ACC ~ Matthew 12 v19

NO ONE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE IN THE STREETS

APOLLINARIS: Those who teach “in the streets” do this, [1] not for the sake of helping anyone but out of egotism and to hoodwink the gullible. The result of this is that everyone views them with suspicion and they fail to reach the goal of their teaching. Thus the Savior taught us these lessons not only by word. His way of life also taught us not to scream nor to show off but to lead a public life in respect to virtuous actions. For a talkative disposition would be most harmful for us. It is the opposite that is most useful and beneficial. FRAGMENT 71. [2]

[1] Wrangle and cry aloud.

[2] MKGK 20.

HE WILL NOT CRY ALOUD

CHRYSOSTOM: The prophet celebrated in advance both the Savior’s meekness right alongside his unspeakable power. Thereby he opened to the Gentiles a great and effective door. Isaiah also foretold the ills that were to overtake the Jews. He foreknew the Son’s oneness with the Father: “Israel is my chosen, my soul has accepted him; I have put my Spirit upon him.” [1] For it is not as an adversary that Christ transcends the law, as if he were an enemy of the Lawgiver, but as though he were of one mind with the Lawgiver and held to the very same purposes. Then, proclaiming the Lord’s meekness, Isaiah said, “He shall not cry nor lift up his voice.” [2] For his desire indeed was to enable healing in their presence. But since they pushed him away, he did not contend any further against their opposition. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 40.2. [3]

[1] Is 42:1 LXX. The Hebrew text is translated “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles.”

[2] Is 42:2 LXX.

[3] PG 57:440-41; NPNF 1 10:260**.