{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/111/1110023.htm","path":"chr/ecf/111/1110023.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/111/1110023.htm","text":"\u201cWhen they heard these things, they were cut to \u201cthe heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.\u201d\nSee, 402 once more, the wrong-doers in trouble. Just as the Jews are perplexed, saying, \u201cWhat are we to do with these men?\u201d so these also are \u201ccut to the heart.\u201d (Acts 4.16.) And yet it was he that had good right to be incensed, who, having done no wrong, was treated like a criminal, and was spitefully calumniated. But the calumniators had the worst of it in the end. So true is that saying, which I am ever repeating, \u201cIll to do, is ill to fare.\u201d And yet he (in his charges against them) resorted to no calumny, but proved (what he said). So sure are we, when we are shamefully borne down in a matter wherein we have a clear conscience, to be none the worse for it.\u2014\u201cIf 403 they desired,\u201d say you, \u201cto kill him, how was it that they did not take occasion, out of what he said, that they might kill him?\u201d They would fain have a fair-seeming plea to put upon their outrage. \u201cWell then, was not the insulting them a fair plea?\u201d It was not his doing, if they were insulted: it was the Prophet\u2019s accusation of them. And besides, they did not wish it to look as if they killed him because of what he had said against them\u2014just as they acted in the case of Christ; no, but for impiety: now 404 this word of his was the expression of piety. Wherefore, as they attempted, besides killing him, to hurt his reputation also, \u201cthey were cut to the heart.\u201d For they were afraid lest he should on the contrary become an object of even greater reverence. Therefore, just what they did in Christ\u2019s case, the same they do here also. For as He said, \u201cYe shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of God\u201d (Matt. xxvi. 64), and they, calling it blasphemy, \u201cran upon Him;\u201d just so was it here. There, they \u201crent their garments;\u201d here, they \u201cstopped their ears. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him.\u201d (Acts 7.55-58.) And yet, if he lied, they ought to have thought him beside himself, and to have let him go.\u2014But he wished to bring them over, \u201cand said, Behold,\u201d etc., for, since he had spoken of Christ\u2019s death, and had said nothing of His resurrection, he would fain add this doctrine also. \u201cStanding at the right hand of God.\u201d And in this manner He appeared to him: 405 that, were it but so, the Jews might receive Him: for since the (idea of His) sitting (at the right hand of God) was offensive to them, for the present he brings forward only what relates to His Resurrection. This is the reason also why his face was glorified. For God, being merciful, desired to make their machinations the means of recalling them unto Himself. And see, how many signs are wrought! \u201cAnd cast him out of the city, and stoned him.\u201d Here again, \u201cwithout the city,\u201d and even in death, Confession and Preaching. (Heb. xiii. 21.) \u201cAnd the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man\u2019s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling 406 upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.\u201d (Acts 7.59.) This is meant to show them that he is not perishing, and to teach them. \u201cAnd he knelt down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.\u201d (Acts 7.60.) To clear himself, and show that neither were his former words prompted by passion, he says, \u201cLord\u201d \u201clay not this sin to their charge\u201d: wishing also even in this way to win them over. For to show that he forgave their wrath and rage in murdering him, and that his own soul was free from all passion, was the way to make his saying to be favorably received.\n\u201cAnd Saul was consenting unto his death.\u201d Hereupon arises a persecution, and it becomes a great one. \u201cAnd at that time there was a great persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem. And they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles.\u201d (Acts 8.1.) Mark how once more God permits temptations to arise; mark, and well observe, how the events are ordered by Divine Providence. They were admired because of the signs: being scourged, they were none the worse for it: (some) were ordained in the matter of the widows 407 : the word increased: once more, God permits a great hindrance to arise. And a persecution of no ordinary kind [\u201cand they were all scattered,\u201d etc.]; for they feared their enemies, now become more daring: and at the same time it is shown that they were but men, these that were afraid, that fled. For, that thou mayest not say after these things that 408 by grace alone they effected (what they did), they were also persecuted, and themselves became more timorous, while their adversaries were more daring. \u201cAnd were all scattered abroad,\u201d it says, \u201cexcept the Apostles.\u201d But this was divinely ordered, so that they should no longer all sit there in Jerusalem. \u201cAnd devout men,\u201d it says, \u201ccarried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.\u201d (Acts 8.2.) If they were \u201cdevout,\u201d why did they \u201cmake great lamentation over him?\u201d They were not yet perfect. The man was gracious and amiable: this also shows that they were men\u2014not their fear alone, but their grief and lamentation. Who would not have wept to see that mild, that lamb-like person stoned, and lying dead? 409 Fit eulogy to be spoken over his grave has the Evangelist recorded, in this one speech, \u201cLay not this sin to their charge.\u201d\u2014\u201cAnd made,\u201d he says, \u201cgreat lamentation over him.\u201d\u2014But let us look over again what has been said.\nHe 410 mentions the cause of his (angelic) appearance (Recapitulation, Acts 7:54, Acts 8:2.); \u201cBut he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.\u201d And when he said, \u201cI see the heavens opened, they stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord.\u201d (Acts 7:56, 57.) And yet in what respect are these things deserving of accusation? \u201cUpon him,\u201d the man who has wrought such miracles, the man who has prevailed over all in speech, the man who can hold such discourse! As if they had got the very thing they wanted, they straightway give full scope to their rage. \u201cAnd the witnesses,\u201d he says, \u201claid down their clothes at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul.\u201d (Acts 7.58.) Observe how particularly he relates what concerns Paul, to show thee that the Power which wrought in him was of God. But after all these things, not only did he not believe, but also aimed at Him with a thousand hands: for this is why it says, \u201cAnd Saul was consenting unto his death.\u201d\u2014And this blessed man does not simply pray, but does it with earnestness: \u201chaving kneeled down.\u201d Mark his divine death! So long 411 only the Lord permitted the soul to remain in him. \u201cAnd having said this, he fell asleep.\u201d (Acts 7.60.)\u2014\u201cAnd they were all scattered abroad throughout the region of Judea and Samaria. (Acts 8.1.) And now without scruple they had intercourse with Samaria, whereas it had been said to them, \u201cGo not into the way of the Gentiles\u201d \u201cand into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not.\u201d (Matt. x. 5.) \u201cExcept the Apostles,\u201d it says: they, in this way also, wishing to win the Jews,\u2014but not to leave the city,\u2014and to be the means of inspiring others with boldness.\n\u201cAs for Saul, he made havoc of the Church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.\u201d (Acts 8.3.) Great was his frenzy: that he was alone, that he even entered into houses: for indeed he was ready to give his life for the Law. \u201cHaling,\u201d it says, \u201cmen and women:\u201d mark both the confidence, and the violence, and the frenzy. All that fell into his hands, he put to all manner of ill-treatment: for in consequence of the recent murder, he was become more daring. \u201cTherefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria.\u201d (Acts 8.4-9.) Observe 412 another trial, this affair of Simon. \u201cGiving out,\u201d it says, \u201cthat he was himself some great one. To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.\u201d (Acts 8.10-15.) And (yet) great signs had been done: how then had they not received the Spirit? They had received the Spirit, namely, of remission of sins: but the Spirit of miracles they had not received. \u201cFor as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.\u201d (Acts 8:16, 17.) For, to show that this was the case, and that it was the Spirit of miracles they had not received, observe how, having seen the result, Simon came and asked for this. \u201cAnd when Simon saw that through laying on of the Apostles\u2019 hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.\u201d (Acts 8:18, 19.)\n\u201cThe 413 persecution,\u201d say you, \u201cgained strength.\u201d True, but at that very time to men possessed before (by a hostile power) it brought deliverance. For it planted the miracles like a stronghold, in the heart of the enemy\u2019s country.\u2014Not even the death of Stephen quenched their rage, nay, increased it rather: it scattered wide the teachers, so that the greater became the discipleship.\u2014\u201cAnd there was joy.\u201d And yet there had been \u201cgreat lamentation:\u201d true; but mark again the good\u2014\u201cOf a long time\u201d was the malady, but this man brought them deliverance.\u2014And how came he to baptize Simon also? Just as Christ chose Judas.