ACC ~ Matthew 2 v1 - 8

OVERVIEW:

Christ came during the reign of Herod, who was not a Jew by race but whose reign was prophesied (THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA). Herod continutes to serve as a symbol of false devotion (GREGORY THE GREAT). Feigning adoration of the Christ child (PETER CHRYSOLOGUS), Herod would have destroyed him if only he could find him (GREGORY THE GREAT). Silent elements (a star) preached of the Christ child before he ever spoke. Later the apostles would make the Lord known to us by speaking when he was no longer present in earthly body to speak (GREGORY THE GREAT). If Herod had believed the prophecy was true, he would not have attempted to frustrate what was divinely mandated (CHRYSOSTOM). When the wicked want to do serious harm, they paint treachery in the color of humility (ANONYMOUS). Nothing restrained Herod. This is how wickedness works, stumbling over its own greed (CHRYSOSTOM). Jerusalem remained troubled by the same idolatrous affections that had previously caused them to turn from God precisely when God was pouring out his greatest benefits upon them (CHRYSOSTOM). The whole people of God was called by the name of Israel, as if by a name divinely chosen, setting them apart from other nations, as was true of the church (CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA). God came to help the human race in the form of the Christ child, who needed help from no one else (PETER CHRYSOLOGUS).

2:1a | When Jesus Was Born

HOW HEROD’S RULE WAS ANTICIPATED

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: The patriarch Jacob had already anticipated this very time precisely when he said, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs.” [1] Matthew brought these same prophetic testimonies forward in order to show from them that everything came about according to the words of the prophets. On the one hand, he showed that Christ would come from Bethlehem, as had been said by the prophet. [2] On the other hand, he demonstrated that this saying of Jacob prefigured that this was to occur “in the days of Herod.” First then those who ruled over Israel were from David, from the tribe of Judah (Levi’s brother), until the captivity in Babylon. After these things the high priests themselves who held the leadership of the people were of the tribe of Levi, but their lineage was also traced from Judah. An intermixture had occurred between the levitical tribe—especially the high priests—and the royal tribe of Judah. Afterward, when the brothers Aristobulus and Hyrcanus came into conflict with each other and warred over the monarchy, the kingdom finally settled upon Herod, who was not a Jew by race, for he was the son of Antipater, an Idumean. And it was, in fact, during the time of his kingdom that Christ the Master appeared, when the kings and rulers from among the Jews had ceased. FRAGMENT 6. [3]

[1] Gen 49:10. From the beginning of the second century, Genesis 49:10-11 had been interpreted (by Justin, Hippolytus, Origen, Eusebius and others) as a christological prophecy. Thus the claim that until the arrival of the Messiah there would always be a prince of the house of Judah was referred to Christ by pointing out that at the time of Jesus’ birth, Herod—who was not of the Hebrew race—was the king of the Jews.

[2] Mic 5:2.

[3] MKGK 98.

HEROD AND CHRIST

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: What does this mean, that it was in the time of a very malevolent king that God descended to earth, divinity entered into flesh, a heavenly union occurred with an earthly body? What does this mean? How could it happen that a tyrant could then be driven out by one who was not a king, who would free his people, renew the face of the earth and restore freedom? Herod, an apostate, had wrongly invaded the kingdom of the Jews, taken away their liberty, profaned their holy places, disrupted the established order, abolished whatever there was of discipline and religious worship. It was fitting therefore that God’s own aid would come to succor that holy race without any human help. Rightly did God emancipate the race that no human hand could free. In just this way will Christ come again, to undo the antichrist, free the world, restore the original land of paradise, uphold the liberty of the world and take away all its slavery. SERMONS 156.5. [1]

[1] CCL 24b:971-72; FC 17:267**. It is amazing that in such an evil time God chose to do such a great thing. As God sustained the Jews even during the Herodian tyranny, so will he continue to care for the new people of God.

2:1b | The Wise Men Seek Jesus

MORE THAN HUMAN LEADING

CHRYSOSTOM: A star appeared in the heavens, calling the wise men from on high. They made a long pilgrimage to worship the One who lay in swaddling clothes in a manger. The prophets of old had proclaimed his coming. These and all the other events were more than human. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 7.3. [1]

[1] PG 57:75-76; NPNF 1 10:45-46**.

2:2 | Coming to Worship the King

DISTINGUISHING A SILENT SIGN FROM A SPOKEN PROPHECY

GREGORY THE GREAT: We must ask what it means that when our Redeemer was born, an angel appeared to the shepherds in Judea, but a star and not an angel guided the magi from the east to worship him. This was the reason: It was a reasoning being, [1] an angel, who preached to the Jews as persons capable of using their reason. But a sign and not a voice guided the Gentiles, who were not prepared to make full use of reason to know the Lord. Hence Paul says that “prophecy has been given for believers not for unbelievers, but signs have been given for unbelievers and not for believers.” [2] And so prophecy has been given to the Jews as believers and not unbelievers, and signs have been given to the Gentiles as unbelievers and not believers. Note that the apostle preached our Redeemer to these same Gentiles when Jesus was already a grown man, but a star declared him to the Gentiles even when he was a small child, not yet able to perform the normal human function of speaking. It was surely reasonable both that silent elements should preach him when he was not yet speaking and that preachers should make the Lord known to us by speaking when he was already speaking. FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 10.1. [3]

[1] With this juxtaposition of rational and irrational Gregory seeks to reveal the superiority of the Jews over the pagans insofar as they knew the truth revealed to them through sacred Scripture.

