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Homily 10
24 complete historical source paragraphs and 7 editorial footnotes. Author and edition credits are shown for each record; original wording is retained.
English translation and editorial credits: Thomas Keble, John Keble, Dr. Barrow, Frederic Gardiner.
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Sav. and Ben. here, and in other places where the text is cited, insert τοῦ κόπου, “the labor of love,” &c. These words are probably not part of the sacred text. They are not referred to by St. Chrysostom.
Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, editorial note cite_note-7 · Original source
Ver. 10. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work, and the love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have ministered unto the saints and do minister.” O how did he here restore their spirit, and give them fresh strength, by reminding them of former things, and bringing them to the necessity of not supposing that God had forgotten. (For he cannot but sin who is not fully assured concerning his hope, and says that God is unrighteous. Accordingly he obliged them by all means to look forward to those future things. For one who despairs of present things, and has given up exerting himself, may be restored by [the prospect of] things future.) As he himself also said in writing to the Galatians, “Ye did run well” ( Gal. v. 7 ): and again, “Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.” ( Gal. iii. 4.)
νωθροὶ. The same word is translated “slothful” and “dull” in these two passages. It means “sluggish,” “stupid,” “without quickness in perception or energy in action.”
Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, editorial note cite_note-8 · Original source
“That ye may not become dull.” Still “become”; and yet he said above, “seeing ye are become dull of hearing.” ( c. v. 11.) Ob serve however how he limited the dullness to the hearing. And here he hints the very same thing; instead of ‘that ye may not continue in it,’ he says [this]. But again he leads on to that future time for which they were not yet responsible; saying in effect “that ye may not become too slothful”: since for that which is not yet come we could not be responsible. For he who in regard to the present time is exhorted to be in earnest, as being remiss, will perhaps become even more slothful, but he who is exhorted with reference to the future, not so.
ἐ ὰ ν μἡ ᾖ ἄξιος, ἐὰν μὴ ᾖ δίκαιος. Mr. Field retains μὴ in these clauses, in accordance with the common editions, though all the mss. omit the negative in the first clause, and the best mss. in the second also, and it was not read by Mutianus. If it be omitted, the passage would run thus, “and says, If he be worthy, if he be righteous [I will help him]. Unless he work miracles I stretch out no hand,” &c.; which seems to give a good sense.
Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, editorial note cite_note-13 · Original source
But I know not whence this [notion] has been introduced, or whence this custom hath prevailed. For he that only seeks after the solitaries, and is willing to do good to them alone, and with regard to others on the contrary is over-curious in his enquiries, and says, ‘unless he be worthy, unless he be righteous, unless he work miracles, I stretch out no hand’; [such an one] has taken away the greater part of charity, yea and in time he will in turn destroy the very thing itself. And yet that is charity, [which is shown] towards sinners, towards the guilty. For this is charity, not the pitying those who have done well, but those who have done wrong.
[1.] Let us hear the oracles of God with fear, with fear and much trembling. For (it is said) “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice unto Him with trembling.” ( Ps. ii. 11.) But if even our joy and our exultation ought to be “with trembling,” of what punishment are we not worthy, if we listen not with terror to what is said, when the things spoken, as now, are themselves fearful?
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 4 · Original source
For having said that “it is impossible for those who have fallen away” to be baptized a second time, and to receive remission through the laver, and having pointed out the awfulness of the case, he goes on: “for the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God. But if it bear thorns and thistles, it is rejected, and nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.”
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 5 · Original source
Thou seest that everywhere the Scripture calleth sins “thorns.” For David also saith, “I was turned into mourning when a thorn was fixed in me.” ( Ps. xxxii. 4 , so LXX.) For it does not simply come on us, but is fixed in; and even if but a little of it remain in, even if we take it not out entirely, that little of itself in like manner causes pain, as in the case of a thorn. And why do I say, ‘that little of itself’? Even after it has been taken out, it leaves therein for a long time the pain of the wound. And much care and treatment is necessary, that we may be perfectly freed from it. For it is not enough merely to take away the sin, it is necessary also to heal the wounded place.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 9 · Original source
[3.] “For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it,” he says, “and bringeth forth meet herbs.” Because nothing is so meet as purity of life, nothing so suitable as the best life, nothing so meet as virtue.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 11 · Original source
“And bringeth forth” (saith he) “herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God.” Here he says that God is the cause of all things, giving the heathen a blow, who ascribed the production of fruits to the power of the earth. For (he says) it is not the hands of the husbandman which stir up the earth to bear fruits, but the command from God. Therefore he says, “receives blessing from God.”
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 12 · Original source
And see how in speaking of the thorns, he said not, “bringing forth thorns,” nor did he use this word expressive of what is useful; but what? “Bearing” [literally “putting out”] “thorns,” as if one should say, “forcing out,” “throwing out.”