\u2014And \u201cbeholding the signs\u201d which he did, forasmuch as the others did not receive the (power of working) signs, he durst not ask for it.\u2014How was it then that they did not strike him dead, as they did Ananias and Sapphira? Because even in the old times, he that gathered sticks (on the sabbath-day) was put to death as a warning to others (Num. xv. 32) and in no other instance did any suffer the same fate. So too on the present occasion, \u201cPeter said to him, Thy money perish, because thou hast imagined that the gift of God is to be purchased with money.\u201d\u2014(Acts 8.20.) Why had not these received the Holy Ghost, when baptized? Either because Philip kept this honor for the Apostles; or, because he had not this gift (to impart); or, he was one of the Seven: which is rather to be said. Whence, I take it, this Philip was one of the Apostles. 414 But observe; those went not forth: it was Providentially ordered that these should go forth and those be lacking, because of the Holy Ghost: for they had received power to work miracles, but not also to impart the Spirit to others: this was the prerogative of the Apostles. And observe (how they sent) the chief ones: not any others, but Peter [and John 415 ]. \u201cAnd when Simon,\u201d it says, \u201csaw that through laying on of the Apostles\u2019 hands the Holy Ghost was given.\u201d He would not have said, \u201cAnd having seen,\u201d 416 unless there had been some sensible manifestation. 417 \u201cThen laid they their hands on them,\u201d etc. Just as Paul also did, when they spake with tongues. (Acts 19.6.) Observe the execrable conduct of Simon. \u201cHe offered money,\u201d with what object? And yet he did not see Peter doing this for money. And it was not of ignorance that he acted thus; it was because he would tempt them, because he wished to get matter of accusation against them. And therefore also Peter says, \u201cThou hast no part nor lot in this matter, for thine heart is not right before God \u201cbecause thou hast thought,\u201d etc. (Acts 8.21.) Once more he brings to light what was in the thoughts, because Simon thought to escape detection. \u201cRepent therefore of this thy wickedness and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive the bond of inquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.\u201d (Acts 8.22-24.) Even this 418 he did only formally, as words of course, when he ought to have wept and mourned as a penitent. \u201cIf perchance it may be forgiven thee.\u201d Not as though it would not have been pardoned, had he wept, but this is the manner of the Prophet also, to denounce absolutely, (\u1f00\u03c0\u03b1\u03b3\u03bf\u03c1\u03b5\u03cd\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd) and not to say, \u201cHowbeit, if thou do this, thy sin shall be forgiven,\u201d but that in any wise the punishment shall take effect.\n(a) \u201cTherefore they that were scattered abroad, went everywhere, preaching the word.\u201d But 419 I would have thee admire how even in a season of calamity they neglected not the preaching. \u201cHearing and seeing the miracles which he did.\u201d (Recapitulation, Acts 8.4-6.) Just as in the case of Moses by contrast (with the magicians) the miracles were evident miracles, so here also. There was magic, and so these signs were manifest. (b) \u201cFor unclean spirits came out of many that were possessed with them\u201d (Acts 8.7); for this was a manifest miracle:\u2014not as the magicians did: for the other (Simon), it is likely, bound (men with spells);\u2014\u201cand many,\u201d it says, \u201cthat were palsied and lame were healed.\u201d There was no deceit here: for it needed but that they should walk and work. \u201cAnd to him they all gave heed, saying, This (man) is the Power of God.\u201d (Acts 8.10.) And that was fulfilled which was spoken by Christ, \u201cThere shall come false Christs and false Prophets in My name.\u201d\u2014(Matt. xxiv. 24.) \u201cAnd to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.\u201d (Acts 8.11.) (a) And yet there ought to have been not one demoniac there, seeing that of a long time he had been bewitching them with sorceries: but if there were many demoniacs, many palsied, these pretences were not truth. But Philip here by his word also won them over, discoursing concerning the kingdom of Christ. (Acts 8.12.) \u201cAnd Simon,\u201d it says, \u201cbeing baptized, continued with Philip (Acts 8.13): not for faith\u2019s sake, but in order that he might become such (as he). (b) But why did they not correct him instantly? They were content with his condemning himself. For this too belonged to their work of teaching (\u03c4\u1f25\u03c2 \u03b4\u03b9\u03b4\u03b1\u03c3\u03ba\u03b1\u03bb\u03af\u03b1\u03c2). But 420 when he had not power to resist, he plays the hypocrite, just as did the magicians, who said, \u201cThis is the finger of God.\u201d And indeed that he might not be driven away again, therefore he \u201ccontinued with Philip,\u201d and did not part from him. \u201cAnd when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem,\u201d etc. (Acts 8:13, 14.) See how many things are brought about by God\u2019s Providence through the death of Stephen! (a) \u201cBut they,\u201d it says, \u201chaving come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost: for as yet He was fallen upon none of them. Then laid they their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost.\u201d (Acts 8.15-17.) Seest thou that it was not to be done in any ordinary manner, but it needed great power to give the Holy Ghost? For it is not all one, to obtain remission of sins, and to receive such a power. (b) By degrees it is, that those receive the gift. It was a twofold sign: both the giving to those, and the not giving to this man. 421 Whereas then this man ought, on the contrary, to have asked to receive the Holy Ghost, he, because he cared not for this, asks power to give It to others. And yet those received not this power to give: but this man wished to be more illustrious than Philip, he being among the disciples! (a) \u201cHe offered them money.\u201d (Acts 8:18, 19.) What? had he seen the others doing this? had he seen Philip? Did he imagine they did not know with what mind he came to them? (b) \u201cThy money with thee to perdition\u201d (Acts 8.20): since thou hast not used it as it ought to be used. These are not words of imprecation, but of chastisement. \u201cTo thee,\u201d he says, be it (to thee): being such. As if one should say, Let it perish along with thy purpose. Hast thou so mean conceptions of the gift of God, that thou hast imagined it to be altogether a thing of man? It is not this. (a) Wherefore also Peter well calls the affair a gift: \u201cThou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.\u201d Dost thou observe how on all occasions they are clean from money? \u201cFor thine heart is not right in the sight of God.\u201d (Acts 8.21.) Dost thou see how he does all of malice? To be simple, however, was the thing needed. (b) For had it been done with simplicity, 422 he would have even welcomed his willing mind. Seest thou that to have mean conceptions of great things is to sin doubly? Accordingly, two things he bids him: \u201cRepent and pray, if haply the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.\u201d (Acts 8.22.) Seest thou it was a wicked thought he had entertained? Therefore he says, \u201cIf haply it may be forgiven thee:\u201d because he knew him to be incorrigible. (a) \u201cFor I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.\u201d (Acts 8.23.) Words of exceeding wrath! But otherwise he did not punish him: that faith may not thereafter be of compulsion; that the matter may not seem to be carried ruthlessly; that he may introduce the subject of repentance: or also, because it suffices for correction to have convicted him, to have told him what was in his heart, to have brought him to confess himself overcome (\u1f45\u03c4\u03b9 \u1f10& 128\u00b7\u03bb\u03c9). For that he says, \u201cPray ye for me,\u201d is a confession that he has done wrong. Observe him, 423 what a miscreant he is; when he was convicted, then he believed: when again he was convicted, then he became humble. 424 \u201cSeeing 425 his miracles,\u201d [\u201che was amazed,\u201d and came over.] He thought to be able to escape detection: he thought the thing was an art: but when he had not power to defeat (\u1f11\u03bb\u03b5\u1f35\u03bd) the Apostles, * * *. (b) Again, he fears the multitude, and is afraid to deny it; and yet he might have said, \u201cI did not know: I did it in simplicity: but he was struck with dismay first by the former circumstance, that he was overcome (\u1f45\u03c4\u03b9 \u1f10& 128\u00b7\u03bb\u03c9), by the miracles and secondly by this, that his thoughts are made manifest. Therefore he now takes himself a long wayoff, to Rome, thinking the Apostle would not soon come there.\n\u201cAnd they, when they had testified, and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem. (Acts 8.25.) \u201cTestified,\u201d probably because of him (Simon), that they may not be deceived; that thenceforth they may be safe. \u201cHaving preached,\u201d it says, \u201cthe word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem.\u201d Why do they go thither again where was the tyranny of the bad, where were those most bent upon killing them? Just as generals do in wars, they occupy that part of the scene of war which is most distressed. \u201cAnd preached the Gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.