Since t…
2,225 wordsSECTION 110But if any should doubt why discoursing of the resurrection, he did not bring forward the bodies which rose again in the time of our Lord, o
But if any should doubt why discoursing of the resurrection, he did not bring forward the bodies which rose again in the time of our Lord, our answer might be the following: that this could not be alleged in behalf of the resurrection. For to point out those who after rising died again, suited not one employed in proving that de…
2,277 wordsSECTION 111For, in fact, God hath set the stomach in our bodies as a kind of mill, giving it a proportionate power, and appointing a set measure which
For, in fact, God hath set the stomach in our bodies as a kind of mill, giving it a proportionate power, and appointing a set measure which it ought to grind every day. If therefore one cast in more, remaining undigested it doth injury to the whole body. Hence diseases and weaknesses and deformities: since in truth luxury makes …
1,309 wordsSECTION 112Homily XL.
Homily XL. 1 Cor. xv. 29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead? if the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for the dead? He takes in hand again another topic, establishing what he said at one time from what God doeth [294] , and at another from the very things which they practice [295] . A…
2,326 wordsSECTION 113[4.] "If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink for to-morrow we die."
[4.] "If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink for to-morrow we die." This word, be sure, is spoken in mockery: wherefore neither did he bring it forward of himself, but summoned the prophet of loftiest sound, Isaiah, who discoursing of certain insensible and reprobate persons made use of these words, "Who slay oxen and…
2,371 wordsSECTION 114Homily XLI.
[294] poiei. [295] prattousi. [296] Epiphanius relates the same thing of the followers of Cerinthus, another section of the Gnostics, and says it was continued in his time by a kind of tradition in Asia Minor and in Galatia. Hær. xxviii. §. 6. [The author justly derides this custom and the endeavor to explain the passage as a …
2,213 wordsSECTION 115"And to each seed a body of its own." Where then is the alien matter which they speak of? For He giveth to each "his own." So that when he s
"And to each seed a body of its own." Where then is the alien matter which they speak of? For He giveth to each "his own." So that when he saith, "Thou sowest not that which shall be," he saith not this, that one substance is raised up instead of another, but that it is improved, that it is more glorious. For "to each of the see…
2,247 wordsSECTION 116[8.] "But I know not whither he hath gone," say you. Wherefore knowest thou not, tell me? For according as he lived well or otherwise, it is
[8.] "But I know not whither he hath gone," say you. Wherefore knowest thou not, tell me? For according as he lived well or otherwise, it is evident whither he will go. "Nay, on this very account I lament," say you, "because he departed being a sinner [318] ." This is a mere pretext and excuse. For if this were the reason of thy…
1,886 wordsSECTION 117Homily XLII.
Homily XLII. 1 Cor. xv. 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. Having said that "the natural was first," and "the spiritual afterward," he again states another difference, speaking of "the earthy" and "the heavenly." For the first difference was between the present life and that whic…
2,254 wordsSECTION 118Let us not therefore sleep, my beloved. For it cannot, it cannot be that any one by sloth should attain to the kingdom of heaven, nor they t
Let us not therefore sleep, my beloved. For it cannot, it cannot be that any one by sloth should attain to the kingdom of heaven, nor they that live luxuriously and softly. Yea it is a great thing, if straining ourselves and "keeping under [332] the body" and enduring innumerable labors, we are able to reach those blessings. See…
934 wordsSECTION 119Homily XLIII.
Homily XLIII. 1 Cor. xvi. 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the Churches of Galatia, so also do ye. Having completed his discourse concerning doctrines, and being about to enter upon that which belongs rather to morals, he dismisses every thing else and proceeds to the chief of good things, di…
2,259 wordsSECTION 120"That ye may set me forward on my journey wheresoever I go." This also is a mark of love, and great strength of affection.
"That ye may set me forward on my journey wheresoever I go." This also is a mark of love, and great strength of affection. Ver. 7. "For I do not wish to see you now by the way; for I hope to tarry awhile with you, if the Lord permit." Now these things he said, both to signify his love and also to terrify the sinners, not howev…
2,179 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.