ACC ~ Matthew 3 v11b

SANDALS AS A BIBLICAL TYPE

CHROMATIUS: Now we must focus on what is meant by these sandals from the spiritual standpoint. We know that Moses said long ago: “Put off your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” [1] We read that Joshua the son of Nun likewise said, “Remove the latchet from your sandal.” [2] But as to why they are ordered by the Lord to remove their sandals, we must understand this to be the type of a future truth. According to the law, if a man is unwilling to accept the wife of his brother after his brother’s death, he should take off his shoes, so that another may marry her and succeed by right of law. [3] As to the commandment prefigured in law, we find it fulfilled in Christ, who is the true bridegroom of the church. Therefore, because neither Moses the lawgiver nor Joshua the leader of the people could be the bridegroom of the church, not without good reason was it said to them that they should remove the sandals from their feet, because the true future bridegroom of the church, Christ, was to be expected. John says concerning him: “He who has the bride is the bridegroom.” [4] To bear or loosen his sandals, John professed himself to be unworthy. The Lord himself through David revealed that these sandals signify the footsteps of gospel preaching when he says, “Upon Edom I cast my shoe”; [5] through his apostles he will take the steps of gospel teaching everywhere. TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 11.4. [6]

[1] Ex 3:5.

[2] Josh 5:15.

[3] The law of levirate marriage; Deut 25:7-9.

[4] 42.

[5] Ps 60:8 (59:8 LXX); 108:9 (107:9 LXX).

[6] CCL 9a:240-41.

FIRE OF THE SPIRIT

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The blessed Baptist added to the word spirit the active and meaningful phrase “and with fire.” This was not to imply that through Christ we shall all be baptized with fire but to indicate through the designation fire that the life-giving energy of the Spirit is given. FRAGMENT 27. [1]

[1] MKGK 161.

THE FIRE IS TO PURIFY

THEODORE OF HERACLEA: The words “behind me” are used in the sense of “after me.” “He who is coming” is said rather than “he who shall be revealed.” The souls of the saints, in order to receive the mystery of revelation, are said to be baptized purely “in fire.” This is because the Spirit first came down upon the disciples in tongues of fire, by which they were baptized and their souls made perfect. [1] Or because, in the age to come, all will be baptized with fire, for “everyone will be salted with fire,” [2] so that “the fire may test everyone’s work, of what sort it is.” [3] Fire is appointed for the material element, which in itself is neither wicked nor evil but powerful and able to purify from evil. For the power of fire is deemed to be beneficial and strong, destructive of evil things and preservative of what is better. This is why fire is associated with wisdom by the prophets. For this reason also, when God is called “a consuming fire,” [4] this is to be understood as a term and symbol not for evil but for power. As fire is the strongest of the elements and conquers everything else, in the same way God is all-powerful and almighty, able to conquer, to create, to make, to nourish, to multiply, to save, possessing authority over both body and soul. Just as fire outperforms all the elements, so too all gods, powers and rulers are no match for the Almighty.

Fire has a twofold potency. On the one hand, it is suitable for the formation and ripening of fruits and for the birth and sustenance of animals. The sun is the primary image of this power. On the other hand, fire is fit for destroying and consuming, as is the case with earthly fire. When God therefore is called a “consuming fire,” able to destroy, he is being called a mighty and irresistible power. To God nothing is impossible. Concerning such a power the Savior also says, “I came to cast fire upon the earth.” [5] This is a power that purifies the saints, causes material things to disappear and, we might say, educates. Fire induces fear. Its light spreads outward. FRAGMENT 18. [6]

[1] Acts 2:3.

[2] Mk 9:49.

[3] 1 Cor 3:13.

[4] Deut 4:24; Heb 12:29.

[5] Lk 12:49.

[6] MKGK 61-62.

Mt