Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series • VOLUME 14
Chrysostom — John and Hebrews
SECTION 201
Homily XV.
Homily XV. Hebrews ix. 1-5 "Then verily the first [covenant] had also ordinances of divine service, and a [3028] worldly Sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the Candlestick, and the Table, and the Shew-bread, which is called the Sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called…
2,323 wordsSECTION 202[7.] For what is baser than a man who is in love with money? Whatever things women that are harlots or on the stage refuse not to do neither
[7.] For what is baser than a man who is in love with money? Whatever things women that are harlots or on the stage refuse not to do neither does he [refuse]. Rather it is likely that they would refuse [to do] a thing, rather than he. He even submits to do things fit for slaves, flattering those whom he ought not; again he is ov…
2,323 wordsSECTION 203Homily XVI.
[3054] eiserchomenen ; probably used by St. Chrys. as if ten sarka had preceded. [3055] The pointing has been changed in this place. In Mr. Field's edition the passage stands thus: katapetasma ho ouranos; hosper gar apoteichizei ta hagia katapetasma, he sarx kruptousa ten theoteta. The translation is made as if the pointing was…
2,216 wordsSECTION 204It does appear to be, but is not really so affected. Neither then let us be affected, even if we appear to be so. For as in a storm, most me
It does appear to be, but is not really so affected. Neither then let us be affected, even if we appear to be so. For as in a storm, most men know not the beauty of [heaven,] but think that it is changed, while philosophers know that it is not affected at all, so with regard to ourselves also in afflictions; most men think that …
1,653 wordsSECTION 205Homily XVII.
Homily XVII. Hebrews ix. 24-26 "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures [3098] of the true, but into Heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the High Priest entereth into the Holy Place every year with blood of othe…
2,345 wordsSECTION 206[7.] But since I have mentioned this sacrifice, I wish to say a little in reference to you who have been initiated; little in quantity, but
[7.] But since I have mentioned this sacrifice, I wish to say a little in reference to you who have been initiated; little in quantity, but possessing great force and profit, for it is not our own, but the words of Divine Spirit. What then is it? Many partake of this sacrifice once in the whole year, others twice; others many ti…
2,206 wordsSECTION 207Homily XVIII.
[3133] he lkon Homily XVIII. Hebrews x. 8-13 "Above when He said, Sacrifice and offering, and burnt-offerings, and [offering] for sin, Thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein], which are offered by [3134] the Law, then said He, Lo! I come to do Thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the se…
2,231 wordsSECTION 208But (you say) I have need of many [things], and am unwilling to receive a favor from any. Nevertheless, even in this respect the rich man is
But (you say) I have need of many [things], and am unwilling to receive a favor from any. Nevertheless, even in this respect the rich man is inferior to thee; for thou perhaps askest the favor for thy support, but he shamelessly [asks] for ten thousand things for covetousness' sake. So that it is the rich that are in need of man…
970 wordsSECTION 209Homily XIX.
Homily XIX. Hebrews x. 19-23 "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He hath consecrated [3149] for us, through the Veil, that is to say, His flesh, and having an High Priest [3150] over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart, in full as…
2,204 wordsSECTION 210Homily XX.
What then if he be evil (you say)? So much the greater is the reward. Even for his wickedness thou oughtest to feel grateful to him: even should he be evil after receiving ten thousand kindnesses. For if he were not exceedingly evil, thy reward would not have been exceedingly increased; so that the reason [thou assignest] for no…
2,313 wordsSECTION 211Tell me: did not Paul with reason call covetousness "idolatry"? ( Col. iii. 5.) For these show as great honor to their garments, their gold,
Tell me: did not Paul with reason call covetousness "idolatry"? ( Col. iii. 5.) For these show as great honor to their garments, their gold, as they to their idols. [6.] How long shall we stir up the mire? How long shall we be fixed to the clay and the brickmaking? For as they toiled for the King of the Egyptians, so do we also…
1,727 wordsSECTION 212Homily XXI.
Homily XXI. Hebrews x. 32-34 "But call to remembrance the former days, in which after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; [3175] partly, whilst ye were made a gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions, [3176] and partly whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion…
2,377 wordsSECTION 213[6.] But what, tell me? Art thou anxious about the end? It indeed is itself near, but each man's life and death is nearer. [3194] For it is
[6.] But what, tell me? Art thou anxious about the end? It indeed is itself near, but each man's life and death is nearer. [3194] For it is said, "the days of our years are seventy years; but if [one be] in strength, fourscore years." ( Ps. xc. 10 ; [LXX. lxxxix. 10].) The day of judgment is near. Let us fear. "A brother doth no…
1,577 wordsSECTION 214Homily XXII.
