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Explanation for:
Matthew
5
:
25
Be at agreement with thy adversary betimes, whilst thou art in the way with him: lest perhaps the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
14
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{"arr":[{"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":"In contrast to the Latin texts that employ the term consentiens, the Greek manuscripts use εύνοών, which translates to having favor or being favored. The context of the surrounding verses clarifies this meaning: Our Lord and Savior encourages us to pursue peace and harmony as we navigate this life. The apostle reinforces this sentiment, stating, \\"If it be possible, as far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all\\" (Romans 12:18). Earlier, Christ taught that if one presents a gift at the altar and remembers that a brother has something against him... He concludes by urging us to be reconciled, to foster goodwill towards our adversaries. In the subsequent teachings, He commands us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who persecute us.\\n\\nWhile this message is clear and coherent, many individuals attempt to interpret it as relating to body and soul or spirit and soul. However, such interpretations miss the mark entirely. For instance, how can the body face imprisonment if there is discord with the soul, since body and soul are inextricably linked? The body acts according to the soul's will, and how could the Holy Spirit, who resides within us, present a discordant soul or body before the Judge, seeing that He Himself serves as the Judge?\\n\\nOthers take a different approach, interpreting the enemy mentioned in the Apostle Peter’s letter—“Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion” (1 Pet. 5:8)—as a reference to the devil himself. They believe that our Savior’s instruction implies we should remain amicable towards the devil, who is both our enemy and accuser, without holding him accountable for our actions. They claim that when we willingly yield to temptations he presents, we, in essence, share in his suffering. These interpreters assert that if one of the saints does not make the devil endure punishment, he is, in fact, being favorable toward him.\\n\\nAn even more radical interpretation suggests that during baptism, individuals enter into an agreement with the devil, declaring, “I renounce you, O devil, and your splendor, and your vices, and your world, which lies in evil.” Therefore, according to this reasoning, if we adhere to this agreement, we are in accord with the devil, and we will not face imprisonment. Conversely, if we violate any part of this pact, we will be surrendered to the judge and the executioner, sentenced to confinement, and will not be released until we have paid the last penny."},{"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":"Do not ponder, \\"What should I do if I am wronged or deprived of my possessions and face a trial?\\" Even in such situations, Christ prohibits the harboring of resentment, removing every opportunity and justification for it. Given the significance of this directive, the Lord emphasizes its importance by referencing not future rewards, but immediate advantages, which are more likely to restrain those who act rudely than promises of what is to come. You might wonder, \\"Is he more powerful than I, and does he offend me?\\" Yet consider, will he not cause you greater harm if you remain unyielded to him and are compelled to face incarceration? In reconciliation, you may relinquish your possessions, but your body will be liberated; conversely, if you subject yourself to the judge's decree, you'll become bound and endure severe repercussions. However, if you avert this conflict, you will gain doubly: first, you will escape turmoil; second, your choice will stem from virtue, not coercion. Should you disregard my counsel, you will inflict greater damage upon yourself than upon your adversary. Notice how Christ encourages you to seek reconciliation. After stating, \\"Be reconciled with your opponent,\\" He adds, \\"Swiftly.” Moreover, He provides further motivation for prompt reconciliation by asking, \\"Why are you on the path with him?\\" Indeed, nothing disrupts our lives as much as our hesitance and ongoing delays in performing good deeds, often leading to our loss. Hence, as Paul advises, “Before the sun goes down, cease from hostility,” and as Christ Himself counsels, “Before you offer a gift, be reconciled,” here He expresses the same urgency, saying, “Quickly, before you reach the judge,” before you stand before the magistrate, ultimately in his power. As long as you have not entered the courtroom, you maintain control over your own fate; but once you step inside, you become beholden to another, and regardless of your efforts, you can no longer determine your own course. What does it mean, then, to be admonished? It signifies that you should either resolve to endure the offense with greater fortitude or consider the matter from your opponent's perspective, ensuring that your sense of justice remains intact and allowing you to render an unbiased judgment on your own plight as if it were someone else's. If this seems a challenging undertaking, do not be astonished. It was precisely for this reason that Christ pronounced the beatitudes, to prepare the hearts and minds of His listeners, making them more receptive to these teachings. Some interpret the adversary as referring to the devil and believe that the Lord instructs us to avoid association with him; this understanding echoes His words, “Be reconciled,” as once departed from this life, we cannot rid ourselves of the devil, facing instead inevitable judgment. Yet, it seems to me that He speaks of judgment, the path toward judgment, and imprisonment as illustrated