\u201d Observe them again, how they do not (\u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03b7\u03b3\u03bf\u03c5\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03c9\u03c2) of set purpose come to Samaria, but driven by stress of persecution, just as it was in the case of Christ; and how when the Apostles go thither, it is to men now believers, no longer Samaritans. \u201cBut when the Apostles,\u201d it says, \u201cwhich were at Jerusalem heard this, they sent unto them Peter and John. Sent\u201d them, again, to rid them of magic. And 426 besides, (the Lord) had given them a pattern at the time when the Samaritans believed. \u201cAnd in many villages,\u201d it says, \u201cof the Samaritans, they preached the Gospel.\u201d (John iv. 39.) Observe how actively employed even their journeys were, how they do nothing without a purpose. 427\nSuch travels should we also make. And why do I speak of travels? Many possess villages and lands, and give themselves no concern, nor make any account of this. That baths may be provided, their revenues increased, courts and buildings erected, for this they take plenty of pains: but for the husbandry of souls, not so. When you see thorns\u2014answer me\u2014you cut them up, you burn, you utterly destroy them, to rid your land of the hurt thence arising. And seest thou the laborers themselves overrun with thorns, and dost not cut them up, and art thou not afraid of the Owner Who shall call thee to account? For ought not each individual believer to build a Church, to get a Teacher, to cooperate (\u03c3\u03c5\u03bd\u03b1\u03af\u00b7 \u03c1\u03b5\u03c3\u03b8\u03b1\u03b9) (with him), to make this above all his object, that all may be Christians? Say, how is it likely thy laborer should be a Christian, when he sees thee so regardless of his salvation? Thou canst not work miracles, and so convert (\u03c0\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c3\u03b1\u03b9) him. By the means which are in thy power, convert him; by kindness, by good offices, by gentleness, by courting (\u03ba\u03bf\u03bb\u03b1\u03ba\u03b5\u03af& 139\u00b7) him, by all other means. Market-places, indeed, and baths, the most do provide; but no Churches: nay, sooner everything than this! Wherefore I beseech and implore, as a favor I entreat, yea as a law I lay it down, that there be no estate to be seen destitute of a Church. 428 Tell not me, There is one hard by; there is one in the neighboring properties; the expense is great, the income not great. If thou have anything to expend upon the poor, expend it there: better there than here. Maintain a Teacher, maintain a Deacon, and a sacerdotal body complete. As by a bride, whether a wife whom thou takest, or a daughter whom thou givest in marriage, 429 so act by the Church: give her a dowry. So shall thy estate be filled with blessing. For what shall not be there of all that is good? Is it a small thing, tell me, that thy wine-press should be blessed; 430 a small thing, tell me, that of thy fruits God is the first to taste, and that the first fruits are there (with Him)? And then even for the peace of the laboring people this is profitable. Then as one whom they must respect, there will be the presbyter among them and this will contribute to the security of the estate. There will be constant prayers there through thee 431 (infra, note 1, p. 119) hymns and Communions through thee; the Oblation on each Lord\u2019s Day. For only consider what a praise it will be, that, whereas others have built splendid tombs, to have it said hereafter: \u201cSuch a one built this,\u201d thou hast reared Churches! Bethink thee that even until the coming of Christ thou shalt have thy reward, who hast reared up the altars of God.\nSuppose an Emperor had ordered thee to build an house that he might lodge there, wouldest thou not have done everything to please him? And here now it is palace of Christ, the Church, the Church which thou buildest. Look not at the cost, but calculate the profit. Thy people yonder cultivate thy field: cultivate thou their souls: they bring to thee thy fruits, raise thou them to heaven. He that makes the beginning is the cause of all the rest: and thou wilt be the cause that the people are brought under Christian teaching (\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b7\u03c7\u03bf\u03c5\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd) both there, and in the neighboring estates. Your baths do but make the peasants less hardy, your taverns give them a taste for luxury, and yet you provide these for credit\u2019s sake. Your markets and fairs, (\u03c0\u03b1\u03bd\u03b7\u03b3\u03cd\u03c1\u03b5\u03b9\u03c2) on the other hand, promote 432 covetousness. But think now what a thing it would be to see a presbyter, the moving picture of Abraham, gray-headed, girded up, digging and working with his own hands? What more pleasant than such a field! Their virtue thrives. No intemperance there, nay, it is driven away: no drunkenness and wantonness, nay, it is cast out: no vanity, nay, it is extinguished. All benevolent tempers shine out the brighter through the simplicity of manners. How pleasant to go forth and enter into the House of God, and to know that one built it himself: to fling himself on his back in his litter, and 433 after the bodily benefit of his pleasant airing, be present both at the evening and the morning hymns, have the priest as a guest at his table, in associating with him enjoy his benediction, see others also coming thither! This is a wall for his field, this its security. This is the field of which it is said, \u201cThe smell of a full field which the Lord hath blessed.\u201d (Gen. xxvii. 27.) If, even without this, the country is pleasant, because it is so quiet, so free from distraction of business, what will it not be when this is added to it? The country with a Church is like the Paradise of God. No clamor there, no turmoil, no enemies at variance, no heresies: there you shall see all friends, holding the same doctrines in common. The very quiet shall lead thee to higher views, and receiving thee thus prepared by philosophy, the presbyter shall give thee an excellent cure. For here, whatever we may speak, the noise of the market drives it all out: but there, what thou shalt hear, thou wilt keep fixed in thy mind. Thou wilt be quite another man in the country through him: and moreover to the people there he will be director, he will watch over them both by his presence and by his influence in forming their manners. And what, I ask, would be the cost? Make for a beginning a small house (\u1f10\u03bd \u03c4\u03ac\u03be\u03b5\u03b9 \u03bd\u03b1\u03bf\u1f55) to serve as temple. Thy successor will build a porch, his successor will make other additions, and the whole shall be put to thy account. Thou givest little, and receivest the reward for the whole. At any rate, make a beginning: lay a foundation. Exhort one another, vie one with another in this matter. But now, where there is straw and grain and such like to be stored, you make no difficulty of building: but for a place where the fruits of souls may be gathered in, we bestow not a thought; and the people are forced to go miles and miles, and to make long journeys, that they may get to Church! Think, how good it is, when with all quietness the priest presents himself in the Church, that he may draw near unto God, and say prayers for the village, day by day, and for its owner! Say, is it a small matter, that even in the Holy Oblations evermore thy name is included in the prayers, and that for the village day by day prayers are made unto God?\u2014How greatly this profits thee for all else! It chances 434 that certain (great) persons dwell in the neighborhood, and have overseers: now to thee, being poor, one of them will not deign even to pay a visit: but the presbyter, it is likely, he will invite, and make him sit at his table. How much good results from this! The village will in the first place be free from all evil suspicion. None will charge it with murder, with theft: none will suspect anything of the kind.\u2014They have also another comfort, if sickness befall, if death.\u2014Then again the friendships formed there by people as they go side by side (to and from the Church) are not struck up at random and promiscuously: and the meetings there are far more pleasant than those which take place in marts and fairs. The people themselves also will be more respectable, because of their presbyter. How is it you hear that Jerusalem was had in honor in the old times above all other cities? Why was this? Because of the then prevailing religion. Therefore it is that where God is honored, there is nothing evil: as, on the contrary, where He is not honored, there is nothing good. It will be great security both with God and with men. Only, I beseech you, that ye be not remiss: only may you put your hand to this work. For if he who brings out \u201cthe precious from the vile,\u201d shall be \u201cas the mouth of God\u201d (Jer. xv. 19); he who benefits and recovers so many souls, both that now are and that shall be even until the coming of Christ, what favor shall not that person reap from God! Raise thou a garrison against the devil: for that is what the Church is. Thence as from headquarters let the hands go forth to work: first let the people hold them up for prayers, and then go their way to work. So shall there be vigor of body; so shall the tillage be abundant; so shall all evil be kept aloof. It is not possible to represent in words the pleasure thence arising, until it be realized. Look not to this, that it brings in no revenue: if 435 thou do it at all in this spirit, then do it not at all; if thou account not the revenue thou gettest thence greater than from the whole estate beside; if thou be not thus affected, then let it alone; if thou do not account this work to stand thee more in stead than any work beside. What can be greater than this revenue, the gathering in of souls into the threshing-floor which is in heaven! Alas, that ye know not how much it is, to gain souls! Hear what Christ says to Peter, \u201cFeed My sheep.