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 13 · Original source
“Rejected” (he says) “and nigh unto cursing.” Oh! how great consolation in this word! For he said “nigh unto cursing,” not “a curse.” Now he that hath not yet fallen into a curse, but is come to be near [thereto], may also come to be far off [therefrom].
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 14 · Original source
And not by this only did he encourage them, but also by what follows. For he did not say “rejected and nigh unto cursing,” “which shall be burned,” but what? “Whose end is to be burned,” if he continue [such] (he means) unto the end. So that, if we cut out and burn the thorns, we shall be able to enjoy those good things innumerable and to become approved, and to partake of blessing.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 15 · Original source
And with good reason did he call sin “a thistle,” saying “that which beareth thorns and thistles”; for on whatever side you lay hold on it, it wounds and stings, and it is unpleasant even to look at.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 16 · Original source
[4.] Having therefore sufficiently rebuked them, and alarmed and wounded them, he in turn heals them, so as not to cast them down too much, and make them supine. For he that strikes one that is “dull,” makes him more dull. So then he neither flatters them throughout, lest he should make them supine, nor does he wound them throughout, but having inserted a little to wound them, he applies much to heal in what follows.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 17 · Original source
For what does he say? We speak not these things, as having condemned you, nor as thinking you to be full of thorns, but fearing lest this should come to pass. For it is better to terrify you by words, that ye may not suffer by the realities. And this is specially of Paul’s wisdom.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 18 · Original source
[5.] Why then did we say these things? ( Ver. 11, 12 ) “But we desire that everyone of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end; that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 22 · Original source
“We desire,” he says, and we do not therefore merely labor for, or even so far as words go, wish this. But what? “We desire” that ye should hold fast to virtue, not as condemning your former conduct (he means), but fearing for the future. And he did not say, ‘not as condemning your former conduct, but your present; for ye have fainted, ye are become too indolent’; but see how gently he indicated it, and did not wound them.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 23 · Original source
For what does he say? “But we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence unto the end.” For this is the admirable part of Paul’s wisdom, that he does not expressly show that they “had” given in, that they “had” become negligent. For when he says, “We desire that every one of you”—it is as if one should say, I wish thee to be always in earnest; and such as thou wert before, such to be now also, and for the time to come. For this made his reproof more gentle and easy to be received.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 24 · Original source
And he did not say, “I will,” which would have been expressive of the authority of a teacher, but what is expressive of the affection of a father, and what is more than “willing,” “we desire.” All but saying, Pardon us, even if we say what is distasteful.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 25 · Original source
“We desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of your hope unto the end.” Hope (he means) carries us through: it recovers us again. Be not wearied out, do not despair, lest your hope be in vain. For he that worketh good hopeth also good, and never despairs of himself.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 26 · Original source
“We desire” (he says) “that every one of you.” Great is his affection for them: he cares equally for great and small; moreover he knows all, and overlooks no one, but shows the same tender care for each, and equal value for all: from which cause also he the rather persuaded them to receive what was distasteful in his words.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 28 · Original source
“That ye be not slothful,” he says. For as inactivity hurts the body, so also inactivity as to what is good renders the soul more supine and feeble.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 29 · Original source
[6.] “But followers” (he says) “of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” And who they are, he tells afterwards. He said before, “Imitate your own former well-doings.” Then, lest they should say, What? He leads them back to the Patriarch: bringing before them examples of well-doing indeed from their own history, but of the thought of being forsaken, from the Patriarch; that they might not suppose that they were disregarded and forsaken as worthy of no account, but might know that it is [the portion] of the very noblest men to make the journey of life through trials; and that God has thus dealt with great and admirable men.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 30 · Original source
Now we ought (he says) to bear all things with patience: for this also is believing: whereas if He say that He gives and thou immediately receivest, how hast thou also believed? Since in that case this is no longer of thy faith, but of Me, the Giver. But if I say that I give, and give after an hundred years, and thou hast not despaired; then hast thou accounted Me worthy to be believed, then thou hast the right opinion concerning Me. Thou seest that oftentimes unbelief arises not from want of hope only, but also from faintheartedness, and want of patience, not from condemning him who made the promise.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 31 · Original source
“Which” (he says) “ye have showed toward His Name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” See how again he soothes them, by adding “and do minister.” Still even at this time (he says) ye are ministering, and he raises them up by showing that they had done [what they did] not to them [the saints], but to God. “Which ye have showed” (he says); and he said not “unto the saints,” but “towards God,” for this is “toward His Name.” It is for His Name’s sake (he means) that ye have done all. He therefore who has the enjoyment from you of so great zeal and love, will never despise you nor forget you.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 33 · Original source
[9.] But on another view what [shall we say]? Didst thou see him in prosperity, in high esteem, that thou shouldst say that he is wicked and worthless? But if thou seest him in affliction, do not say that he is wicked. For when a man is in high credit, we fairly say these things; but when he is in calamity, and needs help, it is not right to say that he is wicked. For this is cruelty, inhumanity, and arrogance. Tell me what was ever more iniquitous than the Jews. But nevertheless while God punished them, and that justly, yea, very justly, yet He approved of those who had compassion on them, and those who rejoiced over them He punished. ( Amos vi. 6.) For “they were not grieved,” it is said, “at the affliction of Joseph.”