Homily XXII. Hebrews xi. 3, 4 "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God; so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness [3200] that he was righteous, God testifying of his …
2,270 wordsSECTION 215[6.] Since then we have "a rewarder," let us do all things that we may not be deprived of the rewards of virtue. For indeed the neglecting s
[6.] Since then we have "a rewarder," let us do all things that we may not be deprived of the rewards of virtue. For indeed the neglecting such a recompense, the scorning such a reward, is worthy of many tears. For as to "those who diligently seek Him," He is a rewarder, so to those who seek Him not, the contrary. "Seek" (He sa…
1,891 wordsSECTION 216Homily XXIII.
Homily XXIII. Hebrews xi. 7 "By faith Noah, being warned of God [3230] of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by Faith." [1.] "By faith" (he says) "Noah being warned of God." As the Son of God, s…
2,414 wordsSECTION 217[7.] He both is abundantly and infinitely rich; and He desires and earnestly endeavors to obtain our friendship; we do not thus earnestly en
[7.] He both is abundantly and infinitely rich; and He desires and earnestly endeavors to obtain our friendship; we do not thus earnestly endeavor. What am I saying, do not earnestly endeavor'? We do not wish to obtain the good things as He wishes it. And what He has done shows that He wishes it more [than we]. For while, for ou…
1,988 wordsSECTION 218Homily XXIV.
Homily XXIV. Hebrews xi. 13-16 "These all died in faith, [3250] not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, [3251] and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things, declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly if they had been mindful…
2,301 wordsSECTION 219Let us also, my beloved, become "strangers"; that God may "not be ashamed of us"; that He may not be ashamed, and deliver us up to Hell. Suc
Let us also, my beloved, become "strangers"; that God may "not be ashamed of us"; that He may not be ashamed, and deliver us up to Hell. Such were they who said, "Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy Name, and in Thy Name have done many wonderful works!" ( Matt. vii. 22.) But see what Christ says to them: "I know you not:" the ve…
1,407 wordsSECTION 220Homily XXV.
Homily XXV. Hebrews xi. 17-19 "By faith [Abraham], [3263] when he was tried, offered up Isaac; and he that had received the promises offered up his only-begotten son, of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that God was able to raise him up even from the dead; from whence also he received him in…
2,322 wordsSECTION 221[6.] Tell me, I pray thee, if some poor man has taken away clay thrown out of thy yard, wouldst thou for this have summoned a court of justi
[6.] Tell me, I pray thee, if some poor man has taken away clay thrown out of thy yard, wouldst thou for this have summoned a court of justice? Surely not. Why? Lest thou shouldst disgrace thyself; lest all men should condemn thee. The same also happens in this case. For the rich man is poor, and the more rich he is, the poorer …
1,960 wordsSECTION 222Homily XXVI.
Homily XXVI. Hebrews xi. 20-22 "By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith, Jacob when he was a dying blessed both the sons of Joseph, and worshiped [3281] leaning on the top of his staff. By faith, Joseph when he died made mention of the departing of the children of Israel, and gave commandment…
2,271 wordsSECTION 223In these words he encouraged them, by showing that even Christ suffered these things, and Moses also, two illustrious persons. So that this
In these words he encouraged them, by showing that even Christ suffered these things, and Moses also, two illustrious persons. So that this is rather "the reproach of Christ" than of Moses inasmuch as He suffered these things from "His own." ( John i. 11.) But neither did the one send forth lightnings, nor the Other feel any [an…
2,217 wordsSECTION 224Homily XXVII.
Moreover the Babylonians were much more foolish than those at Lystra. Wherefore it was not possible at once to lead them on to this. And many [more] things one might say: but thus far these suffice. If therefore we wish to obtain all good things, let us seek the things of God. For as they who seek the things of this world fail …
2,204 wordsSECTION 225( Ver. 36 ) "And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea moreover of bonds and imprisonment." He ends with these; with things
( Ver. 36 ) "And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea moreover of bonds and imprisonment." He ends with these; with things that come nearer home. For these [ex amples] especially bring consolation, when the distress is from the same cause, since even if you mention something more extreme, yet unless it arise fr…
2,215 wordsSECTION 226Homily XXVIII.
