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Explanation for:
Matthew
5
:
18
For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled.
12
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{"arr":[{"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":"A wise husband ensures that his promises are honored. How can divine pronouncements remain unfulfilled? God chastises an individual who fails to uphold the same standard when instructing others. In what way did Christ not bring to fruition what He had proclaimed through the prophets? In truth, He fulfilled the law in every detail."},{"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":"We are assured of New Heavens and a New Earth, which the Lord will bring into existence. Therefore, if these new creations are to emerge, the old ones must inevitably fade away. Furthermore, the scripture states, Not one jot, or one line, shall pass away from the law, till all be fulfilled, indicating that even the seemingly smallest aspects of the law are realized through spiritual priesthoods and will find their expression in the gospel. Consequently, what knowledge and understanding are required to demonstrate that the various sacred rites performed in daily sacrifices are indeed fulfilled, including those elements of the law that may appear superstitious?"},{"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":"These words convey the idea that the law cannot simply be disregarded; every single aspect of it is required to be fulfilled, a truth exemplified by the Lord’s perfect adherence to the law. In doing so, He reveals that all of creation is destined for transformation. His statements were not made without intent; rather, they serve to elevate the spirits of His listeners and to demonstrate His righteousness in instituting new principles for living. As the entirety of creation is set to undergo this renewal, humanity is invited to aspire toward a new homeland—a more elevated way of existence."},{"author-name":"Gregory of Nyssa","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c197597540c9caa3754_Gregory%20of%20Nyssa.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"For those who genuinely have the vision to perceive, the enigma of the cross is particularly highlighted within the law. Thus, the Gospel declares that not a single letter or stroke shall be removed from the law, indicating through this statement both the horizontal and vertical lines that form the shape of the cross. This cross is also evident in Moses, where it transcends the law and becomes, for those who recognize it, a symbol of triumph and victory."},{"author-name":"Chromatius of Aquileia","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a3df6d7a747a33b4f4a_Chromatius%20of%20Aquileia.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"He accomplishes the law by taking on human form and fulfilling its sacrificial requirements in alignment with the principle of truth and the examples provided to Him. His fulfillment of the law is evident as He affirms the commandments previously delivered by the grace of the gospel. The intent of His coming to fulfill the law is underscored by His declaration: Till heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or feature shall pass from the law, till all things be fulfilled. The profound and divine nature of the law's precept is illustrated by the Lord's assertion that not even a single jot or line shall vanish."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Palladius. I am also in possession of the holy scripture; despite my efforts, I find it challenging to grasp what our Lord Jesus Christ intended to convey, as stated in Matthew: ‘Think not that I am come to break the law or the prophets: I am not come to break it, but to fulfil it. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, not one iota or one trait shall pass from the law, till all things be fulfilled’ (Matthew 5:17-18). Additionally, in the account by John, He speaks to the Samaritan woman, saying, ‘Believe me, that the time is coming, when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem shall you worship the Father. You do not know what you worship, but we know what we worship, for salvation is from the Jews. But the time will come, and it has already come, when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such worshippers the Father seeks for Himself. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth’ (John 4:21-24). Cyril. What troubles you in these declarations? What appears to be intricate and incomprehensible? Please, share your thoughts. P. The sacred text instructs us to move away from the old practices and to turn away from the lawful truth. To those who seek it, Paul has stated: ‘those who remain without Christ have fallen away from grace, but we in spirit expect and hope for righteousness from faith’ (Galatians 5:4-5). Furthermore, although he recognized the significant advantages of living according to the law, he remarked: ‘But what was an advantage to me, I counted as vanity for Christ's sake. And I counted all things as nothing for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for Him I gave up all things, and counted them all as rubbish, that I might gain Christ, and be found in Him, not with my own righteousness, which is of the law, but with that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness of God by faith’ (Philippians 3:7-9). He clearly affirmed that the old commandment had its insufficiencies; thus, he explained that a new commandment through