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 38 · Original source
And again it is said “Redeem [Ransom] those who are ready to be slain: spare not.” ( Prov. xxiv. 11.) (He said not, enquire curiously, and learn who he is; and yet, for the most part, they who are led away to execution are wicked,) for this especially is charity. For he that doeth good to a friend, doeth it not altogether for God’s sake: but he that [doeth good] to one unknown, this man acts purely for God’s sake. “Do not spare” thy money, even if it be necessary to spend all, yet give.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 39 · Original source
Let us also imitate Him, and despair of no one. For the fishermen too, when they have cast many times [suppose it], have not succeeded; but afterwards having cast again, have gained all. So we also expect that ye will all at once show to us ripe fruit. For the husbandman too, after he has sown, waits one day or two days, and is a long while in expectation: and all at once he sees the fruits springing up on every side. This we expect will take place in your case also by the grace and lovingkindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom to the Father and also to the Holy Ghost be glory, might, honor, now and for ever and world without end. Amen.
Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, source paragraph 41 · Original source
ἐ λεημοσύνη, “mercifulness.” or “almsgiving.”
Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, editorial note cite_note-14 · Original source
But I know not whence this [notion] has been introduced, or whence this custom hath prevailed. For he that only seeks after the solitaries, and is willing to do good to them alone, and with regard to others on the contrary is over-curious in his enquiries, and says, ‘unless he be worthy, unless he be righteous, unless he work miracles, I stretch out no hand’; [such an one] has taken away the greater part of charity, yea and in time he will in turn destroy the very thing itself. And yet that is charity, [which is shown] towards sinners, towards the guilty. For this is charity, not the pitying those who have done well, but those who have done wrong.
ἀ δόκιμος, “reprobate.”
Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, editorial note cite_note-2 · Original source
For having said that “it is impossible for those who have fallen away” to be baptized a second time, and to receive remission through the laver, and having pointed out the awfulness of the case, he goes on: “for the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God. But if it bear thorns and thistles, it is rejected, and nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.”
[τρίβολον, “a burr.”]
Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, editorial note cite_note-6 · Original source
And with good reason did he call sin “a thistle,” saying “that which beareth thorns and thistles”; for on whatever side you lay hold on it, it wounds and stings, and it is unpleasant even to look at.
τὸ δικαίωμα τῆς βοηθείας
Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 10, editorial note cite_note-17 · Original source
[8.] And that thou mayest understand this, listen to the Parable: “A certain man” (it is said) “went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves” ( Luke x. 30 , &c.); and when they had beaten him, they left him by the way-side, having badly bruised him. A certain Levite came, and when he saw him, he passed by; A priest came, and when he saw him, he hastened past; a certain Samaritan came, and bestowed great care upon him. For he “bound up his wounds” ( Luke x. 34 ), dropped oil on them, set him upon his ass, “brought him to the inn, said to the host, Take care of him” ( Luke x. 35 ); and (observe his great liberality), “and I,” he says, “will give thee whatsoever thou shalt expend.” Who then is his neighbor? “He,” it is said, “that showed mercy on him. Go thou then also,” He says, “and do likewise.” ( Luke x. 37 .) And see what a parable He spake. He said not that a Jew did [so and so] to a Samaritan, but that a Samaritan showed all that liberality. Having then heard these things, let us not care only for “those that are of the household of faith” ( Gal. vi. 10 ), and neglect others. So then also thou, if thou see any one in affliction, be not curious to enquire further. His being in affliction involves a just claim on thy aid. For if when thou seest an ass choking thou raisest him up, and dost not curiously enquire whose he is, much more about a man one ought not to be over-curious in enquiring whose he is. He is God’s, be he heathen or be he Jew; since even if he is an unbeliever, still he needs help. For if indeed it had been committed to thee to enquire and to judge, thou wouldst have well said thus, but, as it is, his misfortune does not suffer thee to search out these things. For if even about men in good health it is not right to be over-curious, nor to be a busybody in other men’s matters, much less about those that are in affliction.