{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/112/1120060.htm","path":"chr/ecf/112/1120060.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/112/1120060.htm","text":"p. 331 Homily XI.\nKnowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.\nKnowing therefore, he says, these things, that terrible seat of judgment, we do every thing so as not to give you a handle nor offence, nor any false suspicion of evil practice against us. Seest thou the strictness of life, and zeal of a watchful soul? \u2018For we are not only open to accusation,\u2019 he saith \u2018if we commit any evil deed; but even if we do not commit, yet are suspected, and having it in our power to repel the suspicion, brave it, we are punished.\u2018\n2 Cor. 5.12. \u201cWe are not again commending ourselves unto you, but speak as giving you occasion of glorying in our behalf.\u201d\nSee how he is continually obviating the suspicion of appearing to praise himself. For nothing is so offensive to the hearers as for any one to say great and marvellous things about himself. Since then he was compelled in what he said to fall upon that subject, he uses a corrective, saying, \u2018we do this for your sakes, not for ours, that ye may have somewhat to glory of, not that we may.\u2019 And not even this absolutely, but because of the false Apostles. Wherefore also he added, \u201cTo answer them that glory in appearance, and not in heart.\u201d Seest thou how he hath detached them from them, and drawn them to himself; having shown that even the Corinthians themselves are longing to get hold of some occasion, whereby they may have it in their power to speak on their 682 behalf and to defend them unto their accusers. For, says he, \u2018we say these things not that we may boast, but that ye may have wherein to speak freely on our behalf;\u2019 which is the language of one testifying to their great love: \u2018and not that ye may boast merely: but that ye may not be drawn aside.\u2019 But this he does not say explicitly, but manages his words otherwise and in a gentler form, and without dealing them a blow, saying,\n\u201cThat ye may have somewhat to glory towards those which glory in appearance.\u201d But neither this does he bid them do absolutely, when no cause exists, but when they 683 extol themselves; for in all things he looks out for the fitting occasion. He does not then do this in order to show himself to be illustrious, but to stop those men who were using the thing 684 improperly and to the injury of these. But what is \u201cin appearance?\u201d In what is seen, in what is for display. For of such sort were they, doing every thing out of a love of honor, whilst they were both empty inwardly and wore indeed an appearance of piety and of venerable seeming, but of good works were destitute.\n[2.] 2 Cor. 5.13. \u201cFor whether we are beside ourselves, it is to God; or whether we are of sober mind, it is unto you.\u201d\nAnd if, saith he, we have uttered any great thing, (for this is what he here calls being beside himself, as therefore in other places also he calls it folly;\u2014 2 Cor. 11:1, 17, 21.) for God\u2019s sake we do this, lest ye thinking us to be worthless should despise us and perish; or if again any modest and lowly thing, it is for your sakes that ye may learn to be lowly-minded. Or else, again, he means this. If any one thinks us to be mad, we seek for our reward from God, for Whose sake we are of this suspected; but if he thinks us sober, let him reap the advantage of our soberness. And again, in another way. Does any one say we are mad? For God\u2019s sake are we in such sort mad. Wherefore also he subjoins;\n2 Cor. 5.14. \u201cFor the love of God 685 constraineth us, because we thus judge.\u201d\n\u2018For not the fear of things to come only,\u2019 he saith, \u2018but also those which have already happened allow us not to be slothful nor to slumber; but stir us up and impel us to these our labors on your behalf.\u2019 And what are those things which have already happened?\n\u201cThat if one died for all, then all died.\u201d \u2018Surely then it was because all were lost,\u2019 saith he. For except all were dead, He had not died for all 686 . For here the opportunities 687 of salvation p. 332 exist; but there are found no longer. Therefore, he says, \u201cThe love of God constraineth us,\u201d and allows us not to be at rest. For it cometh of extreme wretchedness and is worse than hell itself, that when He hath set forth an act so mighty, any should be found after so great an instance of His provident care reaping no benefit. For great was the excess of that love, both to die for a world of such extent 688 , and dying for it when in such a state.\n2 Cor. 5.15. \u201cThat they which live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto Him who for their sakes died and rose again.\u201d\nIf therefore we ought not to live unto ourselves, \u2018be not troubled,\u2019 says he, \u2018nor be confounded when dangers and deaths assail you.\u2019 And he assigns besides an indubitable argument by which he shows that the thing is a debt. For if through Him we live who were dead; to Him we ought to live through Whom we live. And what is said appears indeed to be one thing, but if any one accurately examine it, it is two: one that we live by Him, another that He died for us: either of which even by itself is enough to make us liable; but when even both are united consider how great the debt is. Yea, rather, there are three things here. For the First-fruits also for thy sake He raised up, and led up to heaven: wherefore also he added, \u201cWho for our sakes died and rose again.