{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/111/1110020.htm","path":"chr/ecf/111/1110020.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/111/1110020.htm","text":"\u201cAnd Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.\u201d\nSee how even among the seven one was pre\u00ebminent, and won the first prize. For though the ordination was common to him and them, yet he drew upon himself greater grace. And observe, how he wrought no (signs and wonders) before this time, but only when he became publicly known; to show that grace alone is not sufficient, but there must be ordination also; so that there was a further access of the Spirit. For if they were full of the Spirit, it was of that which is from the Laver of Baptism. \u201cThen there arose certain of them of the synagogue.\u201d (Acts 6.9.) Again he uses the phrase of \u201crising up\u201d (\u1f00\u03bd\u03ac\u03c3\u03c4\u03b1\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd, Hom. xiii. p. 81), to denote their exasperation and wrath. Here we have a great multitude. And observe the difference in the form of accusation: for since Gamaliel had stopped them from finding fault on the former plea, they bring in another charge. \u201cAnd there rose up, it says, certain of them of the synagogue of those who are called (\u03c4\u1f65\u03bd \u03bb\u03b5\u03b3\u03bf\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd. Edd. \u03c4\u1f25\u03c2 \u03bb\u03b5\u03b3\u03bf\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03b7\u03c2) Libertines, and of the Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.\u201d (Acts 6.9-12.) That they may establish the charge, the phrase is, \u201che speaks against God, and against Moses.\u201d And with this object too they disputed, that they might force him to say somewhat. But he now discoursed more openly, and perhaps spoke of the cessation of the Divine Law: or, spoke it not, but hinted as much: since had he spoken plainly, there had been no need of suborned men, nor yet of false witnesses. 343 The synagogues were diverse: [to wit, \u201cOf the Libertines\u201d]: \u201cof the Cyrenians, i.e. those in the parts beyond Alexandria [\u201cof the Alexandrians,\u201d etc.]. There also they seem to have had synagogues according to their different nations; for many stayed behind there, that they might not be obliged to be continually travelling. The Libertines perhaps were freedmen of the Romans. As there were many foreigners dwelling there, so they had their synagogues, where the Law was to be read. \u201cDisputing with Stephen.\u201d Observe him, not taking upon him to teach, but forced to do so. The miracles once more brought him into ill-will; but when he overcame in argument, it was false-witness! For they did not wish to kill intolerable to them. \u201cThey could not resist, etc.: then they suborned men.\u201d Everywhere out of hand, but by means of a sentence, that they might hurt their reputation also: and leaving those (the Apostles), they attack these (the disciples), thinking in this way to terrify those also. They say not, \u201che speaketh,\u201d but, \u201che ceaseth not to speak. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, and set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law.\u201d (Acts 6:12, 13.) \u201cCeaseth not,\u201d say they, as if he made this his business. \u201cFor we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.\u201d (Acts 6.14.) \u201cJesus,\u201d they say, \u201cthe Nazarene,\u201d as a term of reproach, \u201cshall destroy this place, and shall change the customs.\u201d This is also what they said about Christ. \u201cThou that destroyest this Temple.\u201d (Matt. xxvii. 40.) For great was their veneration for the Temple (as indeed they had chosen to leave their own country (\u03bc\u03b5\u03c4\u03bf\u03b9\u03ba\u03b5\u1f34\u03bd) in order to be near it) and for the name of Moses. The charge is twofold. If 344 He \u201cshall change the customs,\u201d He will also introduce others instead: observe how the charge is a bitter one, and fraught with perils. \u201cAnd all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.\u201d (Acts 6.15.) So possible is it even for one in a lower degree to shine. For what, I ask, had this man less than the Apostles? He lacked not miracles, and great was the boldness he exhibited. 345 \u2014\u201cThey saw His face,\u201d it is said, \u201cas it had been the face of an angel.\u201d (Ex. xxxiv. 30.) For this was his grace, this was the glory of Moses. God made him thus gracious (\u1f10\u03c0\u03af\u03c7\u03b1\u03c1\u03b9\u03bd) of visage, now that he was about to say somewhat, thus at once by his very look to awe them. For there are, yes, there are faces full-fraught with spiritual grace, lovely to them that love, awful to haters and enemies. It mentions also the reason, why they suffered his oration.\u2014\u201cThen,\u201d it proceeds, \u201csaid the high-priest, Are these things so?\u201d (Acts 7.1.) Observe, the question is put with mildness, that he may effect some great mischief. For this reason Stephen too begins his speech in a tone of gentleness, and says, \u201cMen, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran.\u201d (Acts 7.2.) Immediately at the outset he overthrows their conceit, and makes it appear by what he says, that the temple is nothing, that the customs are nothing either, without their suspecting his drift: also that they shall not overcome the preaching; and that from powerless (\u1f00\u03bc\u03b7\u03c7\u03ac\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd) things God evermore contrives Him powerful (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bc\u03ae\u03c7\u03b1\u03bd\u03b1) instruments. Mark then how these threads make the texture of the whole speech: and moreover that having evermore enjoyed exceeding goodness, they still requited their Benefactor with the opposite conduct, and that they are now attempting impossibilities. \u201cThe God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he came into Charran.\u201d Both the temple was not, and sacrifice was not, and yet a vision of God was vouchsafed to Abraham, and yet had he Persians 346 for his ancestors, and was in a strange land. And he does well at the beginning of his speech to call Him, \u201cthe God of glory:\u201d seeing that He hath made them that are without honor to be glorious. \u201cBecause\u201d (says he) \u201cit was He that made them glorious, He will make us also.\u201d Observe how he leads them away from things of the body, from the place, in the first instance, as the place was in question. \u201cThe God of glory,\u201d says he: implying again, that He needs not the glory which comes from us, which comes by the Temple: for Himself is the Fountain thereof. Think not, he would say, in this way to glorify Him. \u201cAnd from thy kindred.\u201d How 347 then saith the Scripture, that Abraham\u2019s father was willing to go out? Hence we learn, that it was in consequence of Abraham\u2019s vision, that his father was moved to join in the migration. (Gen. xi. 31.) \u201cAnd said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into a land which I shall show thee.\u201d (Acts 7.3.) It shows how far these men are from being children of Abraham, how obedient he was. \u201cAnd 348 from thy kindred.\u201d Uncomfortable (\u03c6\u03bf\u03c1\u03c4\u03b9\u03ba\u1f70) reflections, both, that he endured the labors, while ye reap the fruits, and that all your ancestors were in evil case. \u201cThen came he out of the land of the Chald\u00e6ans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, He removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. And He gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on.\u201d (Acts 7:4, 5.) See how he raises their thoughts away from (their possession of) the land. 349 For if He said (that, He will give: clearly [all came from him], and nothing from themselves. For he came, having left both kindred and country. Wherefore then did He not give it to him? Truly it was a figure of another land. \u201cAnd He promised to give it to him.\u201d Do you perceive, that he does not merely resume the thread of his discourse? \u201cHe gave him not,\u201d says he; \u201cand He promised; and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.\u201d Again, what God can do: that out of impossibilities, He doeth all. For here is a man in Persia, so far away, and this man God saith He will make lord of Palestine. But let us look back to what was said before.\nWhence, I pray you, did that grace bloom upon the countenance of Stephen? (Recapitulation.) The writer gives him this report above, that he was \u201cfull of faith.\u201d (Acts 6.8). For it is possible to have a grace that does not consist in works of healing: \u201cFor to one is given the grace of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:8, 9) in such and such wise (\u03c4\u03bf\u03b9\u1f63\u03c3\u03b4\u03b5). But here, it seems to me, it says that he was also gracious to look at: \u201cThey saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.\u201d \u201cFull of faith and of power\u201d: (Acts 6.15) which is also the character given of Barnabas \u201che was a good man, full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.\u201d (Acts 11.24.) Whence we learn that the sincere and innocent are, above all others, the 350 men to be saved, and that these same are also more gracious. \u201cThen they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words.\u201d (Acts 6.11.) In the case of the Apostles they were annoyed that they preached the Resurrection, and that much people flowed unto them: but in this case, that they were getting their diseases healed. (Acts 4.2.) The things for which they ought to give thanks, they made matter of blame: O the madness! The men who overcame them by works, they expected to overcome by words! It is just what they did in the case of Christ, and always they forced them to words. For they were ashamed to seize them without more ado, having nothing to charge them with. And observe, not the persons themselves who bring them to judgment bear witness against them; for they would have been refuted: but they simply hire others, that it may not seem to be an act of mere violence. It is all of a piece with their proceeding in the case of Christ. And observe the power of the preaching, that, though they are not only scourged but stoned, it still prevails: not 351 only, private individuals as they are, dragged to the bar, but assailed from all quarters: and, their enemies themselves being witnesses, not only were these worsted, but \u201cthey were not able\u201d even \u201cto resist\u201d (Acts 6.10), though they were exceeding shameless: so mightily did it overthrow them, for all that they could do with their preposterous figments (as the saying that He had a devil\u2014He that cast out devils!). For the battle was not man\u2019s, but God\u2019s against men. And there were many combined together; not only they in Jerusalem, but others as well. (Acts 6.9.) For \u201cwe have heard him,\u201d say they, \u201cspeaking blasphemous words against Moses and against God.