here. Alongside appeals to the eternal and the future, Christ also warns us of the realities of our present existence. Paul does likewise, encouraging his listeners not solely with anticipations of the future but also with present realities. To dissuade evil-doing, he portrays a ruling authority wielding a sword: “If you do wrong,” he warns, “fear him; for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is a servant of God” (Romans 13:4). Similarly, while instructing obedience to the ruler, he invokes not only the fear of God but also the ruler's threats as motivation, stating, “For this reason, one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience” (Romans 13:5). As I have mentioned, those given to rudeness often respond more significantly to what is shown to them in the immediate presence. Hence, Christ cites not only Hell but also judgment, imprisonment, and all the agonies associated with it, aiming to root out the very cause of murder. A person who refrains from cursing, avoids judgment, and diminishes enmity cannot possibly contemplate committing murder. Thus, we see that our own well-being is intertwined with that of our neighbor. One who reconciles with an adversary stands to gain far more, escaping judgment, imprisonment, and the multitude of its tribulations. Let us therefore take these messages to heart and refrain from disputes and quarrels, especially since these commands bring joy and benefit even before the anticipation of future rewards. If this seems too challenging for many, let them remember that they do this for Christ, and in this thought, the burdensome tasks will become enjoyable. If we maintain this intention, we will experience no suffering, and every effort will bring us immense joy; the labor itself will no longer appear heavy; rather, as it increases, it will transform into something sweet and delightful."},{"author-name":"Basil the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889927158e4af30595484_Basil%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Who stands as an adversary to us, and how do we endure his presence? In this context, the Lord identifies an adversary in a true sense, someone who seeks to deprive us of something valuable. We should seek reconciliation with him by adhering to the commandments of the Lord, who instructed, ‘If he would judge with you and take your garment, let him go, and let him go also (Matthew 5:40);’ and similarly in all situations."},{"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":"The Lord urges us to seek reconciliation with our adversaries while we are still living, as this earthly life is a shared experience for all—both the righteous and the unrighteous. He understands the peril involved if a person who harbors animosity passes away without making peace, for once they depart, even if they desire reconciliation, it will no longer be possible, and they will remain separated. If you do not settle matters with those you have wronged during your lifetime, you will confront them in hostility after death before the Judge, Christ. At that moment, they will present their case against you, and the Judge will hand you over to his servant, a merciless angel of punishment, who will cast you into the depths of Gehenna. Had you found a way to reconcile in this life, even significant sins could have been forgiven, as it is written, \\"Love covers a multitude of sins\\" (1 Pet. 4:8). However, once condemned and imprisoned, you will be held accountable not only for grave transgressions but even for careless words, such as if you express contempt towards someone. Your adversary will still bring you to the Judge, even if they had sought reconciliation. As Solomon notes, \\"If your enemy is hungry, feed him with bread; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on his head\\" (Proverbs 25:22-23). This imagery suggests that when one does good to their enemy, they may heighten their own culpability before God; thus, seeking reconciliation first places oneself at a greater risk in His eyes."},{"author-name":"Caesarius of Nazianzus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a176e0f4c3aeca7aee3_Caesarius%20of%20Nazianzus.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"What does the Lord mean when He instructs us to \\"settle with your adversary while you are on the way with him\\"? After all, we are not always alongside our adversaries. The instruction conveys a profound and straightforward idea: we are called to refrain from harboring enmity or seeking vengeance against those who wrong us. The Lord Himself teaches us to \\"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute you,\\" and He admonishes us to \\"Repay no one evil for evil,\\" among other similar teachings. \\n\\nAdditionally, there is a deeper interpretation for those who remain at home, distanced from the conflicts of society, and who dwell in solitary places. They are encouraged to comprehend this directive to \\"settle with an adversary\\" more fully by managing their own bodily desires through a divine connection to the Spirit. The \\"way\\" refers to the very living process that humans inherently experience. To settle is akin to the quickening of bodily resurrection. Thus, it is required that when a thought arises, we must promptly confront it with reverence for God. For if we yield to the impulses of our thoughts, lacking steadfastness in the heavenly order, they will ultimately lead us before the Judge, who will assign each of us according to the honor of the creation of our lives. \\n\\nWe cannot obtain what Scriptures declare as sufficient if we are idle in our pursuit of salvation. And we should not presume to draw near to God merely through external rites, without genuine works. It is more righteous to create than to merely convey the message, as God demonstrates to us."