Christ, which is an evangelical commandment, has been profitably taught to us. He writes: ‘But the abolition of the former commandment is because of its weakness and uselessness, for the law has perfected nothing; but a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God’ (Hebrews 7:18-19). He further states, ‘For if the first covenant had been without defect, there would have been no need to seek a place for another. But the prophet, reproving them, says, Behold, the days are coming, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not such a covenant as I made with their fathers at the time when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, because they did not abide in that my covenant, and I neglected them, saith the Lord. This is the covenant which I will bequeath to the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will put My statutes in their thoughts, and write them on their hearts’ (Hebrews 8:7-10). Then, explaining the concept of new excellently, he says: ‘In saying ‘new’ he showed the decrepitude of the first; and that which is decrepit and old is near destruction’ (Hebrews 8:13). If, then, the law achieved little, and there was a removal of an ancient commandment along with the introduction of a later commandment that brings us closer to God, why does the Saviour say, ‘I came not to break the law, but to fulfil it,’ and that ‘we must worship in spirit and truth’ God and the Father (John 4:24)? This latter statement suggests we should abandon the rites and observances of the law. К. You delve into a profound sea of inquiries! What mind can adequately fathom such intricate reflections to show us that the new scriptures are closely related to that which the wise Moses established and address similar themes, and that life in Christ is inherently connected to the way of life dictated by the law if the prescribed aspects of old are considered through spiritual contemplation? For the law serves as an image, a shadow, a representation of godliness, still in the process of development, concealing the beauty of truth within it. Would you not agree? P. Indeed; yet what explanation can encapsulate this? How can one live by the Gospel yet feel bound to fulfill the ancient commandment as outlined by Moses? K. This is not as straightforward as some might believe; rather, virtue encompasses a diverse array of elements, and the glory of life in Christ shines through a multitude of good works. The divine David, in Psalm 44, portrays a pure maiden as a queen, symbolizing the Church, beside Christ, adorning her in splendid attire, stating, ‘The queen is delivered up to Thy right hand, clothed and adorned with garnished garments’ (Psalm 44:10). The term ‘garnished’ resonates with honor and dignity, while ‘exalted’ signifies the manifold nature of virtue. The Church shines remarkably, possessing a beauty of spirit that is invisible to the physical eyes, yet is clear to the mind and heart, unveiling the Jew who is contemplated in secret due to the numerous embellishments of grace and distinction. As the blessed Paul writes, ‘For he is not that Jew which is outwardly so, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; but he is that Jew which is inwardly so, and that circumcision which is in the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter: to him also the praise is not of men, but of God’ (Romans 2:28-29). P. Now, consider this: if spiritual circumcision has been introduced, and legal sacrifices are nullified, and this way of life holds no significance for us any longer; does not Christ's declaration, ‘I came not to break the law, but to fulfil it,’ seem astonishing if it were true? If it were not so, then nothing would inhibit us from honoring God through offerings of oxen, burning incense, or presenting turtle doves and doves; and if other rites were mandated by the ancients, we would also feel compelled to observe them. C. But, my friend, your perspective is profoundly skewed: you perceive the law as obliterated, implying no benefit from it, regarding it as entirely ineffective for discerning what is essential, and believing it has changed solely to demonstrate truth; yet the blessed Paul states: ‘Do we destroy the law by faith? By no means; but we confirm the law’ (Romans 3:31). The law is foundational and leads effectively to the mystery of Christ (Galatians 3:24). The commandments given by Moses are the initial signs of God's testimonies (Hebrews 5:12). If we dismiss the tutor, who will guide us to the mystery of Christ? And if we shun the starting points of God’s testimonies, how then or from where shall we reach the ultimate reality? Is not Christ the fulfillment of the law and the prophets according to the Scriptures? (Romans 10:4). P. Yes. K. It is written so. And the fulfillment of the law and the prophets is embodied in Him, as He is the focal point to whom every test of the prophets and the law points. Therefore, in rebuking the Jews for their disbelief, He said, ‘Think not that I will accuse you before the Father: there is Moses your accuser, in whom ye trust. For if you believed Moses, you would also believe me, for he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how shall you believe My words?’ (John 5:45-47). Thus, when He asserts that He came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it, do not conceive of a total annihilation of what was established in ancient times—rather, think of it as a transformation or a remaking of the shadows into reality. P. You speak rightly. C. Through Christ, this transformation was intended to occur. Artists skilled in painting and drawing, when they begin their work, do not immediately create a flawless image; instead, they first lay down less refined tones and outline their intention, subsequently filling in these shadows with appropriate and precise colors, turning the outlines into clear and significantly improved representations than those at the outset. Would you not agree? P. I concur entirely. K. Similarly, those who craft in metal, when desiring to produce a statue, first form it in wax—a fragile model—and then pour molten metal to create a piece that is perfect in appearance and beauty. Just as the various colors meticulously enhance the original shadows, and the molten metal reshapes the wax figure, it may appear as though the initial forms are discarded or destroyed. Yet, that is not the truth. The metalworker and the artist, by no means compromising the truth, might assert, We have not obliterated the shadows, nor deemed the figures entirely unworthy; rather, we have completed them. For what appeared obscure and flawed in these shadows and figures has transitioned into something better and more evident."},{"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":"\\"Amen serves as an affirmative expression, rather than simply stating 'to her, I say to you.' In this context, the Lord reveals that the world will undergo transformation. He emphasizes that until the end of time, not a single stroke of the Law shall be lost. Some interpret the yod and the stroke as referring to the twelve commandments, while others view them as symbolizing the cross. The yod represents the vertical beam of the cross, and the stroke signifies the horizontal beam. Thus, it is believed that the prophecies regarding the cross will come to fruition.\\""},{"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":"The term amen serves as a positive affirmation, signifying truth. The interpretation of the subsequent phrases is this: as long as the earth and heavens endure (as illustrated by the phrase \\"until heaven and earth\\"), not even the smallest part of the law will be left unaccomplished until all that is lawful has been enacted or completed by me. With the references to jot and tittle, I have signified the least of these, as they are the simplest of letters and the easiest to write. The jot represents a straight stroke, while the tittle is a curved mark. In essence, this emphasizes that until the heavens and the earth disappear, I will not permit it. This is what Christ conveyed by affirming His adherence to the law, as He was unable to fulfill its demands until His death, at which point He completed its requirements."},{"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":"Amen, when stated twice as \\"Amen, Amen,\\" serves as a confirmation; however, when said once, it conveys either a desire—meaning let it be—or it represents the absolute truth itself, rather than a mere wish. Some interpret this statement as a preliminary declaration, indicating that it holds true until heaven and earth pass away. In this context, \\"before heaven and earth pass away\\" is perceived by others as a proposition, suggesting that prior to the transformation of the heavens and the earth, this truth remains certain. Consequently, they argue that the Lord indicated an impending change to the heavens and the earth. The blessed Apostle Peter also spoke of the new heaven based on the words of the Prophet Isaiah: “We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Pet. 3:13). \\n\\nThe term \\"iota,\\" or a single point, is interpreted by some as referring to a specific point of the law, while others see it as connected to the Ten Commandments. In a more precise sense, the iota and the line, referred to as subdivision, represent the smallest written symbols that denote even the most minor legal obligation. The divinely inspired Luke addressed the significance of the line and the law, stating: “It is easier for heaven and earth to pass than for one tittle of the law to fail” (Luke 16:17). This emphasizes that it is more feasible for heaven and earth to endure than for the tiniest aspect of the law to be altered. Through these words, the God-Man dispelled any doubt regarding the notion that He abolished the Law of Moses or taught in opposition to the divine statutes handed down by Moses. He continues with: “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”"},{"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":"Truly I tell you, this serves as a declaration of the unchanging nature of the statement made. Until it passes away, meaning throughout the duration of this world, or until the completion of the ages. Indeed, sooner will heaven and earth disappear than the Law, in essence and spirit, remain unfulfilled. Iota, the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet, is distinguished by a subtle curve, representing that even the tiniest, seemingly trivial aspect of the Law will not vanish; it must fulfill its purpose as the eternal word of God, which is incapable of being unaccomplished. It will remain until its enactment, in spirit and substance, rather than merely in the letter. The entire law served as a foreshadowing of what was to come (Hebrews 10:1; Colossians 2:17); when the body appeared, the shadow lost its relevance, while simultaneously, the reality to which it pointed became manifest. The old covenant, which has been set aside, has been succeeded by a more complete covenant—it was but a mere shadow. Those who fulfill the New Law also fulfill the Old Law, not in a lifeless manner, but in the utmost perfection and spirit."