\u201d (Acts 6.11.) O ye shameless ones! Ye work blasphemous deeds, and think nothing of it. This is why Moses is added\u2014because the things of God were no great concern to them: and it is ever and always Moses that they make mention of: \u201cThis Moses, which brought us out.\u201d (Acts 7.30.) \u201cAnd they stirred up the people.\u201d (Acts 6.12.) Fickleness 352 of the multitude! And yet how could a man who was a blasphemer have so succeeded? How could a blasphemer work such miracles among the people? But the undisciplined multitude made them strong who had the worst of it (in argument).\u2014This was what most annoyed them. \u201cWe have heard him,\u201d they say, \u201cspeaking blasphemous words against Moses and against God\u201d (Acts 6.13): and again, \u201cThis man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law,\u201d and with an addition, \u201cthe customs\u201d \u201cwhich Moses delivered to us\u201d (Acts 6.14); Moses, not God. Upon the supposition of a design to overturn their manner of life (\u03c0\u03bf\u03bb\u03b9\u03c4\u03b5\u03af\u03b1\u03c2), they accused him of impiety also. But to show that it was not in the nature of such a man to speak such things, and harshly [\u201cThen all,\u201d it says, \u201cwhich were in the council, looking steadfastly upon him, saw his face, as it had been the face of an angel\u201d] (Acts 6.15): so mild was he even in countenance. For, in cases where persons were not falsely accused, Scripture mentions nothing of this kind: but as in this case it was all false accusation, with reason does God rectify it by the very look of the man. For the Apostles indeed were not falsely accused, but were forbidden: but this man is falsely accused: and therefore before all else his countenance pleads for him. This abashed even the priest. \u201cAnd he said,\u201d etc. (Acts 7.1.) He shows here, that the promise was made before the Place, before Circumcision, before Sacrifice, before the Temple, and that it was not of their merit that these received either Circumcision or Law, but that the land was the reward of obedience alone. Moreover, that neither on the giving of circumcision does the promise receive its fulfillment. Also, that these were figures, and (so was) both the leaving his country at God\u2019s command\u2014not 353 against the law (for home and country is where God shall lead): \u201cThen came he out,\u201d it says, \u201cof the land of the Chaldeans\u201d (Acts 7.4):\u2014and that if one look closely into the matter, the Jews are of Persian origin: and that, without miracles, one must do as God bids, whatever hardships be the consequence; since the Patriarch left both the grave of his father and all that he had, in obedience to God\u2019s command. But if Abraham\u2019s father was not allowed to take part with him in the privilege of migrating to Palestine, because he was unworthy: much more shall the children (be excluded at last), for all that they may have gone a good distance on the way. \u201cAnd He promised,\u201d it says, \u201cto give it to him, and to his seed after him.\u201d (Acts 7.5.) Herein is shown the greatness both of God\u2019s goodness and of Abraham\u2019s faith. For the expression, \u201cwhen as yet he had no child,\u201d does show his obedience and faith. \u201cPromised to give it to him and to his seed.\u201d And yet the events showed the contrary: namely, after he came, he had not \u201cso much as to set his foot on,\u201d had not a child; which very things were contrary to his faith.\nThese things having seen, let us likewise, whatever God shall promise, receive the same, however contrary may be the events. And yet in our case, they are not contrary, but very suitable. For where the promises are, there, when the contraries turn out, they are really contrary; but in our case it is just the reverse: for He has told us that we should have tribulation here, but our rest there. Why do we confound the times? Why do we turn things upside down? Say, art thou afflicted, and livest in poverty, and in dejection? Be not troubled: for it were worth being troubled at, wert thou destined to be afflicted in that world: as for this present affliction, it is the cause of rest. \u201cThis sickness,\u201d saith He, \u201cis not unto death.\u201d (John xi. 4.) That affliction is punishment: this, schooling and correction. It is a contest, this life present: if so, to fight is our business now: it is war and battle. In war one does not seek to have rest, in war one does not seek to have dainty living, one is not anxious about riches, one\u2019s care is not about a wife then: one thing only he looks at, how he may overcome his foes. Be this our care likewise: if we overcome, and return with the victory, God will give us all things. Be this alone our study, how we may overcome the devil: though after all it is not our own study that does it, but God\u2019s grace does the whole business. Be it our one study, how we may attract His grace, how we may draw to ourselves that assistance. \u201cIf God be for us, who can be against us?\u201d (Rom. viii. 31.) Let us make one thing our study; that He be not our enemy, that He turn not away from us.