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Explanation for:
Matthew
5
:
15
Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house.
13
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Roshdestwenski W.G.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":0,"exegesis-text":"The Scripture consistently encourages us to be a beacon of hope in the world. Jesus proclaimed to His followers, \\"Ye are the light of the world,\\" and referred to Himself as \\"the light of the world.\\" The apostle Paul, in his epistle, correlates the concept of being \\"to the light of the world\\" to the believers in Christ. This universal principle is further emphasized in the instruction to \\"shine unto all in the house,\\" highlighting our primary responsibilities to those closest to us—our families. It is imperative that we first direct our light toward them.\\n\\nMany consider such seemingly limited actions as trivial or insignificant. They pursue grandeur and acclaim, yearning to be a lighthouse guiding countless souls through the tumult of worldly existence, or a radiant source saving numerous struggling individuals. They often disregard the modest lamp that flickers in a dim corner, offering a humble illumination to a weary worker. However, neglecting this small light is misguided. Is not the gentle support extended to our less fortunate siblings, or the comforting words shared with a dying individual, a more meaningful expression than the superficial accolades they seek? \\n\\nSome believe that the manifestations of Christian faith should extend far beyond the familial sphere; yet, it is precisely within this space that their true significance resides. Recall how Martha, despite her earthly concerns, approached Jesus while her sister Mary listened intently to Him. Each person, regardless of their situation, should strive to exemplify those Christian virtues that characterize a devoted family member, a nurturing parent, or respectful children. These qualities enhance family life, smoothing the challenges of our earthly journey and radiating the pure light that “shines on all in the house.” This warmth envelops everyone around, for its source is love, which flows from God Himself."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The Saviour instructs His followers on the importance of being steadfast in their proclamation, urging the apostles not to conceal themselves out of fear or to be like a lamp placed under a container for holding grain. Instead, they should willingly and openly declare from the rooftops the truths they received in private, akin to revelations shared in their inner chambers."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"With these statements, Christ once more compels His disciples to live with discipline, instructing them to be vigilant as they are called to make their presence known to everyone and to work diligently in the vast expanse of the world. He emphasizes that they should not think of their current situation as insignificant or tucked away in a small corner of existence. Rather, they will be as prominent and unmistakable as a city perched atop a mountain or a lamp placed on a stand, illuminating all within the dwelling. Where are those who doubt Christ's power now? They should listen and, in wonder at the prophetic power, revere His magnificent might! Consider how much was promised to those who were unknown even in their own hometown! Both the land and the seas will acknowledge them, and their renown will reach the farthest corners of the earth, or more accurately, not their renown, but their divine blessings; it was not their boastful fame that made them known, but the greatness of their acts. Like birds taking flight, they traversed the entire world faster than a ray of sunlight, disseminating everywhere the brilliance of holiness. Here, it seems that Christ seeks to embolden His disciples, for in the phrase, \\"The hill cannot be concealed at the summit,\\" He clearly reveals His authority. Just as a city cannot remain hidden, neither can the gospel be obscured or unrecognized. Having previously forewarned them about persecution, slander, accusations, and hostilities—so that they would not be deterred from their mission—He reassures them that not only will the gospel not be obscured, but it will also illuminate the entire world, and through this, they themselves will achieve glory and renown. Thus, Christ displays His power, and in the subsequent verses, He calls for bravery from His disciples. He instructs them to ignite the lamp and place it not beneath the stand but upon it, ensuring it shines brightly for all gathered in the temple."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"This city is situated upon the mountain, representing the apostles, prophets, and other teachers who are enlightened in Christ. The mountain symbolizes Christ, of whom Daniel prophesied, “Behold, a stone cut out without hands became a great mountain and filled the whole earth” (Dan. 2:34-35). The evangelist employs another analogy to illustrate why Christ openly reveals His saints and does not permit them to remain concealed. Just as those who light a lamp do not place it under a container, but on a lampstand so that it may illuminate everyone in the house, so too does God illuminate His chosen. Who lights this lamp? Both the Father and the Son. What does this lamp represent? The Divine Word, which is affirmed in scripture: “Your word is a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 118:105). Its purpose is to shine—meaning it is to be visible and shed light on who dwells within the Church and throughout all creation. What does the lampstand signify? The Church that upholds the Word of life. This is echoed in Paul's declaration, “In whom ye shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life” (Phil. 2:15-16). Thus, every individual in the Church who possesses the word of God is likened to a lampstand. In contrast, the vessel represents secular individuals who lack both God and the knowledge of His presence."},{"author-name":"Macarius the Egyptian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c894b8dd64f2df5bcb2030_Macarius%20the%20Egyptian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"He Himself, having illuminated them, instructed that through them the world would receive light, stating: ‘They shall burn the lamp, and put it under the candlestick, but on the candlestick, and it shall shine unto all that are in the temple. Let your light so shine before men’ (Matthew 5:15-16). This signifies: do not conceal the blessing you have received from Me, but reveal it to all those who seek it."