},{"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":"The Law of the Ten Commandments established by God is intended for all peoples across all generations. Those who adhere to the teachings of Christ are, in essence, fulfilling the commandments found in the Old Testament. Thus, the Lord declared, \\"For verily I say unto you, Till the heavens and the earth pass away, as long as this world stands, to the end of the ages, NOT ONE JOT (the smallest letter) OR ONE DARKNESS (which is even smaller), i.e., the seemingly smallest precept of God's Law will NOT BE REVEALED (abolished), UNTIL IT IS ALL EXECUTED as the immutable word of God.\\" The Pharisees and scribes categorized God’s commandments into major and minor ones, particularly the commandments that the Lord presented during His ongoing teachings, which may appear insignificant because they address not just actions but also the hidden inclinations of the heart. However, Christ emphasized that even these sinful thoughts are detestable to God. Every aspect of His law must be regarded as sacred and pure, and it is a serious transgression to categorize commandments as large or small; all commandments hold equal importance and are essential for salvation."},{"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":"Following His encouragement to the disciples to share His teachings and commandments boldly, regardless of persecution from both Jews and Gentiles, the Savior referred to them as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. He emphasized the vital significance of their ministry, as previously discussed. He clarified to them and the many who listened the essential truths of the Gospel that ministers of the Word of God should proclaim to the Church of believers and indeed to all humanity for their genuine salvation until the end of this age. Since the nature of His teachings was unprecedented compared to those of the ancient prophets, it could lead people to wrongly believe that He was abolishing the prophetic teachings and the law given through Moses. To prevent such misconceptions, the Savior, the master of hearts, stated, “Think not that I am come to destroy the words of the law and of the prophets. I have not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Heaven and earth shall pass away rather than an iota of one thing, or a single line of the law remain unfulfilled.” Indeed, as stated, Heaven and earth will disappear (Mark 13:31), but the words of the Prophets and the law, being divine and unchangeable, are so steadfast that even the slightest aspect must be fulfilled. It would be easier for heaven and earth to cease to exist than for any part of the law to fail (Luke 16:17). Thus, in accordance with the unchanging nature of the Law and the Prophets, our Lord Jesus Christ perfectly enacted them. The prophecies concerning His incarnation from the Blessed Virgin, His divine deeds and miracles, His suffering and sacrificial death, His resurrection, ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, were completely realized through Him. He also fulfilled the law itself. Following Adam's fall, no human has ever been able to keep the commandments entirely, as all have sinned (Rom. 3:23). Only Jesus Christ, the God-man, completely adhered to the law through His sinless life. According to Scripture, “Whoever committeth no sin, let not flattery be found in His mouth” (1 Pet. 2:22). He fulfilled the law on our behalf as our Advocate and Savior, thereby satisfying the unchanging righteousness of God and securing justification for believers. As St. Paul notes, “Just as by the disobedience of one man many were made sinners, even so also by the obedience of one man many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:19). Without this perfect fulfillment of the law by our Advocate, no one could be justified before God. True believers, through God’s grace, not only receive justification but also are endowed with the ability to live morally and righteously, committing themselves to uphold the commandments of the Gospel, thus fulfilling God’s enduring righteousness within the faithful. This remarkable act of redemption assures that the Redeemer not only satisfied the law on our behalf but also enables genuine believers to live it out through holy lives, extending His mercy to cover human frailties and forgiving sinners who repent for their minor and unavoidable shortcomings. God sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, condemning sin within that flesh, so that the law's requirements might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (Rom. 8:3, 4), as articulated by the Apostle Paul. However, those who remain unrepentant, living according to the flesh, do not receive justification through Christ and risk greater condemnation for rejecting God’s gracious salvation. The Apostle John, in his epistle, notes that we understand we know Jesus Christ if we keep His commandments; whoever claims to know Him yet fails to keep His commands is a liar, and the truth is not in them (1 John 2:3, 4). Therefore, the Savior continues by stating: “And whosoever shall break one of these little commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called a little man in the kingdom of heaven: and whosoever shall do and teach, this great man shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:19)."}]}
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