Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series • VOLUME 4
Athanasius — Select Works and Letters
SECTION 201
47. For the very passage proves that it is only an invention of your own to call the Lord creature. For the Lord, knowing His own Essence to
47. For the very passage proves that it is only an invention of your own to call the Lord creature. For the Lord, knowing His own Essence to be the Only-begotten Wisdom and Offspring of the Father, and other than things originate and natural creatures, says in love to man, The Lord created me a beginning of His ways,' as if to s…
2,351 wordsSECTION 202[2507] to legomenon ktizesthai te phusei kai te ousi& 139; ktisma. also infr. 60. Without meaning that the respective terms are synonymous,
[2507] to legomenon ktizesthai te phusei kai te ousi& 139; ktisma. also infr. 60. Without meaning that the respective terms are synonymous, is it not plain that in a later phraseology this would have been, not simply that He is in His Person a creature,' or that His Person is created?' Athan.'s use of the phrase ousia tou logou …
2,290 wordsSECTION 20354. And the Lord Himself has spoken many things in proverbs; but when giving us notices about Himself, He has spoken absolutely [2558] ; I i
54. And the Lord Himself has spoken many things in proverbs; but when giving us notices about Himself, He has spoken absolutely [2558] ; I in the Father and the Father in Me,' and I and the Father are one,' and, He that hath seen Me, hath seen the Father,' and I am the Light of the world,' and, I am the Truth [2559] ;' not setti…
2,285 wordsSECTION 20457. For had He been a creature, He had not said, He begets me,' for the creatures are from without, and are works of the Maker; but the Offs
57. For had He been a creature, He had not said, He begets me,' for the creatures are from without, and are works of the Maker; but the Offspring is not from without nor a work, but from the Father, and proper to His Essence. Wherefore they are creatures; this God's Word and Only-begotten Son. For instance, Moses did not say of …
2,305 wordsSECTION 20562. But if He is also called First-born of the creation [2618] ,' still this is not as if He were levelled to the creatures, and only first
62. But if He is also called First-born of the creation [2618] ,' still this is not as if He were levelled to the creatures, and only first of them in point of time (for how should that be, since He is Only-begotten?'), but it is because of the Word's condescension [2619] to the creatures, according to which He has become the Br…
2,228 wordsSECTION 20667. When then received He the works to perfect, O God's enemies? for from this also He created' will be understood. If ye say, At the beginn
67. When then received He the works to perfect, O God's enemies? for from this also He created' will be understood. If ye say, At the beginning when He brought them into being out of what was not,' it is an untruth; for they were not yet made; whereas He appears to speak as taking what was already in being. Nor is it pious to re…
2,333 wordsSECTION 20772. But if the Word were a work, then certainly He as others had been made in Wisdom; nor would Scripture distinguish Him from the works, no
72. But if the Word were a work, then certainly He as others had been made in Wisdom; nor would Scripture distinguish Him from the works, nor while it named them works, preach Him as Word and own Wisdom of God. But, as it is, distinguishing Him from the works, He shews that Wisdom is Framer of the works, and not a work. This dis…
2,201 wordsSECTION 208[2665] John xvii. 4.
[2665] John xvii. 4. [2666] Ib. v. 36. [2667] Eph. v. 27. [2668] Vid. de Decr. 10, 2. 4; Or. i. 49, §16, n. 7. Iren. Hær. iii. 20. [2669] Cf. infr. Orat. iv. 6. vid. also iii. 33 init. August. Trin. xiii. 18. Id. in Psalm 129, n. 12. Leon. Serm. 28, n. 3. Basil. in Psalm 48, n. 4. Cyril. de rect. fid. p. 132. vid. also Procl…
2,324 wordsSECTION 20976. How then has He chosen us, before we came into existence, but that, as he says himself, in Him we were represented [2733] beforehand? an
76. How then has He chosen us, before we came into existence, but that, as he says himself, in Him we were represented [2733] beforehand? and how at all, before men were created, did He predestinate us unto adoption, but that the Son Himself was founded before the world,' taking on Him that economy which was for our sake? or how…
2,292 wordsSECTION 21081. But since He proceeds to say, When He prepared the heaven, I was present with Him [2772] ,' we ought to know that He says not this as if
81. But since He proceeds to say, When He prepared the heaven, I was present with Him [2772] ,' we ought to know that He says not this as if without Wisdom the Father prepared the heaven or the clouds above (for there is no room to doubt that all things are created in Wisdom, and without It was made not even one [2773] thing); b…
2,613 wordsSECTION 2112. But now let us see what Asterius the Sophist says, the retained pleader [2799] for the heresy. In imitation then of the Jews so far, he w
2. But now let us see what Asterius the Sophist says, the retained pleader [2799] for the heresy. In imitation then of the Jews so far, he writes as follows; It is very plain that He has said, that He is in the Father and the Father again in Him, for this reason, that neither the word on which He was discoursing is, as He says, …
2,252 wordsSECTION 212[2786] Prov. xviii. 3, LXX.
