ACC ~ Luke 8 v16 - 18

THE WORD OF GOD IS LIKE A LAMP

ORIGEN: Scripture does not say this about a tangible lamp but about a comprehensible one. One does not “light” the lamp and conceal it “with a vessel” or put it “under a bed, but on the lamp stand” within himself. The vessels of the house are the powers of the soul. The bed is the body. “Those who go in” are those who hear the teacher. …

He calls the holy church a “lamp stand.” By its proclamation, the Word of God gives light to all who are in this world and illuminates those in the house with the rays of the truth, filling the minds of all with divine knowledge. FRAGMENTS ON LUKE 120, 122. [1]

[1] FC 94:174-75**.

FAITH AND FORGIVENESS

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: “To the one who has, it will be given, and from him who has not, even what he has will be taken from him.” This is like, “Let the one who has ears listen.” [1] This is for those who have spiritual ears within the bodily ears, so that they may listen to his spiritual words. He was increasing his teaching over and above what they already possessed. COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 6.19. [2]

[1] Mt 11:15.

[2] ECTD 123**.