ACC ~ Matthew 10 v8

THE GIFT OF POWER

HILARY: All the power possessed by the Lord is bestowed upon the apostles! Those who were prefigured in the image and likeness of God in Adam have now received the perfect image and likeness of Christ. They have been given powers in no way different from those of the Lord. Those once earthbound now become heaven-centered. They will proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, that the image and likeness of God are now appropriated in the company of truth, so that all the holy ones who have been made heirs of heaven may reign with the Lord. Let them cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and cast out devils. Whatever impairment Adam’s body had incurred from being goaded on by Satan, let the apostles wipe away through their sharing in the Lord’s power. And that they may fully obtain the likeness of God according to the prophecy in Genesis, [1] they are ordered to give freely what they freely have received. [2] Thus a gift freely bestowed should be freely dispensed. ON MATTHEW 10.4. [3]

[1] Gen 1:26-27. According to one interpretation, widespread in antiquity and here accepted by Hilary, the likeness to God indicates a level of perfection superior to that of an image. Thus humans would have been created merely after the image of God, to progress in stages—thanks to their merits—until they resemble God. Other exegetes, however—including Augustine—recognize no difference between the image and the likeness of God.

[2] Mt 10:8.

[3] SC 254:218-20.

SIGNS CONFIRMING THE PROMISES

JEROME: Lest anyone hold as unworthy of belief these rough men bereft of eloquence, unschooled and unlettered, as they promise the kingdom of heaven, Jesus empowered them to cure the sick, cleanse the lepers and cast out devils. Many signs would confirm the promises made. And because spiritual gifts are defiled if connected with rewards, Jesus adds a condemnation of avarice: “Freely you have received, freely give.” I, your Lord and Master, have given this to you without cost, and you should give, lest the grace of the gospel be corrupted. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 1.10.7-8. [1]

[1] CCL 77:65.