\u201d (John xxi. 15-17.) If, seeing the emperor\u2019s sheep, or herd of horses, by reason of having no fold or stable, exposed to depredation, thou wert to take them in hand, and build a fold or stables, or also provide a shepherd or herdsman to take charge of them, what would not the emperor do for thee in return? Now, thou gatherest the flock of Christ, and puttest a shepherd over them, and thinkest thou it is no great gain thou art earning? But, if for offending even one, a man shall incur so great a punishment, how can he that saves so many, ever be punished? What sin will he have thenceforth? for, though he have it, does not this blot it out? From the punishment threatened to him that offends, learn the reward of him that saves. Were not the salvation of even one soul a matter of great importance, to offend would not move God to so great anger. Knowing these things, let us apply ourselves forthwith to this spiritual work. And let each invite me, and we will together help to the best of our ability. If there be three joint-owners, let them do it by each bearing his part: if but one, he will induce the others also that are near. Only be earnest to effect this, I beseech you, that in every way being well-pleasing unto God, we may attain unto the eternal blessings, by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ with Whom to the Father and the Holy Ghost together be glory, dominion, and honor, now and ever world without end. Amen.\nIn our mss. the Homily opens abruptly with the question, \u03a0\u1ff6\u03c2 \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f14\u03bb\u03b1\u03b2\u03bf\u03bd \u1f10\u03ba \u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u03b5\u1f30\u03c1\u03b7\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd \u1f00\u03c6\u03bf\u03c1\u03bc\u1f74\u03bd \u03b5\u1f30\u03c2 \u03c4\u1f78 [\u03bc\u1f74 Cat.] \u1f00\u03bd\u03b5\u03bb\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03cc\u03bd; which is left unanswered, till some way further on. See note 2.\u2014Montf. notes, \u201cUnus, \u03b5\u1f30\u03c3\u03c4\u1f78 \u03bc\u1f74 \u1f00\u03bd\u03b5\u03bb\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd.\u201d But this reading does not appear in any of our mss. though the Catena has it. Edd. from E, have; \u201cHow it was that they did not take occasion from what he had said to kill him, but are still mad, and seek an accusation, one may well wonder. So ever in trouble are the wrong-doers. Just then as the chief priests, in their perplexity, said,\u201d etc. F. D. adopting part of this addition, \u201cbut are still mad, and seek an accusation. See once more,\u201d etc.\ni:403\n\u03bf\u1f50\u03b4\u1f72\u03bd \u03c0\u03ac\u03c3\u03c7\u03bf\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd. \u039a\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f10\u03b2\u03bf\u03cd\u03bb\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03bf, \u03c6\u03b7\u03c3\u1f76\u03bd (om. D. F.) \u1f00\u03bd\u03b5\u03bb\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03cc\u03bd. (as if these words were part of the sacred text. Then) \u03a0\u03c1\u03cc\u03c6\u03b1\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd (\u1fbd\u0391\u03bb\u03bb\u1f70 \u03c0\u03c1\u03cc\u03c6. D. F.) \u1f24\u03b8\u03b5\u03bb\u03bf\u03bd \u03b5\u1f54\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03bf\u03bd \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb. A. B. C. D. F. The modern text substitutes, \u1fbd\u0395\u03b2\u03bf\u03cd\u03bb\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03bf \u03bc\u1f72\u03bd \u03bf\u1f56\u03bd \u1f00\u03bd\u03b5\u03bb\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd\u00b7 \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1fbd \u03bf\u1f50 \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03bf\u1fe6\u03c3\u03b9 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03c4\u03bf, \u03b1\u1f30\u03c4\u03af\u03b1\u03bd \u03b8\u03ad\u03bb\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2 \u03b5\u1f54\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03bf\u03bd \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb.\u2014\u0152cumenius, however, begins his comment thus: \u0395\u1f30 \u1f10\u03b2\u03bf\u03cd\u03bb\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03bf \u1f00\u03bd\u03b5\u03bb\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd, \u03c0\u1ff6\u03c2 \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f00\u03bd\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bb\u03bf\u03bd \u03b5\u1f50\u03b8\u03ad\u03c9\u03c2 \u03c4\u03cc\u03c4\u03b5;\u1fde\u039f\u03c4\u03b9 \u03c0\u03c1\u03cc\u03c6\u03b1\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd \u03b5\u1f54\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03bf\u03bd \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb. Hence we restore the true reading, and the proper order. Namely, for \u039a\u03b1\u1f76 we read \u0395\u1f30, and transpose to this place, as part of the interlocution, the question \u03c0\u1ff6\u03c2 \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f14\u03bb\u03b1\u03b2\u03bf\u03bd\u2014; So, the \u03c6\u03b7\u03c3\u03af\u03bd is explained, the question is followed by its answer, and there is no abruptness.\ni:404\n\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03c4\u03bf \u03b4\u1f72 \u03b5\u1f50\u03c3\u03b5\u03b2\u03b5\u03af\u03b1\u03c2 \u1f26\u03bd \u03c4\u1f78 \u1fe5& 210\u00b7\u03bc\u03b1. i.e. all that Stephen had spoken in accusation of their wickedness, especially Acts 7.51-53, was the language of piety, of a devout man zealous for the honor of God: they could not say, \u201cThis is impious;\u201d and they were waiting to catch at something which might enable them to cry out, \u201cHe blasphemeth:\u201d and, disappointed of this, they were cut to the heart.\u2014Below Ben. retains (from E. alone) \u03bc\u1f74 \u03c0\u03ac\u03bb\u03b9\u03bd \u03ba\u03b1\u03b9\u03bd\u03cc\u03bd \u03c4\u03b9 \u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u1f76 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u1f04\u03bb\u03bb\u03bf \u03b3\u03ad\u03bd\u03b7\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9, though Savile had restored the genuine reading \u03bc\u1f74 \u03c0\u03ac\u03bb\u03b9\u03bd \u03b1\u1f30\u03b4\u03b5\u03c3\u03b9\u03bc\u03ce\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u03bf\u03c2 \u03b3\u03ad\u03bd\u03b7\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9. They had desired to injure his reputation for sanctity, and now feared that his speech would have the opposite result.\ni:405\nEdd. from E. \u03bf\u1f55\u03c4\u03c9 \u03b4\u1f72 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1ff7 \u03bb\u03ad\u03b3\u03b5\u03b9 \u03c6\u03b1\u03bd\u1fc6\u03bd\u03b1\u03b9, \u1f65\u03c2 \u03c0\u03bf\u03c5 \u03b4\u03b9\u03ad\u03be\u03b5\u03b9\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd, \u1f35\u03bd\u03b1 \u03ba\u1f02\u03bd \u03bf\u1f55\u03c4\u03c9 \u03b4\u03ad\u03be\u03c9\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03bf\u03bd. \u201cAnd Stephen describes Christ as appearing to Him in this manner, as one somewhere relates at large, in order that,\u201d etc.: meaning, that he might have said \u201csitting at the right hand,\u201d but forbears to do this, because it was offensive to the Jews, and accordingly \u03c4\u03ad\u03c9\u03c2 \u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u1f76 \u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2 \u1f00\u03bd\u03b1\u03c3\u03c4\u03ac\u03c3\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b9\u03bd\u03b5\u1fd6 \u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03bf\u03bd, \u03ba\u03b1\u03af \u03c6\u03b7\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u1f35\u03c3\u03c4\u03b1\u03c3\u03b8\u03b1\u03b9. The clause \u1f65\u03c2 \u03c0\u03bf\u03c5 \u03b4\u03b9\u03ad\u03be\u03b5\u03b9\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd seems to have been intended by the innovator, not as part of the text, but as a gloss, \u201cas is somewhere shown at large.\u201d But what Chrys. says is, that Christ was pleased to appear in this attitude to Stephen for the sake of the Jews, in order, etc.\u2014Hom. vi. in Ascens. (Cat. in 1,) he says, \u201cWhy standing, and not sitting? To show that He is in act to succor His martyr. For thus it is said also of the Father, \u2018Stand up, O God, and, Now will I stand up, saith the Lord, I will set him in safety.\u2019\u201d\u2014Below, \u0394\u03b9\u1f70 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03c4\u03bf \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb. Comp. de Mundi Creat. Hom. ii. t. vi. 447. C. \u201cWhy did He cause the face of Stephen to shine? Because he was to be stoned as a blasphemer for saying \u2018Behold,\u2019 etc., therefore God, forestalling this, crowned his face with angelic beauty, to show those thankless ones, that if he were a blasphemer, he would not have been thus glorified.\u201d But E. (Edd.) \u1f00\u03c0\u1f78 \u03c4\u03bf\u03cd\u03c4\u03bf\u03c5 \u03c3\u03c4\u03bf\u03c7\u03ac\u03b6\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9 \u03b4\u03b5\u03b4\u03cc\u03be. \u201cI conjecture that it was from this vision (Erasm. from this time: Ben. hence) that his face was glorified.\u201d In the next sentence, Edd. from E. \u03b4\u1f30 \u1f67\u03bd \u1f10\u03c0\u03b5\u03b2\u03bf\u03c5\u03bb\u03b5\u03cd\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03bf \u1f10\u03ba\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9, \u03b4\u1f30 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u1f10\u03b2\u03bf\u03cd\u03bb\u03b5\u03c4\u03bf \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u03cd\u03c2 \u1f10\u03ba\u03ba\u03b1\u03bb\u03ad\u03c3\u03b1\u03c3\u03b8\u03b1\u03b9, \u03b5\u1f30 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03bc\u03b7\u03b4\u1f72\u03bd \u03c0\u03bb\u03ad\u03bf\u03bd \u1f10\u03b3\u03ad\u03bd\u03b5\u03c4\u03bf. \u039a\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f10\u03ba\u03b2\u03b1\u03bb\u03cc\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2 \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb. \u201cby means of the very machinations wherewith those were assailed He desired to call (the doers) themselves to Himself, even if nothing more had been done.