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Explanation for:
Matthew
7
:
18
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit.
11
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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":"Let us inquire of those heretics who claim that there exist two opposing natures: if they believe that a good tree cannot bear the fruit of a bad tree, how do they reconcile this with Moses—the good tree—who sinned at the waters of contradiction, or with David, who after orchestrating Uriah's death, fell into adultery with Bathsheba? Furthermore, Peter, during the suffering of the Lord, denied Him, stating, \\"I know no man.\\" How can they explain Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses—considered an evil tree—who clearly did not believe in the God of Israel, yet offered Moses wise counsel? Achior also spoke true and useful words to Holofernes, and as Comic noted, his statements were affirmed by the Apostle Paul when he remarked that righteous morals have been corrupted by ungodly conversations. When the heretics have no reply, we point out that Judas, who was once a good tree, yielded evil fruit after betraying the Savior, while Saul, seen as an evil tree during his persecution of the Church, later produced good fruit upon transforming from persecutor to chosen vessel. So, a good tree will not yield evil fruit as long as it diligently practices virtues; conversely, the evil tree persists in sinful fruitfulness until it turns to repentance. Indeed, no one can remain in their current state and also become what they have not yet begun to be."},{"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":"Though the Redeemer repeats the same message, there exists a distinction. To prevent anyone from claiming that a corrupt tree, while producing bad fruit, can also yield good fruit, and that differentiating between the two may be challenging, the Redeemer asserts that it is impossible for a flawed tree to bear anything but rotten fruit; the same holds true in reverse. So, can a righteous individual become flawed, and similarly, can a flawed individual become righteous? Life is replete with such examples. However, Christ does not assert that a flawed individual cannot transform or that a righteous person cannot fall; rather, He emphasizes that a person cannot produce good fruit as long as they remain flawed. A flawed individual has the potential to embrace virtue, but as long as they continue in their flawed state, they cannot yield good results. How then did David, a righteous man, bring forth flawed fruit? Not while in a state of virtue, but after undergoing a transformation, for he would not have produced such fruit if he had always remained in his virtuous state, as he would not have had the courage to act as he did. The Redeemer spoke these words to silence those who slander without thought and to restrain those who speak maliciously. With these statements, He aimed to remove any excuses from those who do evil, the very ones who cause suspicion towards the righteous. Henceforth, one can no longer claim, \\"I was misled, I was unaware!\\" For I have provided you with the most reliable means to discern the wicked: I have commanded you to observe their actions and to avoid foolishly conflating them."},{"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 saying, \\"The tree of evil cannot bear good fruit,\\" does not undermine the power of repentance but rather mocks the refusal to abandon wrongdoing. That which remains evil cannot produce good fruit; however, if transformed into righteousness, it will indeed yield such fruit. If the Saviour referred to trees, let your words carry weight. Yet, if He was speaking of humanity, with trees serving as a metaphor (what holds true for trees applies to us as well), allow your assumptions to be challenged. Consider the example of the Apostle Peter: what kind of tree is he? Is he a good tree? Yet, how did he deny himself? Does that make him evil? Yet the entire earth and sea celebrate his deeds and victories. As for Judas, what type of tree is he? Is he evil? Yet he is recognized as an apostle. Is he good? But how did he betray Christ? If I were to consider the numerous transformations that occur in people's lives, I might unwittingly introduce an abundance of unnecessary discourse. Thus, I leave it to you to explore this in the writings, while I turn to examine the apostle's assertion. The spiritual person may not yet grasp the things of the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 2:14), yet he will come to receive them; for the Apostle does not claim, \\"He shall not receive,\\" but instead states, \\"He does not receive.\\" He also expresses that the spiritual person cannot comprehend rather than asserting, \\"He cannot understand.\\" Just as a person, observing a hot iron, might declare, “It cannot be cold,” yet it has the potential to grow cool, in the same vein, what is indicated pertains to present reality and what is to come."},{"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":"To prevent anyone from thinking that a righteous tree can yield corrupt fruit and an unrighteous tree can produce good fruit, such a notion is clearly untenable. Nonetheless, an inquiry arises: why did David, who was a righteous tree, commit sins such as adultery and murder, while Paul, seen as an unrighteous tree, bore good fruit by becoming a chosen instrument of Christ? The answer lies in their transformation—David shifted from righteousness to wrongdoing, while Paul transitioned from wrongdoing to righteousness. As long as David stayed in righteousness and Paul remained in wrongdoing, they could not produce such contrasting fruits. Thus, it is asserted that this contradiction is impossible concerning that which is immutable."},{"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":"While it remains corrupt, it cannot yield good fruit; however, if it undergoes transformation, it can. It is important to recognize that the Lord did not proclaim it would be eternally incapable, but rather that it will not produce righteous outcomes while it remains in its fallen state."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The journey to the kingdom of God faces additional obstacles due to the emergence of false prophets, who may masquerade as genuine believers. Thus, Christ cautions His followers about these deceptive figures, highlighting the unmistakable indicator for identifying true servants of God versus those misleading others: by their fruits ye shall know them. This means observing how they live, act in accordance with their teachings, and the direction they lead their followers."