\u201d\n[3.] 2 Cor. 5.16. \u201cWherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh.\u201d\nFor if all died and all rose again; and in such sort died as the tyranny of sin condemned them; but rose again \u201cthrough the laver of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost;\u201d (Titus iii. 5.) he saith with reason, \u201cwe know none\u201d of the faithful \u201cafter the flesh.\u201d For what if even they be in the flesh? Yet is that fleshly life destroyed, and we are born again 689 by the Spirit, and have learnt another deportment and rule and life and condition 690 , that, namely, in the heavens. And again of this itself he shows Christ to be the Author. Wherefore also he added,\n\u201cEven though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know Him so no more.\u201d\nWhat then? tell me. Did He put away the flesh, and is He now not with that body? Away with the thought, for He is even now clothed in flesh; for \u201cthis Jesus Who is taken up from you into Heaven shall so come. So? How? In flesh, with His body. How then doth he say, \u201cEven though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth no more?\u201d (Acts i. 11.) For in us indeed \u201cafter the flesh\u201d is being in sins, and \u201cnot after the flesh\u201d not being in sins; but in Christ, \u201cafter the flesh\u201d is His being subject to the affections of nature, such as to thirst, to hunger, to weariness, to sleep. For \u201cHe did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth.\u201d (1 Pet. ii. 22.) Wherefore He also said, \u201cWhich of you convicteth Me of sin?\u201d (John viii. 46.) and again, \u201cThe prince of this world cometh, and he hath nothing in Me.\u201d (John 14.30.) And \u201cnot after the flesh\u201d is being thenceforward freed even from these things, not the being without flesh. For with this also He cometh to judge the world, His being impassible and pure. Whereunto we also shall advance when \u201cour body\u201d hath been \u201cfashioned like unto His glorious body.\u201d (Philip. iii. 21.)\n[4.] 2 Cor. 5.17. \u201cWherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature.\u201d\nFor seeing he had exhorted unto virtue from His love, he now leads them on to this from what has been actually done for them; wherefore also he added, \u201cIf any man is in Christ,\u201d he is \u201ca new creature.\u201d \u201cIf any,\u201d saith he, \u201chave believed in Him, he has come to another creation, for he hath been born again by the Spirit.\u201d So that for this cause also, he says, we ought to live unto Him, not because we are not our own only, nor because He died for us only, nor because He raised up our First-fruits only, but because we have also come unto another life. See how many just grounds he urges for a life of virtue. For on this account he also calls the reformation by a grosser name 691 , in order to show the transition and the change to be great. Then following out farther what he had said, and showing how it is \u201ca new creation,\u201d he adds, \u201cThe old things are passed away, behold, all things are 692 become new.\u201d\nWhat old things? He means either sins and impieties, or else all the Judaical observances. Yea rather, he means both the one and the other. \u201cBehold, all things are become new.\u201d\n2 Cor. 5.18. \u201cBut all things are of God.\u201d\nNothing of ourselves. For remission of sins and adoption and unspeakable glory are given to us by Him. For he exhorts them no longer from the things to come only, but even from those now present. For consider. He said, that we shall be raised again, and go on unto incorruption, and have an eternal house; but since present things have more force to persuade than things to come, with those who believe not in these as they ought to believe, he shows how great things they have even already received, and being themselves what. What then being, received they them? Dead all; (for he saith, \u201call died;\u201d and, \u201cHe p. 333 died for all;\u201d so loved He all alike;) inveterate all, and grown old in their vices. But behold, both a new soul, (for it was cleansed,) and a new body, and a new worship, and promises new, and covenant, and life, and table, and dress, and all things new absolutely 693 . For instead of the Jerusalem below we have received that mother city which is above (Gal. iv. 26.); and instead of a material temple have seen a spiritual temple; instead of tables of stone, fleshy ones; instead of circumcision, baptism; instead of the manna, the Lord\u2019s body; instead of water from a rock, blood from His side; instead of Moses\u2019 or Aaron\u2019s rod, the Cross; instead of the promised [land] 694 , the kingdom of heaven; instead of a thousand priests, One High Priest; instead of a lamb without reason 695 , a Spiritual Lamb. With these and such like things in his thought he said, \u201call things are new.\u201d But \u201call\u201d these \u201cthings are of God,\u201d by Christ, and His free gift. Wherefore also he added,\n\u201cWho reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation.