ACC ~ Matthew 2 v6

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.