\nNot the being afflicted is an evil; the evil is, to sin. This is the sore affliction, however we may pass our days in luxury:\u2014not to speak of the life to come, it is so even in this life present. Think how our conscience is stung with remorse, and whether this is not worse than any kind of torture! I should like to put the question searchingly to those who live in evil ways (\u1f10\u03bd \u03ba\u03b1\u03ba\u03bf\u1f35\u03c2), whether they never come to reflect upon their own sins, whether they do not tremble, and are in fear and anguish, whether they do not think those blessed who live in abstinence, them of the mountains, them of the strict rule? (\u03c4\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2 \u1f10\u03bd \u03c0\u03bf\u03bb\u03bb\u1fc7 \u03c6\u03b9\u03bb\u03bf\u03c3\u03bf\u03c6\u03af& 139\u00b7.) Dost thou wish to find rest in the life to come? Suffer affliction in this life for Christ\u2019s sake: there is nothing equal to this rest. The Apostles rejoiced when scourged. Paul gives this exhortation, saying, \u201cRejoice in the Lord.\u201d (Philip. iv. 4.) And how can there be rejoicing, where there are bonds, where there are tortures; where there are courts of justice? There, most of all, is rejoicing. But 354 say, how can there be rejoicing, where these are not? For he who is conscious of no evil, will have a sort of exceeding delight, insomuch that in what degree you speak of tribulation, in the same you tell of his delight. The soldier who has received numberless wounds and is come home again, will he not return with exceeding delight, with his wounds 355 as his title for speaking up boldly, and as evidence of his glory and renown? And thou, if thou be able to exclaim as Paul does, \u201cI bear the marks of Jesus\u201d (Gal. vi. 17), wilt be able to become great and glorious and renowned. \u201cBut there is no persecution.\u201d Make thy stand against glory: and should any one speak anything against thee, fear not to be evil-spoken of for Christ\u2019s sake: make thy stand against the tyranny of pride, against the fighting of anger, against the torment of concupiscence. These also are \u201cmarks,\u201d 356 these also are torments. For, I ask, what is the worst in tortures? Is it not, that the soul is pained, and is on fire? For in the other case, the body too has its share: but in this, the whole belongs to the soul. On the soul alone comes all the smart, when one is angry, when one is envious, whatever else of this kind one does, or rather suffers. For, in fact, it is not action, but passion, not a doing, but a suffering\u2014to be angered, to feel envy: therefore indeed they are called passions (or sufferings) (\u03c0\u03ac\u03b8\u03b7, perturbationes) of the soul, yea wounds, and bruises. For it is indeed a suffering, and worse than suffering. Bethink you, ye that are angry, that ye do such things in \u201cpassion,\u201d in a state of suffering. Therefore he who is not angry suffers not. Do you mark that not he who is abused is the sufferer, but he that abuses, as I said above? For that he is a sufferer, is plain in the first place from the very fact, that such a thing is called by this name of passion: and it is also plain from the (effects on the) body: for these are the affections (\u03c0\u03ac\u03b8\u03b7) for \u201csufferings,\u201d as we call them] engendered by anger, viz. dimness of vision, insanity, and numberless others. \u201cBut he insulted my boy,\u201d say you; \u201cbut [he called him] clown.\u201d 357 Deem it not weakness thy not doing the same thing thyself. For, I ask you, was it well done? You will not say that: then leave that undone which being done were not well done. I know what passions are engendered in such cases. \u201cBut,\u201d say you, \u201chow if he despise me, how if he say it again?\u201d Show him that he is in the wrong: rebuke him, entreat him: by meekness anger is put down: go and expostulate with him. For though in cases of wrong done to ourselves it is right not to do even this, yet it is quite necessary to do it in behalf of others. Do not look on it as an insult to yourself that your boy has been insulted: annoyed you may be for his sake, yet not as if you were insulted: for it does not follow because your boy has been ill-treated, that you are disgraced, but he is disgraced that did the ill. Quench (thine anger) that sharp sword: let it lie in its scabbard. If we have it unsheathed, we shall be apt to use it even when the time is not proper, being drawn on by it: but if it be hidden, though a necessity should arise, yet, while we seek it in order 358 to draw it, the anger will be quenched. Christ would not have us be angry on his account: (hear what He saith to Peter: \u201cPut up again thy sword into the sheath:\u201d) (Matt. xxvi. 52) and art thou angry on account of a boy? Teach thy boy also to be philosophical: tell him thy own sufferings: imitate (herein) thy Teacher. (Matt. xxvi. 52.) When they too (His disciples) were about to be treated with dishonor, He said not, \u201cI will avenge you:\u201d but, \u201cto Me also,\u201d saith He, \u201cthey have done the same: bear it nobly, for ye are not better than I.\u201d These words too do thou speak to thy son and thy boy: \u201cThou art not better than thy master.\u201d But these words of philosophy are counted as the talk of a widow woman. Alas! that it is not in the power of words to bring it home to people in the way that it is possible to be taught it by actual experience! And that you may learn this; stand between two combatants, take part with the wronged, not with the wrong-doers [that you may learn] 359 whether you shall not see the victory on your side, whether you shall not get splendid crowns.\u2014See, how God is insulted, and how He answers; how gently, \u201cWhere,\u201d saith He, \u201cis Abel thy brother?