[2] 1 Cor 14:22.

[3] PL 76:1110-11; CS 123:55* (Homily 8). Why was the star the guiding sign of the wise men, while the voice of an angel addressed the shepherds? Both silence and speech were employed to proclaim Jesus’ coming. The Jews, as seen in the shepherds, were the recipients of prophetic voices; the Gentiles, as seen in the magi, were recipients of silent signs.

2:3 | Herod Troubled

TROUBLE IN THE HOLY CITY

CHRYSOSTOM: Since Herod was king, he was naturally afraid both for himself and for his children. But why was Jerusalem troubled? Surely the prophets had foretold him as the Savior, Benefactor and Deliverer who would come from above. But Jerusalem remained troubled by the same idolatrous affections that had previously caused them to turn from God precisely when God was pouring out his greatest benefits on them. While God was offering them new freedom, they were once again mindful only of the fleshpots of bondage in Egypt.

Note the accuracy of the prophets, who had foretold this judgment earlier: “They shall compensate for every garment that has been acquired by deceit and all clothing with restitution; and they shall be willing, even if they had been burnt with fire. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” [1]

Although troubled, they nevertheless did not try to understand what was happening. They did not follow the wise men or even take any particular notice. To this extent were they both contentious and careless. This happened just when those in Jerusalem under Herod had reason to pride themselves that a king was being born among them. This had even attracted the attention of the wise from Persia. They were on the point of having everything going their way, as though their affairs were advancing toward improvement. But most did not even take notice. Amid an empire that had become so magnificent, they showed little improvement.

Jerusalem had only recently been delivered from subjugation. It might have been more reasonable for them to think, If the Persians tremble before this king now merely at his birth, wouldn’t they tremble much more when he grows up? They would fear and obey him, and our situation might then be more glorious than that of the barbarians. Even if they knew nothing of mysteries or revelations but formed their judgments only on the basis of present self-interest, they surely might have thought along these lines. But nothing like this really occurred to them, so great was their dullness in prophecy and envy in human affairs.

Such dullness and envy must be rooted out of our minds. One must be more impassioned than fire to stand up against such an array. This is why Christ said, “I am come to send fire on earth, and how I wish it were already kindled.” [2] And the Spirit on this account appeared in fire. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 6.4. [3]

[1] Is 9:5-6 LXX.

[2] Lk 12:49.

[3] PG 57:67-68; NPNF 1 10:40**. Due to their dullness in prophecy and envy in human affairs, the Jerusalem of Herod lost sight of its historic calling and unparalleled opportunity as they clung to bondage and idolatry. Hence they were troubled by the portent of change.

2:6 | A Ruler from Bethlehem

HOW THE CHURCH BECAME ISRAEL

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Jacob was called the first Israel when he beheld the ladder and, on it, the “angels ascending and descending.” [1] He wrestled with the one who appeared to him. He heard him say, “Your name shall no more be called Jacob, but Israel.” [2] By this name the entire people of Israel was called, as if by a name divinely chosen, setting them apart from other nations. Now, Israel means “a mind that sees God.” [3] Thus the church from among the Gentiles is also called Israel, not according to the flesh but according to divine grace. FRAGMENT 11. [4]

[1] Gen 28:12.

[2] Gen 32:28. Cyril is not quoting the Septuagint precisely.

[3] Or “God rules.”

[4] MKGK 156-57.

2:7 | Herod’s Evil Intent

THE INTENT TO DESTROY

GREGORY THE GREAT: When Herod learned of the birth of our King, he resorted to crafty means to prevent his earthly kingdom from being endangered. He demanded that it be reported to him where the child was to be found. Pretending that he wished to worship him, he would have destroyed him if only he could find him. But of what avail is human malice against the divine plan? “There is no wisdom, no prudence, no plan against the Lord.” [1] The star appeared to guide the magi. They found the newborn king and offered him their gifts. They were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. And so Herod was unable to find Jesus, whom he was seeking. Herod symbolizes all those today who, falsely seeking after the Lord, never manage to find him. FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 10.2. [2]

[1] Prov 21:30.

[2] PL 76:1111; CS 123:56* (Homily 8). How was the infant protected against invasive tyrannical power? The divine economy provided for the protection of the child.

