ACC ~ Hebrews 2 v16

REALLY AN INCARNATION. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: For if it was a shadow and an appearance and not really an incarnation, then the Virgin did not give birth, nor did the Word from God the Father assume “the seed of Abraham,” nor did he become “like his brothers.” … Therefore, if the Word did not become flesh, neither was he tested by what he suffered so as to be able to help those who are tested. ON THE INCARNATION 681.

SEED OF ABRAHAM. THEODORET OF CYR: It was very wise of the divine apostle to use the proper name instead of a generic name: he did not say, “He takes hold of human seed,” but “He takes hold of Abraham’s seed,”reminding them also of the promise made to Abraham. INTERPRETATION OF HEBREWS 2.

GREAT THINGS CONCERNING THE HUMAN RACE. CHRYSOSTOM: Paul, wishing to show the great kindness of God toward humans and the love which God had for the human race, after saying, “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same,” follows up the subject in this passage. For do not regard lightly what is spoken, or think it a trifle, that he takes on our flesh. … “For truly he does not take hold of angels, but rather of the seed of Abraham.” What is it that he says? He took on not an angel’s nature, but humanity’s. But what is “he takes hold of”? … Why did he not say, “he took on him,” but “he takes hold of”? It is derived from the image of persons pursuing those who turn away from them, doing everything to overtake them as they flee and to take hold of them as they are bounding away. For when human nature was fleeing from him (and fleeing far away, for we “were far off,”) he pursued after and overtook us. He showed that he has done this only out of kindness and love and tender care. When he says, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to serve for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation,” he shows his extreme interest in behalf of human nature and that God makes great account of it. So also in this place he sets it forth much more by a comparison, for he says, “he does not take hold of angels.” For indeed it is a great and a wonderful thing and full of amazement that our flesh should sit on high and be adored by angels and archangels, by the cherubim and the seraphim. For having oftentimes thought upon this myself, I am amazed at it and imagine to myself great things concerning the human race. ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS 5.1.

IMPROVING OUR STATE. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The Only Begotten operated not through his own nature, for that would in no way have improved our state, or through the nature of angels; but he operated through “the seed of Abraham,” as Scripture has it. For in this way and no other could the race, fallen into corruption, be restored to salvation. ON THE INCARNATION 684.

HE PAID HUMANKIND’S DEBT. THEODORET OF CYR: If he had assumed the nature of angels, he would have proved superior to death; but since what he assumed was human, through the passion he paid humankind’s debt, while through the resurrection of the body that had suffered he demonstrated his own power. INTERPRETATION OF HEBREWS 2.

Heb