ACC ~ Matthew 10 v29

WITHOUT YOUR FATHER’S WILL

ORIGEN: In this passage, Jesus demonstrates his foresight in all things. The word without refers not to will but to foreknowledge. Some things happen because of his direct will, but some happen merely with his approval and consent. And so on the literal level, he is showing the subtlety of his foresight and his previous knowledge of events.

On the spiritual level, [1] however, a sparrow falls to the ground when it looks at what is below it and falls to earth, ensnared by the vices of the flesh, given up “to dishonorable passions.” [2] It loses its freedom together with its honor. For a sparrow is either borne always upward, or else it comes to rest by alighting on mountains or hills (the hills are metaphors for Scripture). And such a person is one who has been raised aloft by the Word but has his mind on earthly concerns. FRAGMENT 212. [3]

[1] Rhētos signifies the literal interpretation of the text, while noētos signifies the spiritual, here expressed through allegory.

[2] Rom 1:26.

[3] GCS 41.1:101-2.

CHRIST BUYS BACK WHAT IS SOLD

HILARY: What is sold is the body and soul. It is a sin to sell them to anyone, because Christ redeems from sin and is the Redeemer of body and soul. So when persons sell themselves for the sake of an insignificant sin, it is like two sparrows being sold for a penny. They were born for flying and to be carried to heaven on spiritual wings, but they are overtaken by the price of their immediate pleasures, and by such actions they trade away all their eternal treasures for the sake of temporal luxury. ON MATTHEW 10.18. [1]

[1] SC 254:236-38.

THE SPARROW’S FALL KNOWN BY GOD

APOLLINARIS: However, you must know that the story of the sparrows is figurative, since foresight in matters like these makes no difference at all to God. As the apostle said, “Is it for oxen that God is concerned?” [1] It is for the sake of humanity that he has foresight of sparrows, which he gives to us for our use. The “penny” is symbolic of something seemingly worthless. FRAGMENT 55. [2]

[1] 1 Cor 9:9.

[2] MKGK 16.