\u201d\nFor from Him are all the good things. For He that made us friends is Himself also the cause of the other things which God hath given to His friends. For He rendered not these things unto us, allowing us to continue enemies, but having made us friends unto Himself. But when I say that Christ is the cause of our reconciliation, I say the Father is so also: when I say that the Father gave, I say the Son gave also. \u201cFor all things were made by Him;\u201d (John i. 3.) and of this too He is the Author. For we ran not unto Him, but He Himself called us. How called He us? By the sacrifice of Christ.\n\u201cAnd gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation.\u201d\nHere again he sets forth the dignity of the Apostles; showing how great a thing was committed to their hands, and the surpassing greatness of the love of God. For even when they would not hear the Ambassador that came, He was not exasperated nor left them to themselves, but continueth to exhort them both in His own person and by others. Who can be fittingly amazed at this solicitude? The Son Who came to reconcile, His True and Only-Begotten, was slain, yet not even so did the Father turn away from His murderers; nor say, \u201cI sent My Son as an Ambassador, but they not only would not hear Him, but even slew and crucified Him, it is meet henceforth to leave them to themselves:\u201d but quite the contrary, when the Son departed, He entrusted the business to us; for he says, \u201cgave unto us the ministry of reconciliation.\n[5.] 2 Cor. 5.19. \u201cTo wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not reckoning unto them their tresspasses.\u201d\nSeest thou love surpassing all expression, all conception? Who was the aggrieved one? Himself. Who first sought the reconciliation? Himself. \u2018And yet,\u2019 saith one, \u2018He sent the Son, He did not come Himself.\u2019 The Son indeed it was He sent; still not He alone besought, but both with Him and by Him the Father; wherefore he said, that, \u201cGod was reconciling the world unto Himself in Christ:\u201d that is, by Christ 696 . For seeing he had said, \u201cWho gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation;\u201d he here used a corrective, saying, \u201cThink not that we act of our own authority 697 in the business: we are ministers; and He that doeth the whole is God, Who reconciled the world by the Only-Begotten.\u201d And how did He reconcile it unto Himself? For this is the marvel, not that it was made a friend only, but also by this way a friend. This way? What way? Forgiving them their sins; for in no other way was it possible. Wherefore also he added, \u201cNot reckoning unto them their tresspasses.\u201d For had it been His pleasure to require an account of the things we had transgressed in, we should all have perished; for \u201call died.\u201d But nevertheless though our sins were so great, He not only did not require satisfaction, but even became reconciled; He not only forgave, but He did not even \u201creckon.\u201d So ought we also to forgive our enemies, that ourselves too may obtain the like forgiveness.\n\u201cAnd having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.\u201d\nFor neither have we come now on any odious office; but to make all men friends with God. For He saith, \u2018Since they were not persuaded by Me, do ye continue beseeching until ye have persuaded them.\u2019 Wherefore also he added,\n2 Cor. 5.20. \u201cWe are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us; we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.\u201d\nSeest thou how he has extolled the thing by introducing Christ thus in the form of a suppliant 698 ; yea rather not Christ only, but even p. 334 the Father? For what he says is this: \u2018The Father sent the Son to beseech, and to be His Ambassador unto mankind. When then He was slain and gone, we succeeded to the embassy; and in His stead and the Father\u2019s we beseech you. So greatly doth He prize mankind that He gave up even the Son, and that knowing He would be slain, and made us Apostles for your sakes; so that he said with reason, \u201cAll things are for your sakes.\u201d (2 Cor. iv. 15.) \u201cWe are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ,\u201d that is, instead of Christ; for we have succeeded to His functions.\u2019 But if this appears to thee a great thing, hear also what follows wherein he shows that they do this not in His stead only, but also in stead of the Father. For therefore he also added, \u201cAs though God were entreating by us.\u201d \u2018For not by the Son Himself only doth He beseech, but also by us who have succeeded to the office of the Son. Think not therefore,\u2019 he says, \u2018that by us you are entreated; Christ Himself, the Father Himself of Christ, beseeches you by us. What can come up to this excess [of goodness]? He was outraged who had conferred innumerable benefits; having been outraged, He not only exacted not justice, but even gave His son that we might be reconciled. They that received Him were not reconciled, but even slew Him. Again, He sent other ambassadors to beseech, and though these are sent, it is Himself that entreats. And what doth He entreat? \u201cBe ye reconciled unto God.\u201d And he said not, \u2018Reconcile God to yourselves;\u2019 for it is not He that beareth enmity, but ye; for God never beareth enmity. Urging moreover his cause, like an ambassador on his mission, 699 he says,\n2 Cor. 5.21. \u201cFor Him who knew no sin He made to be sin on our account.