ACC ~ Mark 1 v24c

DEMONIC RECOGNITION

IRENAEUS: Even the demons cried out, on beholding the Son: “I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” [1] Later the devil looking at him and tempting him, would say: “If you are the Son of God.” [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 God’s name? Did not the demons say, “We know who you are, O Holy One of God?” [1] Did they not say to Paul: “these men are the servants of the Most High God?” [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 devil’s 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 DEMONS’ CONFESSION DIFFERED FROM PETER’S

AUGUSTINE: Call to mind with me the time when Peter was praised and called blessed. Was it because he merely said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”? [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: “We know who you are, the Son of God,” [2] just as Peter had confessed him as “Son of God.” 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]

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, “What have we to do with you?” 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.