\u201d\ni:406\nA. E. N. Cat. omit the \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u0398\u03b5\u03cc\u03bd.\ni:407\n\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03ad\u03c3\u03c4\u03b7\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd \u1f10\u03c0\u1f76 \u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u03c7\u03b7\u03c1\u1ff6\u03bd, A. C. N. Sav. \u03c7\u03b5\u03b9\u03c1\u1ff6\u03bd, Cat. \u03c7\u03c9\u03c1\u1ff6\u03bd, B. D. E. F. Morel. Ben. versati sunt in regionibus, Erasm. constituti sunt per regiones, Ben.\ni:408\n\u1f45\u03c4\u03b9 \u03c4\u1fc7 \u03c7\u03ac\u03c1\u03b9\u03c4\u03b9 \u03bc\u03cc\u03bd\u03bf\u03bd \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03ce\u03c1\u03b8\u03bf\u03c5\u03bd. Or, \u201cthat by grace they only succeeded,\u201d i.e. always, without failure.\ni:409\nChrys. seems to assume that \u1f04\u03bd\u03b4\u03c1\u03b5\u03c2 \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03b1\u03b2\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c2 refers to Christian men, a view that has been taken by some modern expositors (as Ewald and DeWette). It is better to understand by the term, pious Jews who were favorably disposed to Christianity (So Meyer, Olshausen, Lechler, Lange, Gloag, Hackett). The usage of \u03b5\u03cd\u03bb\u03b1\u03b2\u03ae\u03c2 in the N.T. favors this view as it is applied to devout persons who were not Christians (vid. Acts 2:5, Luke 2:25) in every case, except in Acts 22.12when it refers to Ananias, a Christian, but is used in describing him in a legal point of view: \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03b1\u03b2\u1f74\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u1f70 \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03bd\u03cc\u03bc\u03bf\u03bd. Moreover, if Christians had been meant, they would not probably have been designated by so vague a term, but, as uniformly, would have been called disciples or brethren. The burial of Stephen by devout Jews recalls the burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimath\u00e6a and Nicodemus (John 19:38, 39).\u2014G.B.S.\ni:410\n\u03a4\u1f74\u03bd \u03b1\u1f30\u03c4\u03af\u03b1\u03bd \u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2 \u1f44\u03c8\u03b5\u03c9\u03c2 \u03c6\u03b7\u03c3\u03af\u03bd. B. C. Sav. marg. meaning, That his face was as the face of an angel was caused by the glory of Christ which he now beholds. The modern text omits this, having said the same thing above in the words \u1f00\u03c0\u1f78 \u03c4\u03bf\u03cd\u03c4\u03bf\u03c5, see note 4, p. 112.\ni:411\nBen. after Morel. from E. without notice of the true reading (A. B. C. N. Cat.), received by Savile, has: \u1fde\u039f\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd \u03b8\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bf\u03c2 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f41 \u03b8\u03ac\u03bd\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2 \u03b3\u03ad\u03b3\u03bf\u03bd\u03b5. \u039c\u03b5\u03c7\u03c1\u1f76 \u03b3\u1f70\u03c1 \u03c4\u03bf\u03cd\u03c4\u03bf\u03c5 \u03c3\u03c5\u03b3\u03ba\u03b5\u03c7\u03ce\u03c1\u03b7\u03c4\u03bf \u03c4\u03b1\u1fd6\u03c2 \u03c8\u03c5\u03c7\u03b1\u1fd6\u03c2 \u1f10\u03bd \u03c4\u1ff7 \u1f05\u03b4\u1fc3 \u03b5\u1f36\u03bd\u03b1\u03b9. (The latter part is adopted also by D. F.) \u201cWhence also his death became divine. For until this time it had been granted to the souls to be in Hades.\u201d This comment is derived from St. Cyril. Al. from whom the Catena cites: \u201cSince we are justified by faith in Him.\u2026He hath wrought a new thing for us, \u03c4\u1f78 \u03bc\u03b7\u03ba\u03ad\u03c4\u03b9 \u03bc\u1f72\u03bd \u03b5\u1f30\u03c2 \u1f85\u03b4\u03bf\u03c5 \u03c4\u03c1\u03ad\u03c7\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd \u03c4\u1f70\u03c2 \u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u03c3\u03c9\u03bc\u03ac\u03c4\u03c9\u03bd \u1f00\u03c0\u03b1\u03bb\u03bb\u03b1\u03c4\u03c4\u03bf\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03b1\u03c2 \u03c8\u03c5\u03c7\u1f70\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u03b8\u1f70 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c0\u03c1\u03c9\u1f74\u03bd, \u03c0\u03ad\u03bc\u03c0\u03b5\u03c3\u03b8\u03b1\u03b9 \u03b4\u1f72 \u03bc\u1fb6\u03bb\u03bb\u03bf\u03bd \u03b5\u1f30\u03c2 \u03c7\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c1\u03b1\u03c2 \u0398\u03b5\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03b6\u1ff6\u03bd\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2: that our souls, on their deliverance from our bodies, no longer as aforetime haste into Hades, but are conveyed into the hands of the Living God. And knowing this, Saint Stephen said, \u201cLord Jesus receive my spirit.\u201d \u0152cumen, repeats this, almost in the same words.\ni:412\nIn the old text, Acts 8.4-10, are given continuously, and Acts 8.11-19; between them the brief comments which we have restored to their proper places, viz. here and after Acts 8.15: and after Acts 8.19, the comment which we have placed after Acts 8.17. In the modern text, the first comment (omitting \u03bb\u03ad\u03b3\u03c9\u03bd \u03b5\u1f36\u03bd\u03b1\u03b9 \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb.) is placed after Acts 8.10; in the second, the words, \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c3\u03b7\u03bc\u03b5\u1fd6\u03b1 \u03bc\u03b5\u03b3\u03ac\u03bb\u03b1 \u1f10\u03b3\u03ad\u03bd\u03b5\u03c4\u03bf, are omitted; the rest is given after Acts 8.19.\ni:413\nThe modern text E. F. D. Edd. \u201cBut although the persecution then most gained strength, nevertheless God again delivered them, \u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03c4\u03b5\u03af\u03c7\u03b9\u03c3\u03b1\u03c2 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c2 \u03c4\u1f70 \u03c3\u03b7\u03bc\u03b5\u1fd6\u03b1. Stephen\u2019s death, however, did not quench their rage, nay, increased it rather, wherefore also the teachers, etc. But observe again how good things take their turn with them, and how they are in joy. \u2018For there was great joy,\u2019 it says, \u2018in that city.\u2019 And yet there had also been \u2018great lamentation.\u2019 Thus is God ever wont to do, and to temper things grievous with things joyful, that He may be more held in admiration. But of a long time had this disease been upon Simon; wherefore not even thus is he rid of it.\u201d But in the genuine text, (A. B. C. N. Cat. ad. v. 15\u201317, and 3, 4.) the subject to \u1f10\u03be\u03b5\u03af\u03bb\u03b5\u03c4\u03bf and \u1f10\u03c0\u03b5\u03c4\u03b5\u03af\u03c7\u03b9\u03c3\u03b5 is not \u0398\u03b5\u1f78\u03c2, but \u03b4\u03b9\u03c9\u03b3\u03bc\u1f78\u03c2: and the persons delivered are not the disciples, but the Samaritans, described as \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b5\u03c7\u03cc\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9, viz. under the influence of Simon\u2019s sorceries. In the last sentence, the meaning is entirely mistaken: for the \u03bd\u03cc\u03c3\u03b7\u03bc\u03b1 is the infatuation of the Samaritans, not the wickedness of Simon.\u2014\u1fbd\u0395\u03c0\u03b5\u03c4\u03b5\u03af\u03c7\u03b9\u03c3\u03b5 \u03b3\u1f70\u03c1 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c2 \u03c4\u1f70 \u03c3\u03b7\u03bc\u03b5\u1fd6\u03b1 can hardly be rendered without an awkward periphrasis: \u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03c4\u03b5\u03b9\u03c7. \u03c4\u03af \u03c4\u03b9\u03bd\u03b9, a phrase frequently used by St. Chrys., means to raise up something against a person as an \u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03c4\u03b5\u03af\u03c7\u03b9\u03c3\u03bc\u03b1, (as Decelea in Attica against the Athenians in the Peloponnesian war:) see Mr. Field\u2019s Index to Hom. in Matt.\ni:414\nSo A. B. C. N. Cat. Of the Edd., Savile alone retains this clause, the rest follow the mod. text, which rejects it. And indeed it can hardly be doubted, that St. Chrys. himself would have expunged, or altered this statement, had he revised these Homilies: for in the next Hom. he shows that the Philip of Acts 8.26-40 was certainly not the Apostle, but probably one of the seven deacons. The fact seems to be, that having had no occasion until now to discuss this question, he had assumed (as others had done before him) that the Philip of the Eunuch\u2019s history was the Apostle of that name: thus in Hom. ad Gen. xxxv. \u00a72 (delivered but a few years before), he takes this for granted. Here, however, he perceives that the Philip who preached at Samaria could not be the Apostle: but at present he is still under the impression, that the person by whom the Eunuch was converted was St. Philip the Apostle, and accordingly speaks as in the text, \u201cThis Philip, I take it, was one of the Seven; he of the story of the Eunuch was one of the Apostles.\u201d Of course it was impossible on a review of the circumstances to rest in this conclusion; and in the very beginning of the next Homily he tacitly revokes the notion here advanced, and points out how the command, \u201cArise, and go to the south,\u201d must have been addressed to Philip in Samaria (the deacon), and not Philip the Apostle in Jerusalem. (See the note there.) The early writers frequently confound the Philip of this chapter (the deacon and evangelist, Acts xxi. 9, with the Apostle: Polycrates ap. Eus. H. E. iii. 30, and v. 24, (see Vales and Heinichen on the former passage.) Const. Apol. vi. 7. S. Clementine Strom. iii. p. 192. Comp. St. Augustin Serm. 266. \u00a75.