\u201d and what saith the other: \u201cAm I my brother\u2019s keeper?\u201d (Gen. vi. 9.) What could be more contumacious than this? Would any one have heard it (patiently) even from a son? and if from a brother, would he not have thought such conduct an insult? What then? See how again God gently answers, \u201cThe voice of thy brother\u2019s blood,\u201d saith He \u201ccrieth unto Me.\u201d \u201cBut God,\u201d it will be said, \u201cis superior to wrath.\u201d Yes, but for this reason the Son of God came down, that He might make thee a God as far as human power can go. \u201cBut I cannot,\u201d says one, \u201cseeing I am man.\u201d Well then, let us give you men for instances. And do not suppose I speak of Paul or of Peter: no, but of some of inferior sort, yea, very much lower down. Eli\u2019s menial insulted Hannah, saying, \u201cPut away thy wine from thee.\u201d (1 Sam. i. 14.) What could be more insulting than this? What then said she? \u201cI am a woman of a hard lot.\u201d 360 Indeed, there is nothing equal to affliction: she is the mother of true philosophy. But this same woman, though she has her rival, insulted her not: but what does she? She takes refuge with God, and in her prayer does not even make mention of her, nor say, \u201cAvenge me, for such an one reproaches me:\u201d so magnanimous was that woman (let us men be ashamed):\u2014and yet ye know, that there is nothing like jealousy. The publican, when insulted by the Pharisee, insulted not in return, though, had he wished it, he might have done so: but he bore it like a philosopher, saying, \u201cBe merciful to me a sinner.\u201d (Luke xviii. 13.) Mephibosheth, 361 having been accused and calumniated by his servant, neither said, nor did, any evil to him, not even in the presence of the king himself. (2 Sam. xix. 26.) Shall I tell you even of a harlot, what philosophic magnanimity she showed? Hear Christ saying, as she was wiping His feet with her hair, \u201cThe publicans and harlots go into the kingdom before you.\u201d (Matt. xxi. 31.) Do you see her standing, and taking courage, and washing away her own sins? Observe, how she was not angry even with the Pharisee, when reproached by him: \u201cfor had He known,\u201d says he, \u201cthat this woman is a sinner, He would not have suffered her (Luke vii. 39): and how she said not to him, \u201cWhat then? Say, art thou pure from sins?\u201d but felt more, wept more, and let fall hotter tears. But if women and publicans and harlots play the philosopher, and that before grace (i.e. of Baptism), what pardon can they deserve, who, after so great grace, fight, and worry, and kick one another, worse than beasts? Nothing is more base than passion, nothing more disgraceful, nothing more frightful, nothing more odious, nothing more hurtful. These things I say, not only in order that towards men we may be gentle, but also if a wife be a talker, that thou mayest bear it: let thy wife be to thee a school for training and exercise (\u03c0\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03af\u03c3\u03c4\u03c1\u03b1 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03b3\u03c5\u03bc\u03bd\u03ac\u03c3\u03b9\u03bf\u03bd). For how can it but be absurd, to submit to exercises which yield no profit, where we afflict the body, but not to practise exercises at home, which, even before the contest, present to us a crown? Does thy wife abuse thee? Do not thou become a woman: to be abusive is womanly: it is a disease of the soul, an inferiority. Think not that it is unworthy of thee, when thy wife abuses thee. Unworthy it is, when thou art abusive, but she bears patiently (\u03c6\u03b9\u03bb\u03bf\u03c3\u03bf\u03c6\u1fc7): then dost thou act unseemly, then art thou disgraced: but if, having been abused, thou bear it, great is the proof of thy strength. I do not say this, to induce wives to be abusive: God forbid: but only in case it should so happen at the instance of Satan. It is the part of men that are strong, to bear the weak. And if thy servant contradict thee, bear it philosophically: not what he deserves to have said to him, do thou say or do, but that which it behooves thee both to do and to say. Never insult a girl by uttering some foul word against her: never call thy servant, scoundrel (\u03bc\u03b9\u03b1\u03c1\u1f78\u03bd): not he is disgraced, but thou. It is not possible to be master of one\u2019s self, being in a passion. Like a sea rolling mountains high, it is all hurly-burly: or even as a pure fountain, when mire is cast into it, becomes muddied, and all is in turmoil. You may beat him, you may rend his coat to rags, but it is you that sustain the greater damage: for to him the blow is on the body and the garment, but to you on the soul. It is your own soul that you have cut open; it is there that you have inflicted a wound: you have flung your own charioteer from his horses, you have got him dragging along the ground upon his back. And it is all one, as if one driver being in a passion with another, should choose to be thus dragged along. You may rebuke, you may chide, you may do whatever if be, only let it be without wrath and passion. For if he who rebukes is physician to him who offends, how can he heal another, when he has first hurt himself, when he does not heal himself? Say, if a physician should go to heal another person, does he first wound his own hand, first blind his own eyes, and so set about healing that other? God forbid. So also, however thou rebuke, however thou chide, let thine eyes see clearly. Do not make thy mind muddy, else