ACC ~ Acts 28 v17 - 22

OVERVIEW:

This passage and the following are enclosed within two mentions of the conditions of Paul’s imprisonment (Acts 28:16, 30-31). Commentators wonder why Luke makes no mention of Paul’s meetings with the believers but instead chooses to recount his contact with the Jewish leaders. This surely indicates that contrary to Paul’s own repeated statements, the fact that the gospel is destined for Gentiles as well and despite the conclusion of this meeting, neither Paul nor Luke consider that the offer made by God to Israel has been withdrawn. Paul makes a brief defense establishing his legal innocence and speaking of the “hope of Israel.” The leaders’ reference to “this sect” (hairesis) may mean here little more than a school of thought which nevertheless is “everywhere spoken against.” The matter at the center of the Fathers’ comments is the structuring of society in relation to God’s work of salvation. Ammonius, perhaps aware of the irony of his interpretation, turns the tables on the perceived accusation of Christianity being heresy by using this title to name a foreordained process of exalting the truth. For Chrysostom, however, the structures of society in the history of salvation produce the outcast with whom God stands in order to condemn the supposed self-sufficiency of the “world” that needs its victims. God’s “resourcefulness,” according to Chrysostom, lets evil do its worst and thus shows forth the greatness of God’s chosen ones. For Chrysostom, it is those who are cast out that show forth the judgment of God.

28:17 | The Local Leaders of the Jews

THE UNDOING OF EVIL IN EVIL. CHRYSOSTOM: [Paul] called together the leaders of the Jews and argued with them. They left in disagreement. They were taunted by him, yet they dared not say anything. For the matter concerning Paul had not been turned over to their authority. It is wonderful how all things come about on our behalf not through what seems to be for our safety but rather through the opposite. I give the following example for your edification. “The Pharaoh ordered the infants to be thrown into the Nile.” Had the infants not been thrown into the Nile, Moses would not have been saved, nor would he have been raised in the palace. It was not when [Moses] was saved that he was in honor but when he was exposed. This was done by God to show his ingenuity and resourcefulness. The Jew threatened him, saying, “Are you thinking of killing me?” This helped him. It was part of the divine plan to ensure that he would see that vision in the desert, that the proper time would be fulfilled and that he would learn philosophy in the desert and live in safety. The same thing happens in all the plots of the Jews against him. He becomes more renowned, as was the case with Aaron. They rose up against him and thereby made him so renowned that his ordination was unquestionable and he was subsequently held in admiration because of the bronze tablets. Of course you know the story, so I will leave out the narrative. If you wish, let us go back to the beginning for other such examples. … The three children were thrown into the furnace, and through this they became more renowned. Daniel was cast into the pit and was thus made more illustrious. You see, in every case, trials bring forth great good even in this life, not to mention in the life to come. For with evil the same thing happens as when one is fighting fire with a reed: it seems to beat the fire but is in fact making it brighter and consuming itself. Evil becomes the fuel and the foundation of brightness for virtue. For with God turning unrighteousness to good account, our character shines forth all the more. Again, when the devil contrives anything of this kind, he is making those who endure more renowned. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 54.

28:22 | This Sect Is Spoken Against

THE NECESSITY OF HERESIES. AMMONIUS: The Jews call the faith in Christ a heresy, because “everywhere it is spoken against.” You see, the Jews themselves testify that Christ is preached everywhere, even though not all receive this preaching, as the text says, but some of the Jews or the Gentiles speak against it, while the heretics, in a different way, do not conform to the true faith. In fact, it was necessary that there be heresies, so that the elected might appear, and all might fulfill what had been predicted by the prophet Simeon about Christ: “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed.” CATENA ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 28.21-22.