ACC ~ Mark 5 v7

THE INSTANT RECOGNITION

ATHANASIUS: Obviously he would not be expelling evil spirits and pillaging idols if he were impotent, for the evil spirits would not obey one who was impotent. If, on the other hand, the very naming of him drives them forth, he clearly is not powerless. The spirits especially see through what is unseen by human eyes. They could tell if Christ was vulnerable and refuse him any obedience at all. As it is, what human disbelief doubts, the evil spirits see clearly: that he is God. For that reason they flee from him and fall at his feet, still crying out even as they once cried when he was in the body, “We know who you are, the holy one of God,” [1] and, “Ah, what have I in common with you, Son of God? I implore you, do not torment me.” [2] INCARNATION OF THE WORD 32.4.5. [3]

[1] Mk 1:24; Lk 4:34.

[2] Mk 5:7; Lk 8:28.

[3] TLG 2035.002, 32.4.1-5.5; cf. NPNF 2 4:53; LCC 3:86. The demons recognized him instantly as sovereign God. The unclean spirits could see what human eyes could not see.

THE GOD-MAN BEHELD

GREGORY NAZIANZEN: Yes, he is recognized by demons, [1] drives out demons, [2] drowns deep a legion of spirits [3] and sees the prince of demons falling like lightning. [4] He is stoned, yet not hit; [5] he prays yet he hears prayer. [6] He weeps, [7] yet he puts an end to weeping. [8] He asks where Lazarus is [9] —he was man; yet he raises Lazarus [10] —he was God. ORATION 29, ON THE SON 20. [11]

[1] Cf. Lk 4:33-34; Mk 1:23-24.

[2] Cf. Mt 8:16; Mk 1:34.

[3] Cf. Mt 8:32; Mk 5:9, 13; Lk 8:30, 33.

[4] Cf. Lk 10:18.

[5] Cf. Jn 8:59; 10:31, 39.

[6] Cf. Mt 8:13; Mk 1:35.

[7] Cf. Jn 11:35.

[8] Cf. Lk 7:13; 8:52; 23:28.

[9] Cf. Jn 11:34.

[10] Cf. Jn 11:43-44.

[11] FGFR 259; TLG 2022.009, 20.12-17. The demons instantly recognize one who is at once truly a man and truly God.

Mk