ACC ~ Matthew 3 v9

A NOBLE FAMILY WITH CONTEMPTIBLE CHILDREN

ANONYMOUS: It is better to be born noble from a contemptible family than to be born contemptible from a noble family. As for the one who is born noble from a noble family, the glory of his nobility is not his alone, but he has it in common with his family. As for the one who is born contemptible from a contemptible family, the baseness of his contemptibility is not his alone. … Therefore do not take pride in saying that “we have Abraham for a father.” Rather, be ashamed that you are his children and are not heirs of his holiness. INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 3. [1]

[1] PG 56:651.

THE POWER OF GOD TO REMAKE A PEOPLE

JEROME: “God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.” He calls the Gentiles stones because of their hard heart. We read in Ezekiel: “I will revive their stony heart and give them a heart of flesh.” [1] He shows the hardness in a stone and the softness of flesh. In other words, this passage indicates the power of God, who made everything out of nothing and can produce a people out of the hardest stones. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 1.3.9. [2]

[1] Ezek 36:26.

[2] CCL 77:17-18.

SHARING ABRAHAM’S FAITH

THEODORE OF HERACLEA: If from “stones children are given to Abraham,” this is not by their possessing his flesh and spirit but by their sharing his virtue. [1] Therefore the people of God are able to call Abraham “father.” How so? Consider the following: Stones are employed by the Gentiles not only for building but also for idolatry. Besides this, remember this: the heart of the dragon is said to be as hard as a stone. [2] FRAGMENTS 15-16. [3]

[1] Abraham’s virtue is faith.

[2] Cf. Job 41:24 (LXX 41:15).

[3] MKGK 61.

CHILDREN FROM STONES

CHRYSOSTOM: Although John terrified them with his preaching, he did not permit them to fall into despair. He did not say “God has raised up” but “God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.” In this way he simultaneously alarmed and comforted them. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 11.3. [1]

[1] PG 57:195; NPNF 1 10:70**. John’s preaching of repentance both terrified and offered hope, combining threat and promise.

Mt