Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews — Source paragraphs and footnotes

1889 (historical edition copyright; physical printing year uncertain) | Historical editor/translator (individual note author unspecified)

It will be observed that St. Chrysostom uses “rulers” (ἄ ρχοντες}}) and the cognate words, of spiritual rulers.

Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, editorial note cite_note-2 · Original source

1889 (historical edition copyright; physical printing year uncertain) | Historical editor/translator (individual note author unspecified)

στενάζοντες. It will be observed that St. Chrys. dwells much on this word: and also that he understands the “do this” of “watching for souls” ; not as the English version might lead us to understand it, of the “giving account.”

Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, editorial note cite_note-5 · Original source

1889 (historical edition copyright; physical printing year uncertain) | Historical editor/translator (individual note author unspecified)

Those who are ordained against their will by actual force; as frequently occurred in the age of St. Chrysostom.

Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, editorial note cite_note-7 · Original source

1889 (historical edition copyright; physical printing year uncertain) | Historical editor/translator (individual note author unspecified)

κινδυνεύω seems here as elsewhere in writers of this age to imply actual suffering as well as danger; so in this discourse. [1.]

Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, editorial note cite_note-8 · Original source

1889 (historical edition copyright; physical printing year uncertain) | Historical editor/translator (individual note author unspecified)

εὐλάβειαν. That is, by submitting to the will of God thus manifested, and receiving ordination.

Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, editorial note cite_note-9 · Original source

1889 (historical edition copyright; physical printing year uncertain) | Historical editor/translator (individual note author unspecified)

ἐ ν πᾶσιν, see below. [The construction of ἐ ν πᾶσι with what follows, “in all things willing (wishing) to live honestly,” both in the A.V. and the R.V. is undoubtedly correct; but St. Chrysostom has taken it as connected with the preceding clause. —F.G.]

Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, editorial note cite_note-12 · Original source

1889 (historical edition copyright; physical printing year uncertain) | Historical editor/translator (individual note author unspecified)

[The R.V. here follows the reading ἐ ν ἡμῖν adopted by many critical authorities.—F.G.]

Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, editorial note cite_note-15 · Original source

1889 (historical edition copyright; physical printing year uncertain) | Historical editor/translator (individual note author unspecified)

By saying that he would come with Timothy, as if Timothy were his superior; see the further comment, in the next section.

Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, editorial note cite_note-16 · Original source

1889 (historical edition copyright; physical printing year uncertain) | Historical editor/translator (individual note author unspecified)

Here as elsewhere St. Chrys. does not expressly mention any “secondly,” but after treating the remaining verses recurs to the subject in speaking on the words “Grace be with you” : and there indicates a second evidence.

Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, editorial note cite_note-21 · Original source

1889 (historical edition copyright; physical printing year uncertain) | Historical editor/translator (individual note author unspecified)

See 2 Thess. ii. 17. “Stablish you in every good word and work.” Probably St. Chrys. had this in his mind.

Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, editorial note cite_note-22 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

Anarchy then is an evil, and a cause of ruin. But no less an evil also is the disobedience to rulers. For it comes again to the same. For a people not obeying a ruler, is like one which has none; and perhaps even worse. For in the former case they have at least an excuse for disorder, but no longer in the latter, but are punished.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 5 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

But perhaps some one will say, there is also a third evil, when the ruler is bad. I myself too know it, and no small evil it is, but even a far worse evil than anarchy. For it is better to be led by no one, than to be led by one who is evil. For the former indeed are oftentimes saved, and oftentimes are in peril, but the latter will be altogether in peril, being led into the pit [of destruction].

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 6 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

How then does Paul say, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves”? Having said above, “whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation” ( c. ver. 7 ), he then said, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves.”

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 7 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

“All things therefore” (He says) “which they bid you observe, do ye” (now to “do” belongs to works not to Faith) “but do not ye after their works.” Seest thou that [the discourse] is not concerning doctrines, but concerning life and works?

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 11 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

[2.] Paul however previously commended them, and then says, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, as they that shall give account.”

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 12 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

Seest thou that the despised ruler ought not to avenge himself, but his great revenge is to weep and lament? For neither is it possible for the physician, despised by his patient, to avenge himself, but to weep and lament. But if [the ruler] lament (he means), God inflicts vengeance on thee. For if when we lament for our own sins we draw God to us, shall we not much rather [do this], when we lament for the arrogance and scornfulness of others? Seest thou that he does not suffer him to be led on to reproaches? Seest thou how great is his philosophy? He ought to lament who is despised, is trodden under foot, is spit upon.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 14 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

Be not confident because he does not avenge himself on thee, for lamenting is worse than any revenge. For when of himself he profits nothing by lamenting, he calls on the Lord: and as in the case of a teacher and nurse, when the child does not listen to him, one is called in who will treat him more severely, so also in this case.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 15 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

[3.] Oh! how great the danger! What should one say to those wretched men, who throw themselves upon so great an abyss of punishments? Thou hast to give account of all over whom thou rulest, women and children and men; into so great a fire dost thou put thy head. I marvel if any of the rulers can be saved, when in the face of such a threat, and of the present indifference, I see some still even running on, and casting themselves upon so great a burden of authority.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 16 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

Ver. 19. “But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.” His thus praying was [the act] of one who loved them greatly, and that not simply, but with all earnestness, that so, he says, I may come to you speedily. The earnest desire to come to them is [the mark] of one conscious to himself of nothing [wrong], also the entreating them to pray for him.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 20 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

Again he bears high testimony to them. For that is made “perfect” which having a beginning is afterwards completed. And he prays for them which is the act of one who yearns for them. And while in the other Epistles, he prays in the prefaces, here he does it at the end. “Working in you,” he says, “that which is well-pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 22 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

[5.] Ver. 22. “And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation, for indeed I have written a letter unto you in few words.” Seest thou that what he wrote to no one [else], he writes to them? For (he means) I do not even trouble you with long discourse.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 23 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

Ver. 24, 25. “Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen.”