\u2014S. Isadore of Pelusium, Ep. 448, in reply to a correspondent who was not satisfied with his statement (Ep. 447), that \u201cPhilip who baptized the Eunuch and catechized Simon was not the Apostle, but one of the Seven,\u201d and requested proof from Scripture (\u1fbd\u0395\u03c0\u03b5\u03b9\u03b4\u1f74 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03c5\u03c1\u03af\u03b1\u03bd \u03b6\u03b7\u03c4\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c2 \u03b3\u03c1\u03b1\u03c6\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae\u03bd.\u2026\u1fbd\u0395\u03c0\u03b5\u03b9\u03b4\u1f74 \u03c0\u03bf\u03bb\u03bb\u1ff6\u03bd \u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03b4\u03b5\u03b9\u03be\u03ad\u03c9\u03bd \u1f10\u03c1\u1fb7\u03c2,) bids him observe, ch. viii. 1. that the Apostles remained at Jerusalem: that Philip the Apostle would have been competent to impart the gift of the Spirit: and further suggests, that Philip the deacon, fleeing from the persecution, was on his way through Samaria to C\u00e6sarea his native place, (where we afterwards find him Acts 21.9), when these events befell, viz. the preaching, etc., at Samaria, and the conversion of the Eunuch.\u2014In the next sentence, \u1f10\u03ba\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9 (i.e. the Apostles) \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f10\u03be\u1fc4\u03b5\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd\u00b7 \u1fa0\u03ba\u03bf\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u03ae\u03b8\u03b7 \u03c4\u03bf\u03cd\u03c4\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2 (i.e. Philip the deacon and others) \u1f10\u03be\u03b5\u03bb\u03b8\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd\u00b7 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f10\u03ba\u03b5\u03af\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2 (the Apostles) \u1f51\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c1\u1fc6\u03c3\u03b1\u03b9: \u201cshould come after,\u201d or rather, \u201cshould be lacking, be behindhand, not be forthcoming (at the time):\u201d but Cat. \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f10\u03ba\u03b5\u03af\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2 \u1f11\u03c4\u03ad\u03c1\u03c9\u03c2, \u201cand those (the Apostles) otherwise.\u201d\u2014The modern text, after \u201cnext to Stephen,\u201d proceeds thus: \u201cWherefore also, when baptizing, he did not impart the Spirit to the baptized, for neither had he authority to do so, since the gift belonged only to the Twelve. But observe; those went not forth; it was Providentially ordered that these should go forth, \u03bf\u1f33 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f51\u03c3\u03c4\u03ad\u03c1\u03bf\u03c5\u03bd \u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2 \u03c7\u03ac\u03c1\u03b9\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2 \u03b4\u03b9\u1f70 \u03c4\u1f78 \u03bc\u03ae\u03c0\u03c9 \u03bb\u03b1\u03b2\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd \u03a0\u03bd. & 169\u00b7\u0391., who were deficient in the grace because they had not yet received the Holy Ghost. For they received power, etc. Consequently, this was the prerogative of the Apostles.\u201d\ni:415\n\u039a\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f45\u03c1\u03b1 \u03c4\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2 \u03ba\u03bf\u03c1\u03c5\u03c6\u03b1\u03af\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2 \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f04\u03bb\u03bb\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2 \u03c4\u03b9\u03bd\u1f70\u03c2 \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u1f70 \u03a0\u03ad\u03c4\u03c1\u03bf\u03bd. B. C. D. F. N. Cat. but A. adds, seemingly from a marginal gloss, \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1fbd\u0399\u03c9\u03ac\u03bd\u03bd\u03b7\u03bd \u03bc\u1f74\u03bd, \u201cand John, however,\u201d E. (Edd.) \u1f45\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c4\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2 \u03ba\u03bf\u03c1. \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f04\u03bb\u03bb\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2 \u03c4\u03b9\u03bd\u1f70\u03c2 \u1f14\u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03bd \u1f30\u03b4\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03c4\u03bf \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2. \u201cWhence also the leaders, not any others, are to be seen doing this.\u201d\ni:416\n\u039f\u1f50\u03ba \u1f02\u03bd \u03b4\u1f72 \u03b5\u1f36\u03c0\u03b5\u03bd, A. B. D. F. \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f02\u03bd \u03b4\u03af\u03b4\u03bf\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 \u03c4\u03cc\u03c4\u03b5 \u03b5\u1f36\u03c0\u03b5\u03bd, C. \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f02\u03bd \u03b5\u1f36\u03b4\u03b5\u03bd, Cat. Sav. marg. \u1f34\u03b4\u03b5\u03bdN. Read, \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f02\u03bd \u201c\u1f30\u03b4\u1f7c\u03bd \u03b4\u1f72\u201d \u03b5\u1f36\u03c0\u03b5\u03bd.\u2014E. \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f02\u03bd \u03bf\u1f55\u03c4\u03c9\u03c2 \u03b5\u1f36\u03c0\u03b5\u03bd.\ni:417\nChrys. appropriately remarks that the word \u1f30\u03b4\u1f7c\u03bd (Acts 8.18) implies that there were visible manifestations connected with the gifts of the Spirit here spoken of. This would seem to show that when it said (Acts 8.16) that the Holy Spirit had not fallen upon any of the Samaritans, that the ordinary influences of the Spirit which accompany conversion, were not referred to, but some special and miraculous endowments such as the gift of tongues, and of prophecy and perhaps of miracles were meant.\u2014G.B.S.\ni:418\n\u039a\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03c4\u03bf \u1f00\u03c6\u03bf\u03c3\u03b9\u03ce\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9 (\u03bc\u03cc\u03bd\u03bf\u03bd add. D. F.) \u1f10\u03c0\u03bf\u03af\u03b5\u03b9, \u03b4\u03b5\u1f78\u03bd \u03ba\u03bb\u03b1\u1fe6\u03c3\u03b1\u03b9 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c0\u03b5\u03bd\u03b8\u1fc6\u03c3\u03b1\u03b9. Cat. \u1f00\u03c6\u03bf\u03c3\u03b9\u03c9\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03c9\u03c2, l. \u1f00\u03c6\u03bf\u03c3\u03b9\u03bf\u03c5\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03c9\u03c2, \u201cas a mere formal ceremony ominis causa.\u201d\ni:419\nWhat follows, to the end of the Exposition, has by some accident fallen into strange confusion. In the Translation we have endeavored to restore the proper order. In the first place it should be observed, that the portion beginning \u039f\u1f31 \u03bc\u1f72\u03bd \u03b4\u03b9\u03b1\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03c5\u03c1\u03ac\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9, p. 148. D. Ben. and ending at \u1f45\u03c4\u03b5 \u03c0\u03c1\u1ff6\u03c4\u03bf\u03bd \u1f10\u03c0\u03af\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c5\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd, p. 149. A. consisting of about 20 lines, is interchanged with the portion of about 25 lines, beginning \u0394\u03b5\u1f78\u03bd \u03bf\u1f56\u03bd \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6\u03c4\u03bf\u03bd, and ending \u1f10\u03ba\u03b5\u1fd6 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03c3\u03c4\u03cc\u03bb\u03bf\u03c5, p 149, C. These being restored to their proper order, which is evident from the contents of the two portions, we have, to the end of the Recapitulation, two portions, dividing at \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f34\u03c3\u03c7\u03c5\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd \u1f11\u03bb\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd \u03c4\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2 \u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03c3\u03c4\u03cc\u03bb\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2 (\u1f10\u03be\u03af\u03c3\u03c4\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf,) p. 148, B. the former beginning with the exposition of Acts 8.4, the second with Acts 8.7, and both ending at Acts 8.24. These, it may be supposed, are two several and successive expositions. But it will be seen on comparing them, that each in itself is often abrupt and incomplete, and that their parts fit into each other in a way which can hardly be accidental. It may also be remarked, that the length of each is the same; each containing about 46 lines. We have marked the order of the mss. and Edd. by the letters a, b, prefixed to the several parts.\ni:420\nThis sentence alone seems still to be out of its place. \u1fbd\u0395\u03c0\u03b5\u03b9\u03b4\u1f74 \u03b4\u1f72 \u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u1fc6\u03bd\u03b1\u03b9 \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f34\u03c3\u03c7\u03c5\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb. might be very fitly inserted in the passage below, ending \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f34\u03c3\u03c7. \u1f11\u03bb\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd \u03c4. \u1f00\u03c0. which is otherwise mutilated: see the note there.\ni:421\nBetween this and the following sentence the mss. and Edd. give the exposition of Acts 8.25.