how shall the cure be wrought? It is not possible to be in the same tranquillity, being in a passion, and being free from passion. Why dost thou first overturn thy master from his seat, and then discourse with him as he lies sprawling on the ground? Seest thou not the judges, how, when about to hold the assize, they seat themselves upon the bench, in their becoming attire? Thus do thou likewise dress thy soul with the judicial robe (which is gentleness). \u201cBut he will not be afraid of me,\u201d say you. He will be the more afraid. In the other case, though you speak justly, your servant will impute it to passion: but if you do it with gentleness, he will condemn himself: and, what is of the first importance, God will accept thee, and thus thou wilt be able to attain unto the eternal blessings, through the grace and loving-kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, with Whom to the Father together with the Holy Spirit be glory, dominion, and honor, now and ever, and world without end. Amen.\nThe accusations against Stephen were probably true in part and false in part. He had doubtless spoken against Jewish legalism and narrowness and had perhaps shown the bearing of O.T. prophecy and of Jesus\u2019 doctrine of fulfilment upon the fate of the Jewish system. The charge that he had spoken \u201cagainst Moses\u201d had, then, a certain verbal truth which made its moral falseness all the more subtle. The perversion of his words was due in part to their utter incapacity to apprehend Christianity as the fulfilment of their own religion which necessarily involved the passing away of the latter, and partly from their bitter jealousy and hatred of the Christian \u201csect\u201d and the determination to find some excuse to bring against it all the legal and social forces of the whole Jewish people. In his preaching Stephen had doubtless sought to set forth the distinctive character of Christianity as a religion historically founded in Judaism, but not to be limited and bound by its forms. He but developed germs of truth found in the teaching of Jesus concerning the Sabbath, ceremonial purifications, etc. He was the forerunner of Paul, who brought upon himself the same accusations (Acts xviii. 13; xxi. 21).\u2014G.B.S.\ni:344\nE. \u201cAnd observe how the charge is twofold. \u2018Shall destroy,\u2019 say they, \u2018the place,\u2019 and, \u2018shall change the customs.\u2019 And not only twofold, but bitter,\u201d etc. So Edd. but Savil. adds, \u201cand shall introduce others instead.\u201d\ni:345\nA. B. C. N. \u039f\u1f50\u03c7\u1f76 \u03c3\u03b7\u03bc\u03b5\u1f76\u03c9\u03bd \u1f10\u03b4\u03b5\u03ae\u03b8\u03b7, \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 (A. B. \u03bf\u1f50) \u03c0\u03bf\u03bb\u03bb\u1f74\u03bd \u1f10\u03c0\u03b5\u03b4\u03b5\u03af\u03be\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf \u03c4\u03b7\u03bd \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03c1\u03b7\u03c3\u03af\u03b1\u03bd. Cat. has \u03c0\u03bf\u03bb\u03bb\u1ff6\u03bd for \u03c3\u03b7\u03bc\u03b5\u03af\u03c9\u03bd, and reads it affirmatively. Edd. \u03bf\u1f50\u03c7\u1f76 \u03c3\u03b7\u03bc\u03b5\u1fd6\u03b1 \u03b5\u03b9\u03c1\u03b3\u03ac\u03c3\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf; \u03bf\u1f50 (D.F. \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76) \u03c0\u03bf\u03bb\u03bb\u1f74\u03bd \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb. Perhaps the passage may be restored thus: \u201cDid he not work miracles\u2014though he needed not many\u2014and show great boldness?\u201d\ni:346\nChrys. commonly denotes the oriental nations, generally, by the name \u201cPersians.\u201d Ben.\ni:347\nEdd. from E. \u201cAnd how, it may be asked, doth the Scripture say this concerning Abraham\u2019s father? Because it does not trouble itself about matters that are not very essential. What was useful for us to learn, this only it has taught us, that in consequence of his son\u2019s vision, he went out with him: the rest it leaves untold, by reason that he died soon after settling in Charran. \u2018Get thee out of thy kindred.\u2019 Here he shows that these men,\u201d etc.\ni:348\nE. Edd. \u201cbut these disobedient: or rather, we learn from what he does, as he was bidden, that he endured,\u201d etc.\ni:349\nA. C. N. \u0395\u1f30 \u03b3\u1f70\u03c1 \u03b5\u1f36\u03c0\u03b5\u03bd, \u03b4\u03ce\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9, \u03b4\u1fc6\u03bb\u03bf\u03bd \u1f45\u03c4\u03b9, \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03bf\u1f50\u03b4\u1f72\u03bd \u03c0\u03b1\u1fe4 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd Cat. \u039f\u1f50 \u03b3\u1f70\u03c1 \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb. \u0392. \u039f\u1f50 \u03b3\u1f70\u03c1 \u03b5\u1f36\u03c0\u03b5\u03bd, \u03b4\u03ce\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9, \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1fbd, \u039f\u1f50\u03ba \u1f14\u03b4\u03c9\u03ba\u03b5, \u03b4\u1fc6\u03bb\u03bf\u03bd \u1f45\u03c4\u03b9 \u03c4\u1f70 \u03c0\u03b1\u1fe4 \u1f10\u03ba\u03b5\u03af\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5, \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03bf\u1f50\u03b4\u1f72\u03bd \u03c0\u03b1\u1fe4 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd. So E. D. F. Edd. except that for \u03b4\u1fc6\u03bb\u03bf\u03bd \u1f45\u03c4\u03b9 \u03c4\u1f70 these have \u03b4\u03b7\u03bb\u1ff6\u03bd \u1f45\u03c4\u03b9 \u03c0\u03ac\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1. The meaning seems to be: \u201cThey boasted of their possession of the land, as the token of God\u2019s favor to themselves. See how Stephen will not allow them to rest in this conceit. Abraham was \u2018the friend of God,\u2019 yet to him \u2018He gave none inheritance,\u2019 etc. True \u2018He promised to give it\u2019: but if God said (that) He will give it (spoke of giving it at some future time); this very circumstance shows that the Jews had it from Abraham, in consequence of God\u2019s favor to him; not as deserved by themselves.