},{"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":"The Lord instructs us to exercise discernment, reminding us that we carry our fallibility and navigate through the snares of life. We are cautioned to stay vigilant against the corrupting influence of the Pharisees and Sadducees and to remain alert to temptations. It is essential to confront our adversary swiftly, as long as we are journeying with him. This adversary symbolizes the desires of the flesh, which stand in opposition to the spirit. The path refers to the life we are currently traversing, often lacking steadfastness. By urging us not to be swayed by bodily inclinations, He is guiding us to be aware of His resurrection, an event we must anticipate. Otherwise, after having followed His directives and yet falling into unworthy actions, we risk being presented before the Judge when He arrives to gather our actions and words for judgment, rewarding each individual in accordance with their deeds."},{"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":"Some scholars, whose analysis I find more comprehensive, interpret this as referring to the opposing Holy Spirit, who stands against the sins and passions of the flesh, as the Apostle illustrates by stating, For the flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit, and the spirit what is contrary to the flesh: they are in conflict with one another, so that you do not do what you want (Galatians 5:17). The spirit of humanity aspires toward heavenly matters, while the flesh craves earthly desires; the spirit finds joy in spiritual gifts, while the flesh indulges in carnal weaknesses. Thus, the Apostle urges us, And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). The Lord instructs us to yield in everything to this Adversary of sin and human folly, the Counselor in righteousness and holiness. We are called to follow Him in all aspects of our earthly journey, so that we may secure eternal peace and uninterrupted communion with Him."},{"author-name":"Isaiah the Hermit","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d84ba9f49624b317355_Isaiah%20the%20Hermit.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Beloved, let us remain in reverence of God, diligently practicing virtues and guarding our conscience from stumbling. We must be vigilant, seeking to align ourselves with God’s fear until our conscience is liberated alongside us, fostering a harmonious connection that allows it to guide us, revealing any areas where we might falter. However, should we choose to disregard its counsel, it may abandon us, leaving us vulnerable to our adversaries, who will ensnare us, as our Lord has instructed: “Be reconciled to your opponent quickly, while you are with him on the way” (Matthew 5:25). This adversary is often understood to be our conscience, as it contends with those who seek to fulfill the desires of the flesh. If ignored, it may lead us into the hands of those who oppose us."},{"author-name":"Dorotheus of Gaza","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b3935c8d589566f1079_Dorotheus%20of%20Gaza.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":7,"exegesis-text":"In the Gospel, it is written, ‘Be thou notified of thy rival, till thou art on the way with him, lest he deliver thee up to the judge, and the judge to the servants, and they put thee into prison. Amen I say unto thee, Thou shalt not depart from hence, till thou hast paid the last codrant’ (vv. 25-26). But why is conscience referred to as a rival? It is viewed as a rival because it constantly opposes our sinful inclinations, reminding us of what we should do but fail to accomplish, as well as what we should avoid yet do instead, and for this reason, it brings forth our condemnation. Thus, the Lord instructs us to be aware of this rival and to maintain vigilance while we journey through this world, as St. Basil the Great observes. Therefore, we should safeguard our conscience during our time here; we must not allow it to rebuke us, nor should we disregard it in even the tiniest matters. Understand that neglecting the small and seemingly insignificant leads to the oversight of greater concerns. If one begins to rationalize, ‘What harm is there in saying this word? What significance is there in eating this minor thing? What does it matter if I glance at this or that?’—such reasoning leads to the questioning of importance in everything, which cultivates a detrimental mindset, described in Slav as ‘a wicked and bitter pasture,’ resulting in the disregard for substantial matters and trampling on one's conscience. Thus, being entrenched in wrongdoing, one risks becoming completely numb to spiritual truths. Therefore, beware, dear brethren, of overlooking minor matters; do not dismiss them as trivial; they are not insignificant, for they can forge undesirable habits. It is crucial that we remain vigilant and manage the lighter burdens while they are manageable so that they do not grow heavy: both virtues and vices are birthed from small beginnings and can lead to great good or grave evil. Hence, the Lord urges us to protect our conscience and earnestly encourages each of us, saying, ‘See what thou art doing, thou wretched man! Recall, make peace with thy rival, while thou art on the way with him.’ He then warns of dire consequences for failing to heed this command: lest he deliver you to the judge, and the judge to the servants, and they cast you into prison. And what follows? - Amen I say unto thee, thou shalt not leave this place until you have paid the last judgement. For conscience admonishes us, as previously mentioned, in both good and evil, revealing to us our proper actions and those we should avoid; and it will likewise hold us accountable in the age to come. Hence it is advised, let not your conscience deliver you to the judge, and so forth."