[2786] Prov. xviii. 3, LXX. [2787] Jer. iii. 3. [2788] Supr. ch. xix. [2789] Ch. xiii. [2790] Ch. xxi. [2791] Ch. xiv. [2792] ii. 44, n. 1. [2793] John xiv. 10. [2794] Acts xvii. 28. Vid. supr. ii. 41, note 11. The doctrine of the perichoresis, which this objection introduces, is the test of orthodoxy opposed to Arianism…
2,389 wordsSECTION 2138. And this account of the meaning of such passages is satisfactory; for since those who are devoted to gods falsely so called, revolt from
8. And this account of the meaning of such passages is satisfactory; for since those who are devoted to gods falsely so called, revolt from the True God, therefore God, being good and careful for mankind, recalling the wanderers, says, I am Only God,' and I Am,' and Besides Me there is no God,' and the like; that He may condemn …
2,345 wordsSECTION 21411. This their notion then being evidently unseemly and irrational as well as the rest, the likeness and the oneness must be referred to the
11. This their notion then being evidently unseemly and irrational as well as the rest, the likeness and the oneness must be referred to the very Essence of the Son; for unless it be so taken, He will not be shown to have anything beyond things originate, as has been said, nor will He be like the Father, but He will be like the …
2,273 wordsSECTION 21516. For if it be not so, but the Word is a creature and a work out of nothing, either He is not True God because He is Himself one of the cr
16. For if it be not so, but the Word is a creature and a work out of nothing, either He is not True God because He is Himself one of the creatures, or if they name Him God from regard for the Scriptures, they must of necessity say that there are two Gods [2907] , one Creator, the other creature, and must serve two Lords, one Un…
2,497 wordsSECTION 21621. And for this reason also the words, that they may be one in Us,' have a right sense. If, for instance, it were possible for us to become
21. And for this reason also the words, that they may be one in Us,' have a right sense. If, for instance, it were possible for us to become as the Son in the Father, the words ought to run, that they may be one in Thee,' as the Son is in the Father; but, as it is, He has not said this; but by saying in Us' He has pointed out th…
2,239 wordsSECTION 217[2866] hos autoi thelousi. vid. §8, n. 12. not as you say, but as we will.' This is a common phrase with Athan. vid. supr. Or. i. 13, n. 6.
[2866] hos autoi thelousi. vid. §8, n. 12. not as you say, but as we will.' This is a common phrase with Athan. vid. supr. Or. i. 13, n. 6. and especially Hist. Ar. 52, n. 4. (vid. also Sent. Dion. 4, 14). It is here contrasted to the Church's doctrine, and connected with the word idios; for which de Syn. 3, n. 6; Or. i. 37, n. …
2,209 wordsSECTION 218[2953] Cf. de Decr. 31. fin.
[2953] Cf. de Decr. 31. fin. [2954] Vid. Eph. iv. 13 [2955] Cf. ii. 62, n. 13. [2956] Vid. de Decr. 11, n. 5, which is explained by the present passage. When Ath. there says, without all in nature,' he must mean as here, far from all things in nature.' S. Clement loc. cit. gives the same explanation, as there noticed. It is o…
2,299 wordsSECTION 21930. The reader then of divine Scripture may acquaint himself with these passages from the ancient books; and from the Gospels on the other h
30. The reader then of divine Scripture may acquaint himself with these passages from the ancient books; and from the Gospels on the other hand he will perceive that the Lord became man; for the Word,' he says, became flesh, and dwelt among us [3012] .' And He became man, and did not come into man; for this it is necessary to kn…
2,446 wordsSECTION 220[2982] This Oration alone, and this entirely, treats of texts from the Gospels; hitherto from the Gospel according to St. John, and now chie
[2982] This Oration alone, and this entirely, treats of texts from the Gospels; hitherto from the Gospel according to St. John, and now chiefly from the first three. Hence they lead Athan. to treat more distinctly of the doctrine of the Incarnation, and to anticipate a refutation of both Nestorius and Eutyches. [2983] §1, n. 13…
2,283 wordsSECTION 221[3043] ii. 59. n. 5.