\u201d\ni:350\n\u03c4\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2 \u03c3\u03c9\u03b6\u03bf\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2. Edd. from E. \u03c4\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2 \u03b8\u03b1\u03c5\u03bc\u03b1\u03b6\u03bf\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2, \u201cthey that are admired.\u201d\u2014Below, all our mss. and the Catena have \u1fbd\u0395\u03c0\u1f76 \u03bc\u1f72\u03bd \u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03c3\u03c4\u03cc\u03bb\u03c9\u03bd \u1f14\u03bb\u03b5\u03b3\u03bf\u03bd, \u201cIn the case of the Apostles, they said.\u201d We read, conjecturally, \u1f24\u03bb\u03b3\u03bf\u03c5\u03bd.\ni:351\nC. N. have \u03bf\u1f50\u03c7\u1f76 \u1f30\u03b4\u03b9\u03c9\u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u1f44\u03bd\u03c4\u03c9\u03bd \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1f70 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f10\u03bb\u03b1\u03c5\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd \u03c0\u03ac\u03bd\u03c4\u03bf\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd: B. F. D. E. Edd. \u03bf\u1f50\u03b4\u1f72 \u1f10\u03c2 \u03b4\u03b9\u03ba\u03b1\u03c3\u03c4\u03ae\u03c1\u03b9\u03bf\u03bd \u1f00\u03b3\u03bf\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd, \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1f70 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f10\u03bb. \u03c0. In the translation we assume the full reading to be, \u03bf\u1f50\u03c7\u1f76, \u1f30\u03b4\u03b9\u03c9\u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u1f44\u03bd\u03c4\u03c9\u03bd, \u1f10\u03c2 \u03b4. \u1f00\u03b3\u03bf\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd, \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1f70 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f10. \u03c0. In the next sentence E. alone (followed by Edd.) has the unnecessary alteration, \u1fbd\u0395\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u1fe6\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c8\u03b5\u03c5\u03b4\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03c5\u03c1\u03bf\u03cd\u03bd\u03c4\u03c9\u03bd \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd, \u03bf\u1f50 \u03bc\u03cc\u03bd\u03bf\u03bd \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f10\u03ba\u03c1\u03ac\u03c4\u03bf\u03c5\u03bd, \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1fbd \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb. \u0391. \u03bf\u1f50\u03c7\u1f76 \u1f30\u03b4. \u1f44\u03bd\u03c4\u03c9\u03bd \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1f70 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1fe5\u03b7\u03c4\u03cc\u03c1\u03c9\u03bd, \u03bf\u1f50 \u03bc\u03cc\u03bd\u03bf\u03bd [\u03bf\u1f50\u03c7?] \u1f21\u03c4\u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd\u03c4\u03bf, \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1f70 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 [\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u1f70?] \u03ba\u03c1\u03ac\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2 \u1f10\u03bd\u03af\u03ba\u03c9\u03bd, \u03ba\u03b1\u03af\u03c4\u03bf\u03b9 \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb. i. e. [\u201ctheir adversaries\u201d] being not private individuals, but public speakers too, they not only were [not] worsted, but mightily conquered: [so that \u2018they were not able to resist\u2019] though,\u201d etc.\u2014Below, for \u03c0\u03bb\u03ac\u03c4\u03c4\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2: A. E. \u03c0\u03c1\u03ac\u03c4\u03c4\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2 C. we read \u03c0\u03c1\u03ac\u03c4\u03c4\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c0\u03bb\u03ac\u03c4\u03c4\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2: after which, Edd. have (from E. alone): \u201cAs also in the case of Christ: who did everything to compass His death: insomuch that it became manifest to all men that the battle,\u201d etc. And, instead of the next sentence; \u201cAnd mark what say the false-witnesses, who were got up by those who murderously dragged Him before the council: \u2018We have heard,\u2019\u201d etc.\ni:352\n\u03c4\u1f78 \u03b5\u1f50\u03c1\u03af\u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u03bd \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u1f44\u03c7\u03bb\u03bf\u03c5. Edd. add \u1f00\u03bd\u03b5\u03c1\u03b5\u03b8\u03af\u03b6\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2, \u201cirritating the fickle-minded multitude.