},{"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":"Some interpret the term rival as referring to the devil and the notion of way as indicative of earthly existence, thereby suggesting that the Lord is advising: in your time on earth, break your ties with the devil so that he does not later accuse you of your transgressions as if he has any claim over you, and that you may avoid punishment until even your smallest sins are eradicated (for a farthing is equivalent to two mites). However, it is essential to recognize that the Lord addresses this matter concerning the adversaries of this world, instructing you to escape judgment and remain steadfast in the works of God. He emphasizes that if you find yourself offended, do not resort to litigation, but rather seek reconciliation along your path, so that you may avoid greater suffering as a result of your adversary's influence."},{"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":"Some interpret the adversary as the conscience, which constantly opposes the sinful desire and condemns the one who commits wrongdoing. This relates to our earthly existence, wherein one is called to align with the one who encourages goodness and shuns evil. Virtue is typically inspired not only by future outcomes but also by present responsibilities, as articulated in the Beatitudes. In the same vein, resistance to evil is influenced by both the present and the future. Those who reject animosity toward the impending judgment of hell also turn away from daily judgments and situations that arise in life. Hence, it is said: if you find yourself facing judgment, make peace with your opponent, meaning to cultivate friendship with him, even while on the way to the judge, or essentially, before reaching that final verdict. Reconciliation can only be achieved through restitution, which Luke referred to as labor (Luke 12:58), as it aligns with our intentions and fulfills our obligations. It is more advantageous to settle a debt than to face a harsh punishment. By resolving a debt out of love, you gain a threefold benefit: you avoid incarceration, you do not suffer the total loss, and you restore harmony with your adversary. Conversely, if the judge rules against you, you will endure a threefold disaster: you will be imprisoned, you will lose your last mite (Luke 12:59), which denotes the minimal penalty imposed upon you, and you will ultimately remain unreconciled. It is inevitable that your opponent will prevail in whatever manner he can. While some attempt to interpret these words in a mysterious fashion, Chrysostom does not support this perspective concerning the current context."},{"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":"The discourse is metaphorical. The imagery appears to be drawn from Roman judicial practices regarding lenders and borrowers that were established in Judea following the Roman conquest, just prior to the advent of Christ. Under Roman law, intermediaries first sought to settle disputes between the lender and the borrower informally; if these efforts were unsuccessful, the lender would insist that the borrower accompany him to the magistrate. Should the borrower refuse, the lender had the authority to compel him to go. The magistrate showed no compassion towards the borrower, sentencing him to imprisonment, where the lender would keep him until the debt was resolved by either the borrower or his kin. In this context, the Lord depicts the contentious individual as a debtor to his neighbor, journeying towards the judge, who will not release him from captivity until the entire debt is settled. The overarching message illustrates that one who is estranged and harboring malevolence deserves eternal separation from God and will face such consequences unless there is genuine repentance. Specifically: the adversary represents the wronged party; the path to the judge symbolizes one’s earthly existence (as noted in 2 Samuel 2:2 and Job 16:22); the judge signifies the Lord God; the agents refer to angels (see Matthew 13:39, 49 and Matthew 24:31); and the prison denotes the state of everlasting anguish (refer to 1 Peter 3:19; 2 Peter 2:4, 9; Jude 6; Revelation 20:7)."},{"author-name":"Kochomski S.W.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The individual who wrongs his neighbor finds himself as a debtor, facing the lender who brings him before the judge. Be mindful to inform your adversary quickly, even while walking together, to avoid the risk of the adversary exposing you to the judge, who in turn could hand you over to the officer, leading to your imprisonment. The adversary symbolizes a brother harboring grievances against us, while God serves as the ultimate judge. The journey to Him constitutes our temporal existence, culminating in His final verdict for each of us. Just as the debtor seeks to avoid judgment by the lender and endeavors to appease him, we too, recognizing our faults towards others, must strive to reconcile and seek forgiveness from those we have offended. This is essential to ensure that we do not stand unforgiven and unreconciled before God's judgment."},{"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":"Seek reconciliation with your adversary, the one who has caused you distress, as swiftly as you can, while you are still traveling together, during this fleeting existence; utilize this opportunity: as long as you have not reached the courtroom, you maintain authority over your own decisions; but once you step inside, regardless of your efforts, self-control may elude you. Therefore, exert yourself to avoid being surrendered to the judge (to prevent the one who has been wronged from presenting you before the Lord God), and let this just judge not deliver you to his messenger, his servant, who might cast you into everlasting darkness at the command of the King of Heaven."}]}
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