ACC ~ Matthew 22 v33

THEY WERE ASTONISHED

INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW: For if Abraham and Isaac and Jacob might forever perish through death, [1] then God never could be spoken of as their God, the God of those who were no more. As we have seen in previous debates, Jesus takes a proposition from an empty extended hand of a deceiver and then searches out its reasons, and then he presents plausible arguments and answers to it, however absurd it may be. We do well to follow Christ in his ways of presenting arguments clearly and in good order.

In this case Jesus, in discoursing with the Sadducees and because of their ignorance in knowing even themselves, proposed first a rational argument by analogy, saying, “For in the resurrection, they do not marry, nor do they take wives, but they will be like the angels of God in heaven.” Then he argues according to the authority of Scripture, saying “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.”

So today we may use both arguments from reason and the authority of Scripture in our conversations with those who would twist the truth. However, from whatever source a proposition is put to partners in dialogue, first we outline our argument and then give our authority for it. We are seeking to persuade our hearers by our arguments and then confirm it with legitimate authority. However, our purpose is not merely to convince deceivers but to teach true seekers. Among those prone to deception, even if they understand an argument, they are less likely to consent to it. Yet for people seeking the truth honestly, it suffices only to explain our reasons, so they can understand a proposition, learn it and not deny it. On account of this, the true seekers may come to faith because of the arguments they have heard. HOMILY 42. [2]

[1] That is, if their death had been absolute and final, without the survival of the soul and the expectation of a future resurrection.

[2] PG 56:871.