ACC ~ Matthew 4 v12

AVOIDING PERSECUTION

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: It was not out of fear that he withdrew. By doing the things he did, he taught us to escape from persecutors. He “withdrew” from Judea to the Gentiles. This showed that God removes himself to a remote part of the land of the Jews when they sin against the holy prophets and insult his deity. FRAGMENT 34. [1]

[1] MKGK 163.

UNDER GOD’S CARE

ANONYMOUS: Undoubtedly [John’s arrest] [1] was permitted by God, because no one can do anything against a holy man unless God permits him to. A sinner may perhaps do something against another sinner, for the sinner is not completely under God’s care. Against a man of God, however, he can undoubtedly do nothing, for “God is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” [2] And thus he says in another place: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s will. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” [3] …

The Lord knew this, and he withdrew, not because he feared death but for two other reasons. First, that he might reserve his passion for an appropriate time, and second, that he might set an example for us about fleeing from the danger of temptation. It was not because he feared the danger of temptation, but because otherwise we would be unable to withstand all temptation. If he preceded us along every path of justice as our master that we might follow him as his disciples, it is clear that he did not consider what he could do but what we were capable of doing. Moreover, if Christ did those things which he could do and we could not do, we could not be his disciples, for we would lack the strength to follow him. INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 6. [4]

[1] The author asks himself by whom John might have been given over (traditus esset) to Herod.

[2] Ps 18:30 (17:31 LXX).

[3] Mt 10:29-30.

[4] PG 56:671-72.

Mt