\u201d\n\u2018I say nothing of what has gone before, that ye have outraged Him, Him that had done you no wrong, Him that had done you good, that He exacted not justice, that He is first to beseech, though first outraged; let none of these things be set down at present. Ought ye not in justice to be reconciled for this one thing only that He hath done to you now?\u2019 And what hath He done? \u201cHim that knew no sin He made to be sin, for you.\u201d For had He achieved nothing but done only this, think how great a thing it were to give His Son for those that had outraged Him. But now He hath both well achieved mighty things, and besides, hath suffered Him that did no wrong to be punished for those who had done wrong. But he did not say this: but mentioned that which is far greater than this. What then is this? \u201cHim that knew no sin,\u201d he says, Him that was righteousness itself 700 , \u201cHe made sin,\u201d that is suffered as a sinner to be condemned, as one cursed to die. \u201cFor cursed is he that hangeth on a tree.\u201d (Gal. iii. 13.) For to die thus was far greater than to die; and this he also elsewhere implying, saith, \u201cBecoming obedient unto death, yea the death of the cross.\u201d (Philip. ii. 8.) For this thing carried with it not only punishment, but also disgrace. Reflect therefore how great things He bestowed on thee. For a great thing indeed it were for even a sinner to die for any one whatever; but when He who undergoes this both is righteous and dieth for sinners; and not dieth only, but even as one cursed; and not as cursed [dieth] only, but thereby freely bestoweth upon us those great goods which we never looked for; (for he says, that \u201cwe might become the righteousness of God in Him;\u201d) what words, what thought shall be adequate to realize these things? \u2018For the righteous,\u2019 saith he, \u2018He made a sinner; that He might make the sinners righteous.\u2019 Yea rather, he said not even so, but what was greater far; for the word he employed is not the habit, but the quality itself. For he said not \u201cmade\u201d [Him] a sinner, but \u201csin;\u201d not, \u2018Him that had not sinned\u2019 only, but \u201cthat had not even known sin; that we\u201d also \u201cmight become,\u201d he did not say \u2018righteous,\u2019 but, \u201crighteousness,\u201d and, \u201cthe righteousness of God.\u201d For this is [the righteousness] \u201cof God\u201d when we are justified not by works, (in which case it were necessary that not a spot even should be found,) but by grace, in which case all sin is done away. And this at the same time that it suffers us not to be lifted up, (seeing the whole is the free gift of God,) teaches us also the greatness of that which is given. For that which was before was a righteousness of the Law and of works, but this is \u201cthe righteousness of God.\u201d\n[6.] Reflecting then on these things, let us fear these words more than hell; let us reverence the things [they express] more than the kingdom, and let us not deem it grievous to be punished, but to sin. For were He not to punish us, we ought to take vengeance on ourselves, who have been so ungrateful towards our Benefactor. Now he that hath an object of affection, hath often even slain himself, when unsuccessful in his love; and though successful, if he hath been guilty of a fault towards her, counts it not fit that he should even live; and shall not we, when we outrage One so loving and gentle, cast ourselves into the fire of hell? Shall I say something strange, and marvellous, and to many perhaps incredible? To one who hath understanding and loveth the Lord as it behoveth to love Him, there will be greater comfort if punished after provoking One so loving, than if p. 335 not punished. And this one may see by the common practice. For he that has wronged his dearest friend feels then the greatest relief, when he has wreaked vengeance on himself and suffered evil. And accordingly David said, \u201cI the shepherd have sinned, and I the shepherd have done amiss; and these the flock, what have they done? Let Thy hand be upon me, and upon my father\u2019s house.\u201d (2 Sam. xxiv. 17. LXX.) And when he lost Absalom he wreaked the extremest vengeance upon himself, although he was not the injurer but the injured; but nevertheless, because he loved the departed exceedingly, he racked himself with anguish, in this manner comforting himself. Let us therefore also, when we sin against Him Whom we ought not to sin against, take vengeance on ourselves. See you not those who have lost true-born children, that they therefore both beat themselves and tear their hair, because to punish themselves for the sake of those they loved carries comfort with it. But if, when we have caused no harm to those dearest to us, to suffer because of what hath befallen them brings consolation; when we ourselves are the persons who have given provocation and wrong, will it not much rather be a relief to us to suffer the penalty and will not the being unpunished punish? Every one in a manner will see this. If any love Christ as it behoveth to love Him, he knoweth what I say; how, even when He forgiveth, he will not endure to go unpunished; for thou undergoest the severest punishment in having provoked Him. And I know indeed that I am speaking what will not be believed by the many; but nevertheless it is so as I have said. If then we love Christ as it behoveth to love Him, we shall punish ourselves when we sin. For to those who love any whomsover, not the suffering somewhat because they