But thou while saying evil things of thyself, even in excess, if thou hearest not from others the commendations that are due to the most righteous, art enraged. Seest thou that thou art trifling with things that are no subjects for trifling? For we even repudiate praises in our desire for other praises, that we may obtain yet hi…
2,210 wordsSECTION 227[5.] Wherefore let us also, whenever we suffer anything of this kind, before the Apostles consider Christ. Why? His whole life was full of i
[5.] Wherefore let us also, whenever we suffer anything of this kind, before the Apostles consider Christ. Why? His whole life was full of insults. For He continually heard Himself called mad, and a deceiver, and a sorcerer; and at one time the Jews said, "Nay," (it says) "but He deceiveth the people." ( John vii. 12.) And again…
2,387 wordsSECTION 228Tell me who attracts the attention of those who are in the public places, [3357] she who brings many in her train, or she who [brings but] f
Tell me who attracts the attention of those who are in the public places, [3357] she who brings many in her train, or she who [brings but] few? And is not she who is alone, less conspicuous even than she who is attended by few? Seest thou that this [first-named conduct] is a shame? Who attracts the attention of those in the publ…
2,258 wordsSECTION 229This beauty then let us cultivate; with these embellishments let us adorn ourselves, that we may pass into the Heavens, into the spiritual c
This beauty then let us cultivate; with these embellishments let us adorn ourselves, that we may pass into the Heavens, into the spiritual chambers, into the nuptial chamber that is undefiled. For this beauty is liable to be destroyed by anything; and when it lasts well, and neither disease nor anxiety impair it (which is imposs…
1,028 wordsSECTION 230Homily XXIX.
Homily XXIX. Hebrews xii. 4-6 "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him. For whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth: and scourgeth every son …
2,231 wordsSECTION 231For, tell me, for what other reason do you suppose women are so weak? Is it from their sex only? By no means: but from their way of living,
For, tell me, for what other reason do you suppose women are so weak? Is it from their sex only? By no means: but from their way of living, and their bringing up. For their avoiding exposure, [3383] their inactivity, their baths, their unguents, their multitude of perfumes, the delicate softness of their couches, makes them in t…
1,445 wordsSECTION 232Homily XXX.
Homily XXX. Hebrews xii. 11-13 "No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, [3394] but grievous, [3395] nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are [3396] exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees: and make straight paths for yo…
2,303 wordsSECTION 233Homily XXXI.
This is friendship; thus "brother aided by brother becomes a fortified city." ( Prov. xviii. 19.) For not eating and drinking makes friendship: such friendship even robbers have and murderers. But if we are friends, if we truly care for one another, let us in these respects help one another. This leads us to a profitable friends…
2,208 wordsSECTION 234Judas also repented, but in an evil way: for he hanged himself. Esau too repented; as I said; or rather, he did not even repent; for his tea
Judas also repented, but in an evil way: for he hanged himself. Esau too repented; as I said; or rather, he did not even repent; for his tears were not [tears] of repentance, but rather of pride and wrath. And what followed proved this. The blessed David repented, thus saying, "Every night will I wash my bed: I will water my cou…
1,905 wordsSECTION 235Homily XXXII.
Homily XXXII. Hebrews xii. 18-24 "For ye are not come unto a fire [3422] that might be touched and that burned, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words, which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more. [3423] (For they could not…
2,371 wordsSECTION 236But in Heaven there is nothing of this to fear,--lest after a man is dead, his enemy should come, and succeed to his inheritance. For there
But in Heaven there is nothing of this to fear,--lest after a man is dead, his enemy should come, and succeed to his inheritance. For there there is neither death nor enmity; the tabernacles of the saints are permanent abodes; and among those saints is exultation, joy, gladness. For "the voice of rejoicing" (it is said) is "in t…
1,848 wordsSECTION 237Homily XXXIII.
Homily XXXIII. Hebrews xii. 28, 29 "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace [or gratitude,] [3449] whereby we serve [3450] God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire." [1.] In another place he says the same, "for the things which are seen are temporal, but t…
2,242 wordsSECTION 238Faith is all. If that establishes [it], the heart stands in security. It follows that Faith establishes: consequently reasonings shake. For
Faith is all. If that establishes [it], the heart stands in security. It follows that Faith establishes: consequently reasonings shake. For Faith is contrary to reasoning. "Which" (he says) "have not profited them that have been occupied therein." For what is the gain from the observance [3481] [of them], tell me. Does it not r…
2,102 wordsSECTION 239Homily XXXIV.
Homily XXXIV. Hebrews xiii. 17 "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves. For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, [3495] for this is unprofitable for you." [1.] Anarchy [3496] is an evil, and the occasion of many calamities, and the s…
2,208 wordsSECTION 240But how does "Grace" come to be "with" us? If we do not do despite to the benefit, if we do not become indolent in regard to the Gift. And w
But how does "Grace" come to be "with" us? If we do not do despite to the benefit, if we do not become indolent in regard to the Gift. And what is "the grace"? Remission of sins, Cleansing: this is "with" us. For who (he means) can keep the Grace despitefully, and not destroy it? For instance; He freely forgave thee thy sins. Ho…
1,536 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.