WHAT TROUBLED HEROD

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: It wasn’t the words of the magi that troubled Herod. It was the speculations of the legal experts about the words of the believing prophets. For the magi were seeking a king, but the Jews were declaring that Christ had been born. For this reason, turning aside the magi, Herod calls the Jews and asks them where the Christ should be born, he “whom you, having heard the magi, are now announcing.” This is how the enemies of the truth may sometimes unwillingly speak the truth. They interpret the whole prophecy uselessly, failing to grasp what is necessary. FRAGMENT 10.3. [1]

[1] MKGK 156.

2:8 | Herod’s Feigned Response

HEROD SENT THE MAGI

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Herod treats the magi as ambassadors. For after a certain manner, they had come to the King of Israel in order to intercede that there might be peace between them and the Israelites. They hoped that, for Gentiles and Jews alike, there might be “one fold, one shepherd.” [1] FRAGMENT 10. [2]

[1] Jn 10:16.

[2] MKGK 156.

NOTHING RESTRAINED HEROD

CHRYSOSTOM: The attempt to murder the child just born was not only an act of madness but also of extreme folly, since what had been said and done was enough to hold him back from any such attempt. For these were not merely natural or human occurrences. … Nevertheless nothing restrained Herod. This is how wickedness works—it stumbles over its own greed, always attempting vain objectives. What utter folly. So on either premise his craftiness was bizarre. It was also folly for him to think that the wise men would take him more seriously than the child whom they had come so far to see, whose identity had been confirmed by prophecy. How could Herod hope to persuade the wise men to betray this child to him, even before they had seen the One for whom they had so long hoped? Nevertheless, as many as were the good reasons to hold him back, Herod persisted with his evil attempt. … He must have imagined that the Jews would be so anxious to protect the child that they would never be willing to give up their national Deliverer and Savior. With all these miscalculations, he called in the wise men privately and sought to discern the timing of the star. The object of his pursuit was far more than a star. For the star, I think, must have appeared and been visible a long time before, because it took a long time for the wise men to come on their journey to find him in swaddling clothes. If the star appeared at the moment of Jesus’ birth in Palestine, it would have already been seen by many in the distant east. The trip to Jerusalem would have taken quite some time.

As to Herod’s murder of the children “who were two years old and under,” this shows the extent of his irrational wrath and dread in trying to prevent even one from escaping. …

But the wise men perceive nothing of this, by reason of their exceeding awe. They would never have expected that Herod could have persisted toward such great wickedness as to attempt to form plots against a dispensation so marvelous. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 7.2-3. [1]

[1] PG 57:75-76; NPNF 1 10:45-46**. Was Herod merely cruel or also witless? Herod shows us how stupid wickedness can become even when it is executing its own deceptions. He was constantly stumbling over his own greed and pride, so as to become not only wicked but also foolish in every respect.

PAINTING MALICE IN THE COLOR OF HUMILITY

ANONYMOUS: After Herod heard the response, he found it believable on two counts: first, it had been spoken by the priests, and second, it had been substantiated by the prophets. He did not bow in devotion to the King about to be born. Rather he harbored malice, seeking Jesus’ death through deceit. The wicked may be able to understand what pertains to God when they cannot do what pertains to God. Human intellect was created by God, while human actions spring from free will. Herod saw the great devotion of the magi to Christ. He could not manipulate them with blandishments or frighten them with threats or corrupt them with gold to make them acquiesce with him in the murder of the future King. So he sought to deceive them. But it could not be that, having been lured by blandishments, they would betray the One on account of whom they had undertaken so arduous a journey. Neither could these men announce another king. They belonged to another kingdom and had no high regard for either Herod or Caesar. They could not be intimidated by anyone into betraying him, nor could they desire anything more than Christ, to whom they were bringing precious gifts from so distant a province.

Herod saw there was nothing else he could do. While sharpening his sword, he promised his devotion and painted the malice of his heart in the color of humility. Such is the habit of all wicked people when they want to do serious harm to someone: they feign humility and friendship. INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 2. [1]

[1] PG 56:640.

FEIGNED ADORATION

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word.” Appropriately did Herod say, “Bring me word,” for the one who hastens to come to Christ always brings a word of renunciation [1] to the devil. When the priest says to the future Christian, “Do you renounce the devil?” the latter will answer, “I do renounce him.” Properly therefore are the magi instructed to bring word to Herod, who realized he was taking the place of the devil. Satan knew how to corrupt a person.

“That I may come and worship him.” He wants to lie but he cannot. He who feigned adoration will come that he might bow to abuse, kneel to inflict punishment, recline to do harm. … But when the clouds of treachery have passed, in the fair weather of emerging Christian faith, the magi behold again the star they had seen, preceding and leading them on. Finally they arrive at the most holy place of the Lord’s birth. SERMONS 158.8-9. [2]

[1] It is clear that here renuntiare means “to announce, to make known.” But Chrysologus prefers to interpret it in its more specific meaning of “to renounce.” From this he deduces that every Christian must renounce Satan, symbolized by Herod.

[2] CCL 24b:983.