\ni:422\n\u0395\u1f30 \u03b3\u1f70\u03c1 \u03bc\u03b5\u03c4\u1f70 \u1f00\u03c6\u03b5\u03bb\u03b5\u03af\u03b1\u03c2 \u1f10\u03b3\u03af\u03bd\u03b5\u03c4\u03bf, \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03ba\u1f02\u03bd F.) \u1f00\u03c0\u03b5\u03b4\u03ad\u03be\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf (\u1f00\u03c0\u03b5\u03b4\u03ad\u03be\u03b1\u03bd\u03c4\u03bf C. F.) \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03c4\u1f74\u03bd \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03b8\u03c5\u03bc\u03af\u03b1\u03bd. B. C. F. The preceding sentence from (a) is \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03bc\u1f74\u03bd \u1f00\u03c6\u03b5\u03bb\u1fc6 \u1f14\u03b4\u03b5\u03b9 \u03b5\u1f36\u03bd\u03b1\u03b9. The connection being lost, this passage was not understood, and A. omits it, B. F. N. read \u1f00\u03c3\u03c6\u03ac\u03bb\u03b5\u03b9\u03b1\u03c2, and E. D. substitute, \u201cIf however he had come (\u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u1fc6\u03bb\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd) as he ought to have come, he would have been received, he would not like a pest have been driven away.\u201d\ni:423\n\u1fde\u039f\u03c1\u03b1 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03bc\u03b9\u03b1\u03c1\u1f78\u03bd \u1f44\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1. The modern text (Edd.) alters the sense: \u1f45\u03c1\u03b1 \u03c0\u1ff6\u03c2, \u03ba\u03b1\u03af\u03c4\u03bf\u03b9 \u03bc\u03b9\u03b1\u03c1\u1f78\u03c2 \u1f62\u03bd, \u1f45\u03bc\u03c9\u03c2. \u201cSee how, miscreant though he is, nevertheless, etc.\u201d\ni:424\nSimon believed (Acts 8.13) only in an intellectual sense, being impressed with wonder, rather than convinced of sin. So, now, it is fear of calamity and penalty, not repentance, which leads him to ask the apostles to pray for him.\u2014G.B.S.\ni:425\n\u0398\u03b5\u03c9\u03c1\u1ff6\u03bd \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03c4\u1f70 \u03c3\u03b7\u03bc\u03b5\u1fd6\u03b1, \u1f10\u03bd\u03cc\u03bc\u03b9\u03b6\u03b5 \u03b4\u03cd\u03bd\u03b1\u03c3\u03b8\u03b1\u03b9 \u03bb\u03b1\u03bd\u03b8\u03ac\u03bd\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd\u00b7 \u1f10\u03bd\u03cc\u03bc\u03b9\u03b6\u03b5 \u03c4\u03b5\u03c7\u03bd\u03b7\u03bd \u03b5\u1f36\u03bd\u03b1\u03b9 \u03c4\u1f78 \u03c0\u03c1\u1fb6\u03b3\u03bc\u03b1\u00b7 \u1f10\u03c0\u03b5\u03b9\u03b4\u1f74 \u03b4\u1f72 \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f34\u03c3\u03c7\u03c5\u03c3\u1f72\u03bd \u1f30\u03b4\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd (Sav. marg. \u1f11\u03bb\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd) \u03c4\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2 \u1f00\u03c0\u03bf\u03c3\u03c4\u03cc\u03bb\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2, \u1f10\u03be\u03af\u03c3\u03c4\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u1fc6\u03bb\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd. A. B. C. This, which is the conclusion of (a), is both corrupt and defective. He is enlarging upon the \u03bc\u03b9\u03b1\u03c1\u03af\u03b1 of Simon\u2019s conduct, as shown in the preceding \u1f45\u03c4\u03b5 \u1f20\u03bb\u03ad\u03b3\u03c7\u03b8\u03b7.\u2026\u1f45\u03c4\u03b5 \u03c0\u03ac\u03bb\u03b9\u03bd \u1f20\u03bb\u03ad\u03b3\u03c7\u03b8\u03b7: comp. the following sentence. It looks as if the sentence \u1f10\u03c0\u03b5\u03b9\u03b4\u1f74 \u03b4\u1f72 \u1f00\u03bd\u03c4\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u1fc6\u03bd\u03b1\u03b9 \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f34\u03c3\u03c7\u03c5\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb. must belong to this place. The reading \u1f11\u03bb\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd \u03c4. \u1f00\u03c0. is probably the true one: \u1f45\u03c4\u03b9 \u1f11& 128\u00b7\u03bb\u03c9 is twice said of Simon. Perhaps the passage may be restored somewhat thus: \u201cSeeing his miracles, he was amazed, and came over.\u201d He thought to escape detection, he thought the thing was an art: but when he had not power to resist, he plays the hypocrite, as the magicians did, who said, \u201cThis is the finger of God. Having seen the Apostles,\u201d (hence the reading \u1f30\u03b4\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd \u03c4. \u1f00\u03c0.) how by laying on of hands etc.; again he thought it was an art, he thought to purchase it with money: but when he was not able to defeat the Apostles (as it was said above, \u201che wished to get matter of accusation against them,\u201d) again he plays the hypocrite, and says, \u201cPray ye for me. etc.\u201d\u2014Edd. from E. \u201cSeeing signs wrought he was amazed, showing that all was a lie (on his part). It is not said, \u03a0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u1fc6\u03bb\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd, but, \u1fbd\u0395\u03be\u03af\u03c3\u03c4\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf. And why did he not do the former at once? He thought to be able, etc. \u1f10\u03c0\u03b5\u03b9\u03b4\u03b7 \u03b4\u1f72 \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f34\u03c3\u03c7\u03c5\u03c3\u03b5 \u03bb\u03b1\u03b8\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd \u03c4. \u1f00\u03c0., \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u1fc6\u03bb\u03b8\u03b5\u03bd.\u201d\ni:426\n\u1f04\u03bb\u03bb\u03c9\u03c2 \u03b4\u03ad, \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c4\u03cd\u03c0\u03bf\u03bd \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c2 \u1f10\u03b4\u03b5\u03b4\u03ce\u03ba\u03b5\u03b9 \u03c4\u03bf\u03c4\u03b5, \u1f45\u03c4\u03b5 \u03bf\u1f31 \u03a3\u03b1\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 \u1f10\u03c0\u03af\u03c3\u03c4\u03b5\u03c5\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd. A. B. D. F. Sav. marg. But C. \u201cto rid them of magic, to put them in mind of the doctrine which they learned from Christ when first they believed:\u201d which reading is adopted by E. and Edd.\ni:427\nThe preaching of Philip in Samaria was the first Gentile mission, for the Samaritans were a mixed people and were regarded as heathen by the Jews. An interesting concatenation of events took its rise in the bold preaching of Stephen. On the one side there proceeded from this the increased opposition of the Jewish nation and the sad calamity of the preacher\u2019s own death, but on the other there flowed from this opposition and the persecution which was consequent upon it great benefit. The Christians were indeed scattered abroad by ill-treatment, but with them went the gospel message, and the great work of heathen missions dated directly back to the martyrdom of Stephen. Christian history furnishes no more impressive illustration of the saying of Tertullian: \u201cThe blood of martyrs is seed.\u201d\u2014G.B.S.\ni:428\nIn St. Chrysostom\u2019s time, little had been done for the conversion and instruction of the peasantry: hence in the latter half of the fourth century paganus came to be as synonymous with \u201cheathen.\u201d Even Christian proprietors neglected their duty in this regard, while they improved their properties, and swelled their revenues by great oppression of their tenants and laborers: see Hom. in Matt. xliii., lxi. and at the same time connived at the practice of the old idolatries, for the sake of the dues accruing to them from the temples which still remained. Thus Zeno of Verona, Serm. xv. p. 120, complains: In pr\u00e6diis vestris fumantia undique sola fana non nostis, qu\u00e6, si vera dicenda sunt, dissimulanda subtiliter custoditis. Jus templorum ne quis vobis eripiat, quotidie litigatis. The Christianity which was outwardly professed in the country parts was often for want of Churches and Clergy little more than nominal: and the heathen orator Libanius, in his Oratio pro Templis, addressed to the Emperor Theodosius, perhaps did not greatly exaggerate in the following description: \u201cWhen you are told, that through this proceeding on your part (viz. the destruction of the Temples and suppression of the sacrifices) many are become Christians, you must not forget to distinguish between show and reality. They are not a whit changed from what they were before: they only say they are so. They resort indeed to public acts of religion, and mingle themselves with the general body of Christians. But when they have a show of praying, they invoke either none or the Gods.\u201d\u2014Moreover, the country clergy were often themselves ill-taught and needing instruction. Thus Hom. in Col. (t. xi. p. 392) delivered at Constantinople, Chrys. says: \u201cHow much instruction is needed by your brethren in the country, and by their teachers (\u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c4\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2 \u1f10\u03ba\u03b5\u03af\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd \u03b4\u03b9\u03b4\u03b1\u03c3\u03ba\u03ac\u03bb\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2)!\u201d Which perhaps was the result of a law passed a.d. 398, Cod. Theodos. xvi. tit. 2 l. 33 which enacted, that the clergy for the Churches founded on states, or in villages, should be from no other state or village, but that to which the Church pertained: and of these a certain number, at the discretion of the bishop, according to the extent of the village, etc.\u2014On the other hand, Chrys. \u201con the Statues,\u201d Or, xix. t. ii. p. 189 dwells with much delight on the virtues and patriarchal simplicity of the rural clergy in Syria, and the Christian attainments of their people.\ni:429\n\u1ffe\u03a9\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd\u03b5\u1f76 \u03b3\u03c5\u03bd\u03b1\u1fd6\u03ba\u03b1 \u1f00\u03b3\u03b1\u03b3\u1f7c\u03bd \u1f22 \u03bd\u03c5\u03bc\u03c6\u03b7\u03bd, \u1f22 \u03b8\u03c5\u03b3\u03b1\u03c4\u03ad\u03c1\u03b1, \u03c4\u1fc7 \u1fbd\u0395\u03ba\u03ba\u03bb. \u03bf\u1f55\u03c4\u03c9 \u03b4\u03b9\u03ac\u03ba\u03b5\u03b9\u03c3\u03bf. Before \u03b8\u03c5\u03b3., A. B. F. N. insert \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76, E. alone \u03b4\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2, and so Edd. Perhaps we may read \u1f61\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd\u03b5\u1f76 \u03bd\u03cd\u03bc\u03c6\u1fc3, \u1f22 \u03b3\u03c5\u03bd. \u1f00\u03b3., \u1f22 \u03b4\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2 \u03b8\u03c5\u03b3.