ACC ~ Matthew 10 v25

OUR LORD’S EXAMPLE

HILARY: Knowledge of things to come is very edifying for acquiring tolerance, especially if our own will to endure has been molded by another’s example. Our Lord, who is eternal light and the leader of all believers and the founder of immortality, sent consolations in advance to his disciples for the sufferings they would endure. This was so that no disciple would think himself above his teacher or above the Lord, when in reality he is a servant. For some call the master of the house by a demon’s name out of their ill will. If we were indeed equal to our Lord or to the circumstances of his sufferings, how much more would they commit every sort of injury and insult on those of his household who have more fully entered the realm of glory? ON MATTHEW 10.15. [1]

[1] SC 254:234.

CALLING THE MASTER BEELZEBUL

CHRYSOSTOM: What Christ is saying to the faithful is, I am now already sharing with you the same stigma you are presently suffering. That is sufficient for your encouragement. I, your Master and Lord, have felt the same grief you now feel. And if that distresses you further, remember this: that even from this foreboding you will soon be freed. For why do you now grieve? Are you troubled that someone is calling you a deceiver or a liar? So what? Wait a little while. In time you will be seen as benefactors of the world and champions of faith. For time reveals whatever is concealed. Time will refute their false accusations and make your good intent known. For as historic events unfold, a larger design will be recognized. Everyone will finally grasp the real state of the case and not merely the frail words used to describe it. Then your adversaries will be revealed as false accusers, liars and slanderers. With time lengthening to reveal and proclaim your innocence, you will shine brighter than the sun. Your voice will in time be heard more clearly than a trumpet. Your good intent will be attested by all. So do not let what is now being said demoralize you. Rather, let the hope of the good things to come raise you up. For the true story of your testimony cannot be suppressed forever. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 34.1. [1]

[1] PG 57:399; NPNF 1 10:227**. Since time discovers all things concealed, be assured that the truth will ultimately be vindicated.

THE RELATION BETWEEN MASTER AND SERVANT

CHRYSOSTOM: Observe how he reveals that he is the Lord and God and Creator of all things. What does it mean that “a disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master”? As long as one is a disciple or a servant, one is not ready to receive honor. So do not speak to me of what is lacking in the Master. Learn your arguments from all that is sufficient about him. Jesus does not say “how much more will they malign his servants?” but instead “how much more will they malign those of his household?” This demonstrates his close relationship with them. In another place Christ says, “I no longer call you my slaves; you are my friends.” [1] Moreover, he does not say “if they are insolent to the master of the house and accuse him.” Instead, he includes the exact form their insolence took, namely, that they called him Beelzebul. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 34.1. [2]

THE ONE TO FEAR MATTHEW 10:26-31

[1] Jn 15:15.

[2] PG 57:398-99; NPNF 1 10:227.

OVERVIEW:

We are not to fear our persecutors’ threats or stratagems, because the day of judgment will reveal that these all were empty (HILARY). Although the mystery has been hidden from the ages, it is now made manifest to all (ANONYMOUS). In contrast with Jesus’ quiet tone of voice, the disciples would soon be making a proclamation with a boldness of speech that was to be conferred upon them (CHRYSOSTOM). Those things that were once said in the darkness are now preached in the light (HILARY). What Jesus teaches through the indirect communication of parables, the apostles are proclaiming openly (ANONYMOUS). Jesus was restraining himself, looking toward a more appropriate time for public speech (EUSEBIUS OF EMESA). Do not grieve over death, but sin (THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA, AUGUSTINE). The body is dead without the soul, and the soul is dead without God (AUGUSTINE).

Some things happen because of God’s direct will, but some happen merely with his permissive consent (ORIGEN). When persons sell themselves for the sake of an insignificant sin, it is like two sparrows being sold for a penny. Yet whatever is sold sinfully, Christ can buy back and redeem (HILARY). The sparrows do not fall apart from the will of God, who intends even these to serve a useful purpose (APOLLINARIS). If God is not ignorant of anything that happens in creation and if God loves us more truly than the best human father, then we need not be afraid (CHRYSOSTOM).