have provoked the beloved one is unpleasing; but above all, that they have provoked the person loved. And if this last when angered doth not punish, he hath tortured his lover more; but if he exacts satisfaction, he hath comforted him rather. Let us therefore not fear hell, but offending God; for it is more grievous than that when He turns away in wrath: this is worse than all, this heavier than all. And that thou mayest learn what a thing it is, consider this which I say. If one that was himself a king, beholding a robber and malefactor under punishment, gave his well-beloved son, his only-begotten and true, to be slain; and transferred the death and the guilt as well, from him to his son, (who was himself of no such character,) that he might both save the condemned man and clear him from his evil reputation 701 ; and then if, having subsequently promoted him to great dignity, he had yet, after thus saving him and advancing him to that glory unspeakable, been outraged by the person that had received such treatment: would not that man, if he had any sense, have chosen ten thousand deaths rather than appear guilty of so great ingratitude? This then let us also now consider with ourselves, and groan bitterly for the provocations we have offered our Benefactor; nor let us therefore presume, because though outraged He bears it with long-suffering; but rather for this very reason be full of remorse 702 . For amongst men too, when one that hath been smitten on the right cheek offers the left also, he more avengeth himself than if he gave ten thousand blows; and when one that hath been reviled, not only revileth not again but even blesseth, he hath stricken [his adversary] more heavily, than if he rained upon him ten thousand reproaches. Now if in the case of men we feel ashamed when offering insults we meet with long-suffering; much rather, in respect to God, ought they to be afraid who go on continually sinning yet suffer no calamity. For, even for evil unto their own heads is the unspeakable punishment treasured up for them. These things then bearing in mind, let us above all things be afraid of sin; for this is punishment, this is hell, this is ten thousand ills. And let us not only be afraid of, but also flee from it, and strive to please God continually; for this is the kingdom, this is life, this is ten thousand goods. So shall we also even here obtain already the kingdom and the good things to come; whereunto may we all attain, through the grace and love towards men of our Lord Jesus Christ; with Whom to the Father, with the Holy Spirit, be glory, might, honor, now and for ever, and world without end. Amen.\nRec. text, Christ, [which is certainly correct.]\n331:686\n[Chrysostom seems to understand this clause in the way given in the Auth. Vers., but all modern critics take the aorist strictly and hold the meaning to be, not that all were previously dead, but that all died in his death (Rom. vi. 8.). Christ\u2019s death was the death of all his people. C.]\n331:687 332:688 332:689 332:690 332:691 332:692\n[\u201cThey are\u201d Rev. Ver., in accordance with the best authorities. C.]\n333:693 333:694\nLiterally \u201cthe promise.\u201d Elsewhere St. Chrysostom uses the expression for the promised land. See Hom. xxxix. on St. Matt. Oxf. Trans. p. 563. \u201cWe must not only be delivered out of Egypt, but we must also enter into the promise.\u201d\n333:695 333:696\n[It is clear that Chrysostom did not favor the view given in the A.V., which connects the substantive verb with the phrase \u201cin Christ,\u201d and separates it from the participle. He rather agrees with the Rev. Version which obliterates the comma after Christ, and makes the emphasis to lie on the reconciliation effected in or through Christ, and not on the fact that God was in Christ,\u2014a proposition true enough in itself, but not before the Apostle\u2019s mind at this time. C.]\n333:697 333:698 334:699 334:700 335:701\n[The comparison here made shows clearly how the author understood the closing words of the fifth chapter of the Epistle. Indeed his treatment of the weighty 2 Cor. 5.21 is very satisfactory. He does not with Augustin and others take \u1f00\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03af\u03b1\u03bd in the sense of a sin-offering, a sense which it is very doubtful if the word ever has, and one that here would be inconsistent with the use of the same word in the clause immediately preceding as well as with the evidently designed antithesis between \u201csin\u201d and \u201crighteousness.\u201d But he regards the abstract as used for the concrete, which is certainly the true view. The phrase is, as Beet says, \u201cpractically the same as, but stronger than, made to be a sinner. By laying upon Christ the punishment of our sin, God made him to be a visible embodiment of the deadly and far-reaching power of sin.\u201d But Chrysostom shows by his comments his acceptance not only of the vicarious atonement, but also of the gratuitous justification, as set forth concisely yet distinctly in this pregnant utterance. There are passages in these and other Homilies which look as if the author held to justification by works, but here he is outspoken to the contrary. Justification comes by grace, not merit, and the righteousness required is the free gift of God. C.]\n335:702","title":"Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. XII: Homilies on Second Corinthians.: Homily XI","type":"page"}