\ni:430\n\u201cThe first-fruits of corn and of grapes, or wine were presented as oblations at the Altar, and the elements for the Holy Eucharist thence taken. See Can. Apost. ii. Cod. Afr. c. 37. Concil. Trull. c. 28. In a Sermon of St. Chrys. on the Ascension, this peculiar usage is mentioned, that a handful of ears of corn in the beginning of harvest was brought to the Church, words of benediction spoken over them, and so the whole field was considered as blessed. \u1fde\u039f\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1 \u03b3\u03af\u03bd\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9 \u1f10\u03c0\u1f76 \u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u03c0\u03b5\u03b4\u03af\u03c9\u03bd \u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u03c3\u03c4\u03b1\u03c7\u03c5\u03b7\u03c6\u03cc\u03c1\u03c9\u03bd, \u1f40\u03bb\u03af\u03b3\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2 \u03c4\u03b9\u03c2 \u03c3\u03c4\u03ac\u03c7\u03c5\u03b1\u03c2 \u03bb\u03b1\u03b2\u1f7c\u03bd, \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03bc\u03b9\u03ba\u03c1\u1f78\u03bd \u03b4\u03c1\u03ac\u03b3\u03bc\u03b1 \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03ae\u03c3\u03b1\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd\u03b5\u03b3\u03ba\u1f7c\u03bd \u03c4\u1ff7 \u0398\u03b5\u1ff7, \u03b4\u03b9\u1f70 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03bc\u03b9\u03ba\u03c1\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03c0\u1fb6\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd \u03c4\u1f74\u03bd \u1f04\u03c1\u03bf\u03c5\u03c1\u03b1\u03bd \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b5\u1fd6\u00b7 \u03bf\u1f55\u03c4\u03c9 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f41 \u03a7\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u1f78\u03c2 \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb. (t. ii. 450. C.)\u201d Neander.\ni:431\n\u03b4\u03b9\u1f70 \u03c3\u03ad. Erasm. propter te, Ben. pro te, but this would be \u1f51\u03c0\u1f72\u03c1 \u03c3\u03bf\u1fe6, as below where this benefit is mentioned, \u1f51\u03c0\u1f72\u03c1 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03ba\u03b5\u03ba\u03c4\u03b7\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5.\ni:432\n\u03b1\u1f34\u03c4\u03b9\u03b1\u03b9 \u03c0\u03bb\u03b5\u03bf\u03bd\u03b5\u03be\u03af\u03b1\u03c2. Edd. from E. \u1f30\u03c4\u03b1\u03bc\u03bf\u03cd\u03c2\u00b7 \u03c4\u1f70 \u03b4\u1f72 \u1f10\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u1fe6\u03b8\u03b1 \u03c0\u1fb6\u03bd \u03c4\u03bf\u1f50\u03bd\u03b1\u03bd\u03c4\u03af\u03bf\u03bd. \u201cmake them forward and impudent. But here all is just the reverse.\u201d Below, \u1f61\u03c2 \u03b5\u1f30\u03ba\u03cc\u03bd\u03b1 \u03b2\u03b1\u03b4\u03af\u03b6\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u1fbd\u0391\u03b2\u03c1. in the sense above expressed, as if it had been \u03b2\u03b1\u03b4\u03af\u03b6\u03bf\u03c5\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd. E. has \u03b5\u1f30\u03c2 for \u1f61\u03c2, \u201cwalking after the likeness:\u201d and Sav. marg, \u03b5\u1f30\u03c2 \u03bf\u1f36\u03ba\u03bf\u03bd \u03b2\u03b1\u03b4. \u03bc\u03b5\u03c4\u1f70 \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u1fbd\u0391\u03b2\u03c1. \u201cwalking into his house after (the manner of) Abraham.\u201d\ni:433\n\u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1fe5& 178\u00b7\u03c8\u03b1\u03b9 \u1f11\u03b1\u03c5\u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u1f55\u03c0\u03c4\u03b9\u03bf\u03bd \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03bc\u03b5\u03c4\u1f70 \u03c4\u1f74\u03bd \u03b1\u1f30& 240\u00b7\u03c1\u03b1\u03bd \u03c4\u1f74\u03bd \u03c3\u03c9\u03bc\u03b1\u03c4\u03b9\u03ba\u1f74\u03bd \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03bb\u03c5\u03c7\u03bd\u03b9\u03ba\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f11\u03c9\u03b8\u03b9\u03bd\u03bf\u1fd6\u03c2 \u1f55\u03bc\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9\u03c2 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03b3\u03b5\u03bd\u03ad\u03c3\u03b8\u03b1\u03b9. This passage has perplexed scribes and editors. \u0391\u1f30& 240\u00b7\u03c1\u03b1 \u201ca swing, swinging bed, hammock,\u201d or, as here, \u201clitter,\u201d or rather, \u201ca swinging in such a conveyance: after the swinging motion in his litter, pleasant and healthful for the body.\u201d The meaning is: \u201cwithout fatigue, lying at his ease on his back, he is borne to Church in his litter, and after this wholesome enjoyment for the body, gets good for his soul, in attending at evening and morning prayer. Ben. seipsumque projicere supinum, et post illam corpoream quietem: as if it related to taking rest in his bed, which is inconsistent with the scope of the description. Erasmus, et quiescere \u201cin villa\u201d securum, et habere \u201cdeambulationem\u201d servientem corpori, \u201cto sleep securely \u2018in his villa,\u2019 and to \u2018take a walk\u2019 which is good for the body.\u201d Neander simply, und sich niederzuwerfen, \u201cto prostrate himself,\u201d (viz. on entering the Church)\u2014overlooking both \u1f55\u03c0\u03c4\u03b9\u03bf\u03bdand \u03b1\u1f30& 240\u00b7\u03c1\u03b1\u03bd \u03c3\u03c9\u03bc. Of the mss. A., for \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1fe5& 178\u00b7\u03c8\u03b1\u03b9 \u03ba. \u03c4. \u03bb. substitutes, \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03bc\u03b5\u03c4\u1f70 \u03c4\u03c1\u03bf\u03c6\u1f74\u03bd \u03c3\u03c9\u03bc. \u201cand after taking food for the body.\u201d C. ex corr. gives \u1f11\u03ce\u03b1\u03bdfor \u03b1\u1f30& 240\u00b7\u03c1\u03b1\u03bd, F. \u1f65\u03c1\u03b1\u03bd, Sav. marg. \u201c\u1f65\u03c1\u03b1\u03bdal. \u1f11\u1ff4\u03b1\u03bd:\u201d both unmeaning: N. \u03c9\u03c1\u03b1\u03bd with two letters erased before it; and B. \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03bc\u03b5\u03c4\u1f70 \u03c4\u1f74\u03bd \u1f10\u03bd\u03ac\u03c4\u03b7\u03bd \u1f65\u03c1\u03b1\u03bd \u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2 \u03c3\u03c9\u03bc\u03b1\u03c4\u03b9\u03ba\u1fc6\u03c2 \u03bc\u03b5\u03c4\u03b1\u03bb\u03b1\u03b2\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd \u03c4\u03c1\u03bf\u03c6\u1fc6\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f10\u03bd \u03bb\u03c5\u03c7\u03bd., \u201cand after the ninth hour to partake of the food for the body, and to attend at evening and morning hymns:\u201d qu\u00e6 lectio non spernenda videtur,\u2019 Ben. On the contrary, it is both needless and unsuitable, for the repast is mentioned afterwards. The \u201chymns\u201d are the \u03c8\u03b1\u03bb\u03bc\u1f78\u03c2 \u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03bb\u03cd\u03c7\u03bd\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2 s. \u03bb\u03c5\u03c7\u03bd\u03b9\u03ba\u1f78\u03c2, ad incensum lucern\u00e6, which was Psalm cxli. \u03c8\u03b1\u03bb\u03bc\u1f78\u03c2 \u1f11\u03c9\u03b8\u03b9\u03bd\u1f78\u03c2, Psalm lxiii. St. Chrysost. in Psalm cxl. and Constit. Apost. ii. 59, viii. 37.\ni:434\n\u03a3\u03c5\u03bc\u03b2\u03b1\u03af\u03bd\u03b5\u03b9 \u03c4\u03b9\u03bd\u1f70\u03c2 \u03b5\u03ba \u03b3\u03b5\u03b9\u03c4\u03cc\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd \u03bf\u1f30\u03ba\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03c4\u03c1\u03cc\u03c0\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2 \u1f14\u03c7\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd. Sav. marg. \u03bb\u03ad\u03b3\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd. The meaning is not clearly expressed, but it seems to be this; \u201cIt chances that some important personage has an estate in your neighborhood, and occasionally resides there. His overseer informs him of your Church: he sends for your presbyter, invites him to his table, gains from him such information about your village, as he would never have acquired otherwise; for he thinks it beneath him even to call upon you. In this way, however, he learns that yours is a well-ordered village: and should any crime be committed in that part of the country by unknown persons no suspicion even will light upon your people; no troublesome inquisition will be held, no fine or penalty levied on your estate.\u201d The v. 1. \u03bb\u03ad\u03b3\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd cannot be the true reading, but something of this sort must be supplied: \u03bf\u1f35 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03bb\u03ad\u03b3\u03bf\u03c5\u03c3\u03b9\u03bd \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1ff7. It seems also that something is wanting between \u03c4\u03b9\u03bd\u1f70\u03c2 and \u1f10\u03ba \u03b3\u03b5\u03b9\u03c4. e.g. \u03c4\u03b9\u03bd\u1f70\u03c2 \u1f10\u03ba \u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u03b4\u03c5\u03bd\u03b1\u03c4\u03c9\u03c4\u03ad\u03c1\u03c9\u03bd \u1f10\u03ba \u03b3\u03b5\u03b9\u03c4. \u03bf\u1f30\u03ba\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd.\n3 \u1f45\u03bb\u03c9\u03c2 \u03b5\u1f30 \u03bf\u1f55\u03c4\u03c9 \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c2 \u03bc\u1f74 \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03ae\u03c3\u1fc3\u03c2. Ben. Si omnino id facias, ne facias tamen. Neander, Wenn du so handelst, wirst du nichts thun, as if it were \u03bf\u1f50 \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03ae\u03c3\u03b5\u03b9\u03c2.\ni:435","title":"Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. XI: A Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles: Homily XVIII on Acts vii. 54.","type":"page"}