},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"God ignites a light - the priest - and positions him on the candlestick - within his illuminating pulpit, so that he may enlighten the Church, shining brilliantly with doctrines and actions that are devoid of all shadow; as the nations behold the brilliance of this life-giving radiance, they will be drawn to it and will exalt the Father of lights. This provides a concise answer to the inquiry you have raised."},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"A candle is placed under a vessel by those who, motivated by worldly concerns, hide and obscure the truth of good teaching. Meanwhile, the one who dedicates his body to God’s service stands on the candlestick, ensuring that the proclamation of truth is of utmost importance, while the subjugation of the body is of least significance. In fact, through the very act of bodily subjugation, the teaching itself may shine even more brightly, as it utilizes bodily attributes—such as voice, tongue, and other physical movements—to reach the hearts and minds of learners."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"I, he declares, have ignited the everlasting flame of grace. It is your mission to allow the radiance of your existence to illuminate the lives of those around you."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"As a result, I have also sparked within you the illumination of divine understanding, not to keep you hidden; rather, I have placed you on a lampstand, elevated in the realm of teaching, so that you may shine light upon all who dwell in creation."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"The God-Man referred to His followers as the light of the world. Just as the physical sunlight illuminates the surface of the earth, allowing people to observe and understand their surroundings, so too do God's messengers and the Apostles illuminate the hearts and minds of individuals through the proclamation of the Gospel. Those who receive this illumination come to recognize and embrace the profound truths of the heavens. You are the light of the world; you represent the spiritual insight available to all humanity. As He stated, a city situated on a hill cannot be concealed from view; similarly, when someone lights a lamp, they do not hide it under a measuring container but instead place it on a stand so that it can illuminate all within the home. What is the significance of these teachings? Our Lord Jesus addressed the Apostles, affirming that since God has appointed them to share the faith, they are visible to all, akin to a city on a hill. Therefore, let them lead lives of integrity and holiness, shining brightly with divine grace and good deeds to bring enlightenment to the entire world. As chosen ambassadors of the faith, they must not obscure the Gospel due to apathy or fear but should openly share it, like placing a lamp on a stand, zealously proclaiming it to all of creation and illuminating the hearts of mankind, just as light brightens a household. This call to action is further underscored by the instruction: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Amphiteatrov)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896e9b7a2ebaf99e4620a_Philaret%20(Amphiteatrov).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The ministry of the Apostles takes on added significance when viewed in relation to the light of the world. Jesus Christ, the true light of humanity, came to bring illumination to those who were residing in darkness and the shadow of death (Matthew 4:16). In His immense kindness, He selected the Apostles to serve as ministers of His word and to reveal the mysteries of God’s kingdom. He filled them with His light, as they were chosen vessels equipped to receive it. Referring to them as the light of the world, He instructs them to first embody this light through a life of holiness and virtue. Elevated to the highest office of Apostleship, they are like a city set upon a hill, visible to all. Thus, any blemish in their conduct would not only harm themselves but could also negatively impact many others. He likens them to lamps illuminated by His light, urging them to continually proclaim His word to all within the expanse of the world’s great temple. He commanded that their good works be evident to all, not for their own glory, but so that others might observe and be inspired by their example to embrace faith and virtue, thus glorifying the mercy and goodness of the Father in heaven.\\n\\nThe teachings of Jesus Christ delivered to the apostles offer us, dear brothers and sisters, vital guidance for our lives. They direct us to seek illumination for our souls and the lifegiving salt that preserves us against the decay of sin. The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, entrusted the word of God to the world, which is the only source of true salvation. Anyone who seeks enlightenment outside of the word of God remains in perpetual darkness, regardless of their understanding of worldly wisdom. Those who pursue personal acclaim through worldly accomplishments may achieve fleeting recognition but will never attain the divine skill necessary to conquer their passions and cleanse their souls from sin. The allure of worldly glory cannot rescue the soul from the destructive decay of sin.\\n\\nTherefore, it is essential for believers to regularly enlighten their souls and renew them through the teachings of the Lord’s commandments day and night, maintaining a spiritual and virtuous life while encouraging others toward good deeds. The Apostle Paul advises believers: let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to respond to each person (Colossians 4:6). Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Eph. 4:29). By the boundless mercy of our heavenly Father, having been called from darkness into His marvelous light, let us cast off all deeds of darkness and embrace the arms of light, that we may be children of light and, having forsaken corruption, may inherit eternal life. Amen."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"They do not place a lamp under a container that would conceal its brightness, for there would be no purpose in lighting the candle otherwise. This principle also applies to those who teach the Christian doctrine and to all believers. They are called to illuminate the entire world with the radiance of faith and a life that reflects that faith, sharing its goodness with all. Christians are compelled to make their faith known and to disseminate it widely; otherwise, the lofty mission of Christ would not be completely fulfilled."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"A soul that is embellished with virtues and approaches God cannot escape the gaze of the watchful. When they ignite a lamp, it is not placed beneath a container (for what would be the purpose of lighting it?), but placed upon a stand, illuminating all within the home. Therefore, instruct not only through words but also through actions, leading by your exemplary conduct."}]}
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