ACC ~ Mark 1 v25

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, “You are the Son of God” and “the Holy One of God,” [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. Paul’s 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.