[3043] ii. 59. n. 5. [3044] logotheises tes sarkos. This strong term is here applied to human nature generally; Damascene speaks of the logosis of the flesh, but he means especially our Lord's flesh. F. O. iv. 18. p. 286. (Ed. Ven.) for the words theousthai, &c. vid. supr. ii. 70, n. 1. [3045] 1 Pet. iv. 1. [3046] Cf. Chrysos…
2,374 wordsSECTION 22240. Also the power which He said He received after the resurrection, that He had before He received it, and before the resurrection. For He
40. Also the power which He said He received after the resurrection, that He had before He received it, and before the resurrection. For He of Himself rebuked Satan, saying, Get thee behind Me, Satan [3087] ;' and to the disciples He gave the power against him, when on their return He said, I beheld Satan, as lightning, fall fro…
2,436 wordsSECTION 22344. On this account, He alludes to the Angels, but He did not go further and say, not the Holy Ghost;' but He was silent, with a double inti
44. On this account, He alludes to the Angels, but He did not go further and say, not the Holy Ghost;' but He was silent, with a double intimation; first that if the Spirit knew, much more must the Word know, considered as the Word, from whom the Spirit receives [3110] ; and next by His silence about the Spirit, He made it clear…
2,260 wordsSECTION 22449. The Son then did know, as being the Word; for He implied this in what He said,--I know but it is not for you to know;' for it was for yo
49. The Son then did know, as being the Word; for He implied this in what He said,--I know but it is not for you to know;' for it was for your sakes that sitting also on the mount I said according to the flesh, No, not the Son knoweth,' for the profit of you and all. For it is profitable to you to hear so much both of the Angels…
2,486 wordsSECTION 225[3108] Cf. §48.
[3108] Cf. §48. [3109] And so Athan. ad Serap. ii. 9. S. Basil on the question being asked him by S. Amphilochius, says that he shall give him the answer he had heard from a boy from the fathers,' but which was more fitted for pious Christians than for cavillers, and that is, that our Lord says many things to men in His human a…
2,200 wordsSECTION 226[3159] Or. ii. 1, n. 6.
[3159] Or. ii. 1, n. 6. [3160] Or. ii. 10, n. 7; iii. 58. [3161] i. 45. [3162] iii. 16, n. 8. [3163] §34. [3164] ii. 69, n. 3. [3165] §31, n. 12. [3166] 31, n. 10. [3167] Or. ii. 52, n. 6. Chapter XXIX.--Texts Explained; Twelfthly, Matthew xxvi. 39; John xii. 27, &c. Arian inferences are against the Regula Fidei, as bef…
2,201 wordsSECTION 227[3174] Gen. xv. 1; xxvi. 24; Exod. iv. 12, &c.; Josh. i. 6.
[3174] Gen. xv. 1; xxvi. 24; Exod. iv. 12, &c.; Josh. i. 6. [3175] Ps. cxviii. 6. [3176] Job xxxviii. 17. LXX.; De Syn. 8, below, §56. [3177] John xviii. 5; x. 18. [3178] Ib. x. 30. [3179] anthropon holon, Orat. iv. 35 fin. [3180] idian, Orat. i. 52 fin. [3181] This our Lord's suspense or permission, at His will, of the o…
2,513 wordsSECTION 22862. If then there is another Word of God, then be the Son originated by a word; but if there be not, as is the case, but all things by Him h
62. If then there is another Word of God, then be the Son originated by a word; but if there be not, as is the case, but all things by Him have come to be, which the Father has willed, does not this expose the many-headed [3230] craftiness of these men? that feeling shame at saying work,' and creature,' and God's Word was not be…
2,449 wordsSECTION 22967. Therefore call not the Son a work of good pleasure; nor bring in the doctrine of Valentinus into the Church; but be He the Living Counse
67. Therefore call not the Son a work of good pleasure; nor bring in the doctrine of Valentinus into the Church; but be He the Living Counsel, and Offspring in truth and nature, as the Radiance from the Light. For thus has the Father spoken, My heart uttered a good Word;' and the Son conformably, I in the Father and the Father i…
2,211 wordsSECTION 230[3251] hexin. vid. Or. ii. 38, n. 6; iv. 2, n. 7.