\u201d Below, for \u1fbd\u0391\u03bb\u03bb\u1fbd \u1f41 \u1f44\u03c7\u03bb\u03bf\u03c2 \u1f41 \u1f04\u03c4\u03b1\u03ba\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2 \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb., \u0391. has \u1fbd\u0391\u03bb\u03bb\u1fbd \u03bf\u1f50\u03c7 \u1f41 \u1f44\u03c7\u03bb\u03bf\u03c2 \u03c4\u03b1\u1fe6\u03c4\u03b1 \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1fbd \u03bf\u1f31 \u03b3\u03c1\u03b1\u03bc\u03bc\u03b1\u03c4\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c2. \u1ffe\u0397\u03bc\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c2 \u1f00\u03ba. \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb. \u201cBut not the multitude (said) this, but the scribes: We have heard,\u201d etc. Edd. from E., \u201cBut such is envy: it makes them demented whom it possesses, so that they do not so much as consider the meaning of the words they utter.\u201d\ni:353\n\u03bf\u1f50 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u1f70 \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03bd\u1f41\u03bc\u03bf\u03bd. For this, E. alone has \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c3\u03c5\u03b3\u03b3\u03ad\u03bd\u03b5\u03b9\u03b1\u03bd, and instead of the text, \u201cThen came he out,\u201d etc. \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c4\u1f78 \u03ba\u03bb\u03b7\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u03af\u03b1\u03bd \u1f10\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u1fe6\u03b8\u03b1 \u03bc\u1f74 \u03bb\u03b1\u03b2\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd: so Morel. Ben. Savile retains the reading of E., but adds \u03bf\u1f50 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u1f70 \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03bd\u03cc\u03bc\u03bf\u03bd after \u03c3\u03c5\u03b3\u03b3\u03ad\u03bd\u03b5\u03b9\u03b1\u03bd.\ni:354\nE. F. D. Edd. \u201cAnd how there may be rejoicing where these are, learn (thus). He who in nothing is conscious of evil,\u201d etc.\ni:355\n\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03c1\u03b7\u03c3\u03af\u03b1\u03c2 \u1f51\u03c0\u03cc\u03b8\u03b5\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd \u1f14\u03c7\u03c9\u03bd \u03c4\u1f70 \u03c4\u03c1\u03b1\u03cd\u03bc\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1. Ben \u201cargumentum audaci\u00e6.\u201d Erasm. \u201ctestimonium libertatis.\u201d\ni:356\n\u03c3\u03c4\u03af\u03b3\u03bc\u03ac\u03c4\u03b1, i.e. \u201cthe marks of Jesus may be gained in these encounters also, and the spirit of a confessor may be exhibited under these tortures likewise.\u201d\ni:357\n\u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1f70 \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u1f00\u03b3\u03c1\u03bf\u1fd6\u03ba\u03bf\u03bd. Edd. from E., \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1f70 \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03bf\u1f30\u03ba\u03ad\u03c4\u03b7\u03bd: which is idle, for it appears below that the \u03c0\u03b1\u1fd6\u03c2 here is a servant. We supply \u1f10\u03ba\u03ac\u03bb\u03b5\u03c3\u03b5 or \u03b5\u1f36\u03c0\u03b5\u03bd: and indeed \u1f02\u03bd \u03c0\u03ac\u03bb\u03b9\u03bd \u03b5\u1f34\u03c0\u1fc3 below shows that the insult spoken of was some contumelious speech.\u2014Also before \u039c\u1f74 \u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u03af\u03c3\u1fc3\u03c2, something needs to be supplied, e.g. \u039c\u1f74 \u03c3\u1f7a \u03bc\u03b9\u03bc\u03ae\u03c3\u1fc3 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03c4\u03bf\u03bd, \u201cDo not thou imitate him.\u201d And perhaps indeed \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u1f00\u03b3\u03c1. may belong to this: \u201cHe insulted my boy.\u201d But do not thou imitate the rude, uncivil man: deem it not, etc.\ni:358\n\u1f61\u03c2 \u03b6\u03b7\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd \u03c3\u03ba\u03b5\u03c0\u03ac\u03c3\u03b1\u03b9. A.B.C. The other mss. omit the clause, and Edd. except Savile who reads from N. \u03bf\u1f50 \u03b6\u03b7\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1f74\u03bd \u03c3\u03c0\u03ac\u03c3\u03b1\u03b9, \u201cwe do not seek to draw it.\u201d We adopt \u03c3\u03c0\u03ac\u03c3\u03b1\u03b9.\u2014Below, E. F. D. Edd. \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u0394\u03b5\u03c3\u03c0\u03cc\u03c4\u03bf\u03c5, \u201cthy Master\u2019s sufferings,\u201d for \u03c3\u03b1\u03c5\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6, which the context shows to be the true reading.\ni:359\n\u1f02\u03bd \u03bc\u1f74 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u1f70 \u03c3\u03b1\u03c5\u03c4\u1ff7 \u03c4\u1f70 \u03bd\u03b9\u03ba\u03b7\u03c4\u03ae\u03c1\u03b9\u03b1 \u1f34\u03b4\u1fc3\u03c2 \u1f02\u03bd \u03bc\u1f74 \u03bb\u03b1\u03bc\u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2 \u03bb\u03ac\u03b2\u1fc3\u03c2 \u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c6\u03ac\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2. This depends on \u1f35\u03bd\u03b1 \u03bc\u03ac\u03b8\u1fc3\u03c2 at the beginning of the sentence. Erasmus wrongly, \u201cSi non videas:\u201d Ben. \u201cSi non videbis.\u201d\ni:360\n\u03b3\u03c5\u03bd\u1f74 \u1f10\u03bd \u03c3\u03ba\u03bb\u03b7\u03c1\u1fb7 \u1f21\u03bc\u03ad\u03c1\u1fb3 \u03b5\u1f30\u03bc\u1f76, Chrys. \u03b3\u03c5\u03bd\u1f74 \u1f21 \u03c3\u03ba\u03bb\u03b7\u03c1\u1f70 \u1f21\u03bc\u03b5\u03c1\u1f70 (or \u1f21\u03bc\u03ad\u03c1\u1fb3) LXX.\ni:361\nMemphibaal, Chrys. here and Synops. Sacr. Script. t. vi. 349. and Theodoret Qu\u00e6st. 31, in lib. 2. Reg. \u039c\u03b5\u03bc\u03c6\u03b9\u03b2\u03bf\u03c3\u03b8\u03ad, LXX. Elsewhere he is called Meribbaal, 1 Chron. viii. 34. So Jerubbaal, Judg. vi. 32. Jerubbesheth, 2 Sam. xi. 21. Memphibaal is compounded of the two forms. Ben.","title":"Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. XI: A Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles: Homily XV on Acts vi. 8.","type":"page"}