ACC ~ Romans 2 v24

THE NAME BLASPHEMED. TERTULLIAN: There is a blasphemy which we must avoid completely, viz., that any of us should give a pagan good cause for blasphemy by deceit or injury or insult or some other matter justifying complaint. It is that blasphemy in which the Name is deservedly blamed, so that the Lord is deservedly angry. But the words “Because of you my Name is blasphemed” seem to cover every blasphemy. So then, are we all lost, since the whole Roman circus assails the Name, for no fault of ours, with its wicked outcries? Shall we stop being Christians in order for there to be less blasphemy? No! If the blasphemy continues, we will observe our discipline, not abandoning it, as long as we are being approved and not condemned. The blasphemy which affirms our Christian faith by detesting us because of it is in close proximity to martyrdom. To curse us for keeping our discipline is to bless our Name. ON IDOLATRY 14.

THE NAME ADORNED. CYPRIAN: Even if the Jews have been alienated from God, because on their account the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles, nonetheless they are dear to God. Through their discipline the name of the Lord is adorned with praiseworthy testimony. LETTER 13.3.

THE IRONIC TWIST. ORIGEN: What Paul says [in verses 17-23] about the Jews is meant to be taken ironically, since anyone who genuinely relies on the law, glories in God and proves the things which are most useful would be doing the things which are listed here. But [in verse 24] he speaks directly to them, borrowing the words of the prophet Isaiah. COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS.

BECAUSE OF YOU. AMBROSIASTER: Isaiah the prophet said this because God’s name was being blasphemed among the Gentiles when the Jews, by their misdeeds, did not observe the things which were handed down to them but instead gave glory to idols. … So also at the time of the apostles, God’s name was being blasphemed in Christ, because the Jews, by denying that Christ was God, were blaspheming the Father also, as the Lord said: “Whoever receives me does not receive me, but him who sent me.” Therefore God was blasphemed among the Gentiles because when they believed in Christ the Jews tried to persuade them not to call Christ “God.” COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

TEACHING OTHERS TO BLASPHEME. CHRYSOSTOM: Here Paul makes another double accusation. The Jews not only commit insolence themselves; they even persuade others to do the same. What then is the use of their teaching, if they cannot teach themselves? … But it is much worse than this, for not only do the Jews not teach the law, they actually teach others to blaspheme God, which is the very opposite of the law. HOMILIES ON ROMANS 6.

BLESSING OR BLASPHEMING. [PSEUDO-]CONSTANTIUS: Just as it says that God is “blessed by your good works,” so also he is blasphemed by the Gentiles on account of those who do not live rightly. THE HOLY LETTER OF ST. PAUL TO THE ROMANS.

RELYING ON THE PROPHETS. PELAGIUS: Paul realized that what he was saying was also to be found in the prophets, which is why he quotes them here.PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON ROMANS.

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