ACC ~ Ephesians 4 v17b
HOW THEIR MINDS BECAME SUBJECT TO FUTILITY. ORIGEN: Consider what Paul calls “futility of mind.” This occurs when someone has a mind but does not use it for contemplation, instead surrendering it to captivity under Satan. PALESTINIAN CATENA ON PSALM 118.37.
NOT GOD’S WORKS BUT OURS BECAME EMPTY. CHRYSOSTOM: What is meant by “the futility of their minds?” It is being preoccupied with futile things. This is what the Preacher in Ecclesiastes referred to when he said: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”But someone might say, “if these things are all vain and vanity, why have they come into being? If they are God’s works, how are they vain?” And there is great debate about this. But listen, beloved: he did not say that the works of God are vain, far from it! … “Vanity of vanities” refers to splendid houses, enormous and inflated wealth, herds of slaves strutting about the market, conceit, vainglory, arrogance and boastfulness. All these things are vain. Such things are not created by God but are of our own creating. Why are they vain? They lead to nothing good. HOMILY ON EPHESIANS 12.4.17.
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