[3251] hexin. vid. Or. ii. 38, n. 6; iv. 2, n. 7. [3252] sumbainousan kai aposumbainousan, vid. de Decr. 11, n. 7, and 22, n. 9, sumbama, Euseb. Eccl. Theol. iii. p. 150. in the same, though a technical sense. vid. also Serap. i. 26; Naz. Orat. 31, 15 fin. [3253] Acts viii. 20. [3254] Prov. iii. 19; Ps. xxxiii. 6; cxxxv. 6, c…
2,420 wordsSECTION 2313. And again, Christ is the Word of God. Did He then subsist by Himself, and subsisting, has He become joined to the Father, or did God make
3. And again, Christ is the Word of God. Did He then subsist by Himself, and subsisting, has He become joined to the Father, or did God make Him or call Him His Word? If the former, I mean if He subsisted by Himself and is God, then there are two Beginnings; and moreover, as is plain, He is not the Father's own, as being not of …
2,340 wordsSECTION 232[3318] Euseb. c. Marcell. pp. 6, 32, 49, &c. &c.
[3318] Euseb. c. Marcell. pp. 6, 32, 49, &c. &c. §§9, 10. Unless Father and Son are two in name only, or as parts and so each imperfect, or two gods, they are coessential, one in Godhead, and the Son from the Father. 9. I and the Father are One [3319] .' You say that the two things are one, or that the one has two names, or ag…
2,310 wordsSECTION 233[3329] i.e. Marcellus, cf. §§14, 25, &c.
[3329] i.e. Marcellus, cf. §§14, 25, &c. [3330] Cf. §25. [3331] 2 Cor. vi. 12, 13. [3332] Ib. vi. 11. [3333] Gen. ix. 27, LXX. [3334] energeia [Prolegg. ch. ii. §3 (2) c.] [3335] Or. i. 19. §§15-24. Since the Word is from God, He must be Son. Since the Son is from everlasting, He must be the Word; else either He is superi…
2,411 wordsSECTION 23420. If then they say that the Man whom the Word wore, and not the Word, is the Son of God the Only-begotten, the Man must be by consequence
20. If then they say that the Man whom the Word wore, and not the Word, is the Son of God the Only-begotten, the Man must be by consequence He who is in the Father, in whom also the Father is; and the Man must be He who is One with the Father, and who is in the bosom of the Father, and the True Light. And they will be compelled …
2,323 wordsSECTION 235[3336] Vid. §20.
[3336] Vid. §20. [3337] Vid. §21. [3338] Vid. §22 fin. [3339] Cf. Ritt. and Prell. (Ed. 5) §398 (?). [3340] §§8, 13. [3341] Cf. i. 29. [3342] Or. i. 14, n. 4. [3343] John i. 18. [3344] Matt. xi. 27. [3345] John x. 32-38 [3346] John xii. 45; Matt. x. 40; John xii. 46-48. [3347] John xv. 22. [3348] John xii. 47. [3349…
2,306 wordsSECTION 236O'er the wide earth, dear youth, why seek to run,
O'er the wide earth, dear youth, why seek to run, An only child, a well-beloved [3406] son? He whom you mourn, divine Ulysses, fell Far from his country, where the strangers dwell. Therefore he who is the only son of his father is called well-beloved. 30. Some of the followers of the Samosatene, distinguishing the Word from…
2,357 wordsSECTION 237Introduction to de Synodis.
[3387] 1 John i. 1, 2. [3388] Ib. v. 20. [3389] John i. 1. [3390] Ib. xiv. 6. [3391] Ib. i. 18. [3392] ii. 31, n. 4. [3393] Ps. lxxiv. 11, LXX. [3394] Vid. Is. lxvi. 2; Deut. vii. 8. [3395] Ps. lxxvii. 10, LXX.; xlv. title. [3396] Ib. cx. 3, LXX. [3397] §24. [3398] Ps. cxix. 73; cxlviii. 5. [3399] exairetou, ii. 19, …
2,203 wordsSECTION 238Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia.
Deposition of Acacius, &c., and report to the Emperor. §13, 14. Reflections on the two councils, especially as to the divergence of the Arians from the Fathers and from each other. Part II. History of Arian Creeds. §15. The belief of Arius as expressed in his Thalia. §16. Letter of Arius to Alexander. §17. Statements of ear…
2,294 wordsSECTION 2396. But the Councils which they are now setting in motion, what colourable pretext have they [3468] ? If any new heresy has risen since the A
6. But the Councils which they are now setting in motion, what colourable pretext have they [3468] ? If any new heresy has risen since the Arian, let them tell us the positions which it has devised, and who are its inventors? and in their own formula, let them anathematize the heresies antecedent to this Council of theirs, among…
2,403 wordsSECTION 24011. Decree of the Council [3485] .
11. Decree of the Council [3485] . As far as it was fitting and possible, dearest brethren, the general Council and the holy Church have had patience, and have generously displayed the Church's forbearance towards Ursacius and Valens, Gaius, Germinius, and Auxentius; who by so often changing what they had believed, have trouble…
2,201 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.