{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/009/0090438.htm","path":"chr/ecf/009/0090438.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/009/0090438.htm","text":"41. Figurative Interpretation of the Same.\nBut since we have not yet spent our energy in interpreting the things in the place figuratively, but have said these things by way of searching into the mere letter, let us in conformity with these things, consider whether the aforesaid Peter and the sons of thunder who were taken up into the mountain of the dogmas of the truth, and who saw the transfiguration of Jesus and of Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory with Him, might wish to make tabernacles in themselves for the Word of God who was going to dwell in them, and for His law which had been beholden in glory, and for the prophecy which spake of the decease of Jesus, which He was about to accomplish; 5806 and Peter, as one loving the contemplative life, and having preferred that which was delightsome in it to the life among the crowd with its turmoil, said, with the design of benefiting those who desired it, \u201cIt is good for us to be here.\u201d 5807 But since \u201clove seeketh not its own,\u201d 5808 Jesus did not do that which Peter thought good; wherefore He descended from the mountain to those who were not able to ascend to it and behold His transfiguration, that they might behold Him in such form as they were able to see Him. It is, therefore, the part of a righteous man who possesses \u201cthe love which seeketh not its own\u201d 5809 to be free from all, but to bring himself under bondage to all those below that He might gain the more of them. 5810 But some one, with reference to what we have alleged about the trance and the working of an evil spirit in Peter, concerning the words, \u201cnot knowing what he said,\u201d 5811 not accepting that interpretation of ours, may say that there were certain mentioned by Paul \u201cdesiring to be teachers of the law,\u201d 5812 who do not know about what they speak, but who, though they do not clearly expound the nature of what is said, nor understand their meaning, make confident affirmations of things which they do not know. Of such a nature was the affection of Peter also, for not apprehending what was good with reference to the dispensation of Jesus and of those who appeared in the mountain,\u2014Moses and Elijah,\u2014he says, \u201cIt is good for us to be here,\u201d etc., \u201cnot knowing what he said,\u201d \u201cfor he wist not what to say,\u201d for if \u201ca wise man will understand the things from his own mouth, and carries prudence in his lips,\u201d 5813 he who is not so does not understand the things from his own mouth, nor comprehend the nature of the things spoken by him.","title":"Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol IX: Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew.: Chapter XLI","type":"page"}