ACC ~ Mark 1 v21 - 28
OVERVIEW:
The demonic powers were the first to be confronted by the Lord (BEDE). Even if the demons confessed Christ, without charity that meant nothing (CHRYSOSTOM, AMBROSE, AUGUSTINE). While Peterâs confession sounded almost the same verbally as the demonic confession, the crucial difference was that Peter confessed out of love, the demons out of fear (AUGUSTINE). So we are not to believe the demonic powers, even when they tell the truth (AMBROSE). Jesus silenced the demons because he did not wish that the truth should proceed from an unclean mouth (ATHANASIUS). It was fitting that the truth should become a means of judgment not only for the salvation of those who believe but also for the condemnation of those who do not believe, that all should be fairly judged (IRENAEUS).
1:24a | What Have You to Do with Us, Jesus of Nazareth?
THE EARLIEST INTIMATION OF HIS IDENTITY
BEDE: It was appropriate, since death first entered into the world through the devilâs envy, [1] that the healing medicine of salvation should first operate against him. ⌠The presence of the Savior is the torment of the devils. EXPOSITION ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK 1.1.25. [2]
[1] Gen 3:15.
[2] Cetedoc 1355, 1.1.406, 409 ; GMI 29. Cf. HOG 1:121; HOG 1:122; GC 1:370. As death first came by the demonic, so salvation first came by Christ binding up the demonic.
1:24b | Have You Come to Destroy Us?
TOWARD HASTY DESTRUCTION
AUGUSTINE: Unclean spirits knew that Jesus Christ would come. They had heard it from the angels, they had heard it from the prophets, so they were expecting him to come. For if not, why did they cry out, âWhat have we to do with you? Have you come to destroy us before the time? We know who you are, the holy one of God.â [1] TRACTATE ON JOHN 7.6.2. [2]
[1] Mt 8:29; Mk 1:24; Lk 4:34.
[2] Cetedoc 0278, 7.6.10; FC 78:159*.
1:24c | I Know Who You Are, the Holy One of God
DEMONIC RECOGNITION
IRENAEUS: Even the demons cried out, on beholding the Son: âI know who you are, the Holy One of God.â [1] Later the devil looking at him and tempting him, would say: âIf you are the Son of God.â [2] All of these thus recognized the Son and the Father, yet without believing. So it was fitting that the truth should receive testimony from all, and should become a means of judgment for the salvation not only of those who believe, but also for the condemnation of those who do not believe. The result is that all should be fairly judged, and that the faith in the Father and Son should be a matter of decision for all, so that one means of salvation should be established for all, receiving testimony from all, both from those belonging to it who were its friends, and by those having no connection with it who were its enemies. For that evidence is most trustworthy and true which elicits even from its adversaries striking testimonies on its behalf. AGAINST HERESIES 4.6.6-7. [3]
[1] Mk 1:24.
[2] Mt 4:3; Lk 4:3.
[3] AHR 2:161; ANF 1:469*.
FORCED NOTICE
CHRYSOSTOM: Does no demon call upon Godâs name? Did not the demons say, âWe know who you are, O Holy One of God?â [1] Did they not say to Paul: âthese men are the servants of the Most High God?â [2] They did, but only upon scourging, only upon compulsion, never of their own will, never without being trounced. HOMILIES ON FIRST CORINTHIANS 29.3. [3]
[1] Mk 1:24; Lk 4:34.
[2] Acts 16:17.
[3] TLG 2062.156, 61.243.6-12; NPNF 1 12:170*.
UNWILLING TESTIMONY
AMBROSE: I do not accept the devilâs testimony but his confession. The devil spoke unwillingly, being compelled and tormented. LETTER 22, TO HIS SISTER. [1]
[1] Cetedoc 0160, 10.7.22.82/3.139.221; NPNF 2 10:440.
HOW THE DEMONSâ CONFESSION DIFFERED FROM PETERâS
AUGUSTINE: Call to mind with me the time when Peter was praised and called blessed. Was it because he merely said, âYou are the Christ, the Son of the living Godâ? [1] No, he who pronounced him blessed regarded not merely the sound of his words, but the affections of his heart. Compare that with the words of the demons who said almost the same thing: âWe know who you are, the Son of God,â [2] just as Peter had confessed him as âSon of God.â So what is the difference? Peter spoke in love, but the demons in fear. ⌠So tell us how faith is to be defined, if even the devils can believe and tremble? Only the faith that works by love is faith. SERMONS ON NEW TESTAMENT LESSONS 40.8. [3]
[1] Mt 16:16.
[2] Mt 8:29; Mk 1:24; Lk 8:28.
[3] Cetedoc 0284, 90.38.564.12; cf. WSA 3 3:453, Sermon 90.8; NPNF 1 6:395*.
KNOWING WITHOUT LOVING
AUGUSTINE: Those words show clearly that the demons had much knowledge, but entirely lacked love. They dreaded receiving their punishment from him. They did not love the righteousness that was in him. He made himself known to them to the extent he willed; and he willed to be made known to the extent that was fitting. But he was not made known to them as he is known to the holy angels, who enjoy participation in his eternity, in that he is the Word of God. To the demons he is known as he had to be made known, by striking terror into them, for his purpose was to free from their tyrannical power all who were predestined for his kingdom and glory, which is eternally true and truly eternal. Therefore, he did not make himself known to the demons as the life eternal, and the unchangeable light which illuminates his true worshipers, whose hearts are purified by faith in him so that they see that light. He was known to the demons through certain temporal effects of his power, the signs of his hidden presence, which could be more evident to their senses, even those of malignant spirits, than to the weak perception of human beings. CITY OF GOD 9.21. [1]
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HE CONFESSION THAT LACKED LOVE
AUGUSTINE: Faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing. The devils confessed Christ, but lacking charity it availed nothing. They said, âWhat have we to do with you?â They confessed a sort of faith, but without love. Hence they were devils. Do not boast of that faith that puts you on the same level with the devils. TRACTATE ON JOHN 6.21. [2]
[1] Cetedoc 0313, 47.9.21.3; CG 367*; cf. FC 14:108-9. Jesus let himself be known by the demons. The demons knew enough to fear his punishment, but for his holiness they had no love.
[2] Mk 1:24. Cetedoc 0278, 6.21.6; NPNF 1 7:46*. The devils confessed Christ, but lacking love their confession availed nothing.
1:25 | Be Silent!
BRIDLING THE MOUTH
ATHANASIUS: He put a bridle in the mouths of the demons that cried after him from the tombs. For although what they said was true, and they did not lie when they said, âYou are the Son of Godâ and âthe Holy One of God,â [1] yet he did not wish that the truth should proceed from an unclean mouth, and especially from such as those who under pretense of truth might mingle with it their own malicious devices. [2] TO THE BISHOPS OF EGYPT 1.3. [3]
[1] Mt 8:29; Mk 1:24; Lk 8:28. The issue is whether truth can be told by deceivers.
[2] Cf. Paulâs exorcism of the young slave girl in Acts 16:16-21.
[3] TLG 2035.041, 25.544.13-20; NPNF 2 4:224*. Truth mingled with demonic malice is only a pretense of truth.
CHASTISING THE TONGUE
BEDE: The devil, because he had deceived Eve with his tongue, is punished by the tongue, that he might not speak. EXPOSITION ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK 1.1.25. [1]
[1] Cetedoc 1355, 1.1.409; CCL 120:447; GC 1:373; cf. HOG 1:116. Thus the devil is chastised in a fitting way.