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 25 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

“In His sight,” he says. For this is the highest virtue, to do that which is well-pleasing in the sight of God, as the Prophet also says, “And according to the cleanness of my hands in His eye-sight.” ( Ps. xviii. 24.)

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 27 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

And observe his wisdom. He says not, “I beseech you, suffer the word of” admonition, but “the word of exhortation,” that is, of consolation, of encouragement. No one, he means, can be wearied at the length of what has been said (Did this then make them turn away from him? By no means: he does not indeed wish to express this): that is, even if ye be of little spirit, for it is the peculiarity of such persons not to endure a long discourse.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 29 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

“Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty, with whom if he come shortly I will see you.” This is enough to persuade them to submit themselves, if he is ready to come with his disciple.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 30 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

“Salute them that have the rule over you, and all the saints.” See how he honored them, since he wrote to them instead of to those [their rulers].

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 31 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

But how does “Grace” come to be “with” us? If we do not do despite to the benefit, if we do not become indolent in regard to the Gift. And what is “the grace”? Remission of sins, Cleansing: this is “with” us. For who (he means) can keep the Grace despitefully, and not destroy it? For instance; He freely forgave thee thy sins. How then shall the “Grace be with” thee, whether it be the good favor or the effectual working of the Spirit ? If thou draw it to thee by good deeds. For the cause of all good things is this, the continual abiding with us of the “grace” of the Spirit. For this guides us to all [good things], just as when it flies away from us, it ruins us, and leaves us desolate.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 33 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

For as a ship sailing with favorable winds is neither to be hindered nor sunk, so long as it enjoys a prosperous and steady breeze, but also causes great admiration according to the march of its progress both to the mariners, and to the passengers, giving rest to the one, and not forcing them to toil on at their oars, and setting the others free from all fear, and giving them the most delightful view of her course; so too a soul strengthened by the Divine Spirit, is far above all the billows of this life, and more strongly than the ship, cuts the way bearing on to Heaven, since it is not sent along by wind, but has all the pure sails filled by the Paraclete Himself: and He casts out of our minds all that is slackened and relaxed.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 35 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

For as the wind if it fall upon a slackened sail, would have no effect; so neither does the Spirit endure to continue in a slack soul; but there is need of much tension, of much vehemence, so that our mind may be on fire, and our conduct under all circumstances on the stretch, and braced up. For instance when we pray, we ought to do it with much intentness, stretching forth the soul toward Heaven, not with cords, but with great earnestness. Again when we do works of mercy, we have need of intentness, lest by any means, thought for our household, and care for children, and anxiety about wife, and fear of poverty entering in, should slacken our sail. For if we put it on the stretch on all sides by the hope of the things to come, it receives well the energy of the Spirit ; and none of those perishable and wretched things will fall upon it, yea, and if any of them should fall, it does it no harm, but is quickly thrown back by the tightness, and is shaken off and fails down.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 36 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

[8.] Our condition, however, is not such, if we are watchful: but whatever may fall upon [the Christian], he bears all, and is above all, stronger than any whirlpool. For suppose there be a spiritual man, and that innumerable calamities befall him, yet is he overcome by none of them. And what do I say? Let poverty come upon him, disease, insults, revilings, mockings, stripes, every sort of infliction, every sort of mocking, and slanders, and insults: yet, as though he were outside the world, and set free from the feelings of the body, so will he laugh all to scorn.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 39 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

And that my words are not mere boasting, I think many [such] exist even now; for instance, of those who have embraced the life of the desert. This however, you say, is nothing wonderful. But I say that of those also who live in cities, there are such men unsuspected. If thou wish however, I shall be able to exhibit some among those of old. And that thou mayest learn, consider Paul, I pray thee. What is there fearful that he did not suffer, and that he did not submit to? But he bore all nobly. Let us imitate him, for so shall we be able to land in the tranquil havens with much merchandise.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 40 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

Let us then stretch our mind towards Heaven, let us be held fast by that desire, let us clothe ourselves with spiritual fire, let us gird ourselves with its flame. No man who bears flame fears those who meet him; be it wild beast, be it man, be it snares innumerable, so long as he is armed with fire, all things stand out of his way, all things retire. The flame is intolerable, the fire cannot be endured, it consumes all.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 41 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

With this fire let us clothe ourselves, offering up glory to our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom to the Father, together with the Holy Ghost, be glory, might, honor, now and ever and world without end. Amen.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 42 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

“They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen.” Which was for them all in common.

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 32 · Original source

1889 (historical edition copyright; physical printing year uncertain) | Historical editor/translator (individual note author unspecified)

or, “released,” “gone,” or, “come away,” ἀ πολελυμένον

Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, editorial note cite_note-17 · Original source

1889 (historical edition copyright; physical printing year uncertain) | Historical editor/translator (individual note author unspecified)

“suffer,” ἐ κινδύνευσεν

Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, editorial note cite_note-3 · Original source

1889 (historical edition copyright; physical printing year uncertain) | Historical editor/translator (individual note author unspecified)

i.e. the rulers, see ver. 7

Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, editorial note cite_note-4 · Original source

1889 (historical edition copyright; physical printing year uncertain) | Historical editor/translator (individual note author unspecified)

St. Chrys. here recurs to ver. 21

Editorial footnote · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, editorial note cite_note-19 · Original source

Date uncertain | John Chrysostom

What then (you say), when he is wicked should we obey?

Complete source paragraph · Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Homily 34, source paragraph 8 · Original source