},{"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 healthy tree cannot produce flawed fruit until it is tainted, just as a flawed tree cannot generate good fruit unless it is transformed by being grafted onto a healthy tree. We should not anticipate genuine, holy, truly Christian, humble virtues from false teachers. As St. Chrysostom points out, Christ does not claim that a wicked person cannot change or that a righteous person cannot fall; rather, He asserts that a person cannot yield good fruit as long as they are living in a corrupt manner. So, how did David, being both righteous and sinful, produce flawed fruit? He accomplished this not while in a state of virtue but only after having undergone a transformation; if he had remained virtuous, he would not have engaged in the actions that he took."},{"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":"We should not identify true teachers of the faith by the sharpness of their intellect, the fluency of their speech, or their outward semblance of humility, but by the righteousness of their conduct and the alignment of their actions with the teachings of the Gospel. Just as the value of a tree is not determined by its leaves or bark, but by its fruit, so it is with those who teach. The nature of a tree reflects in its yield; no grapes are harvested from thorns, nor figs from thistles. A genuine preacher must be a person of godliness and integrity, for a virtuous individual draws from the good treasure in their heart to produce righteousness in both actions and words, akin to a fruitful tree. Conversely, a wicked person, drawing from the evil treasure within, produces harmful deeds and words, regardless of their eloquence, much like a corrupt tree yields bad fruit. These deceptive instructors, despite achieving a following through their works filled with worldly wisdom and harmful philosophies rather than those rooted in Christ, will eventually face the divine judgment of the Lord, the ultimate Judge of heaven and earth. Every tree that does not produce good fruit is destined for the fire. Who would be foolish enough to follow their deceptions and share in their unfortunate destiny for all eternity? Beloved brethren, fellow participants in the heavenly calling! Through the immeasurable grace of our Heavenly Father, we have been united in the waters of baptism, as branches to the life-giving vine of His only begotten Son, our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ. We can only produce good fruit for our salvation if we remain closely connected to Him by faithfully adhering to His commandments. Nothing can sever our connection to this life-giving vine as long as we hold on to it through genuine faith, hope, and love. The trials and challenges that the Heavenly Father permits in our journey towards eternal life serve as His loving guidance to cleanse our souls from sin. Just as a vineyard keeper prunes the vine to allow for abundant fruit, so too does our Father care for us (John 15:1, 2, 4). With unwavering faith, hope, love, and devotion, let us cling to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ until the end of our days, so that we may produce the fruit of good works leading to everlasting life. Amen."},{"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":"False teachers can be identified by their actions and way of life. In support of this, St. Luke remarks that a good person, drawing from the abundance of goodness within, produces righteous outcomes, while a wicked individual, motivated by evil within, yields harmful results (Lk. 6:44). This explains why the actions of false teachers reveal their true nature: those who harbor truth in their hearts are led to make wise choices and perform virtuous acts, whereas those who are deceitful within may create enticing rhetoric and engage in wrongful conduct. The speech of an individual reflects the overflow of what resides in their heart."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The path to salvation, while fraught with challenges that necessitate careful navigation, also poses the threat of temptation and avoidance. In light of this, the Lord cautioned His disciples about deceitful leaders, illustrating the indicators of their presence: Beware of false prophets, who approach you in sheep's clothing, yet inwardly they are ravenous wolves. The sheep's clothing symbolizes a façade of innocence and gentleness wielded by those who are disingenuous, aiming to mislead and harm the unsuspecting. Their true nature is revealed through their actions, as noted: “by their fruits you shall know them; do you gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles?” Thus, a good tree produces good fruit, while a bad tree yields evil fruit; a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In summary, the Lord instructed that in every circumstance, we should continually seek God through prayer. Our approach towards our neighbors should adhere to the principle that our affection for them must be as strong as our love for ourselves. We must constantly encourage ourselves to walk the narrow path, exercise caution against false prophets, and live out the teachings we have embraced. By establishing these guidelines for His followers, the Lord clarified the essential differences between their righteousness and that of the Pharisees, laying a solid foundation for the spiritual formation of His chosen community. These teachings were not only meant for a specific era or certain individuals; they were intended to serve as a moral law and guide for all His followers, grounded in the eternal principles of Divine holiness and the foundational truths of morality embedded in human nature by the Creator. \\n\\nThe chosen disciples had not been formally educated except for a few who had spent time with John, namely Andrew and John. The Lord selected those who demonstrated genuine love and trust towards Him, akin to the innocence of children, free from the misconceptions of false enlightenment. He personally guided their instruction, teaching them not merely through words but through actions—both in solitude and in public settings, at home and along their journeys, on land and at sea. What was obscure to others, He clarified for them. They were witnesses to His life and ministry; He gradually removed the biases stemming from Jewish traditions. While He did not eradicate all their misunderstandings, He transformed them into valuable lessons, allowing them to discuss their thoughts candidly while revealing His awareness of both their dialogues and the hidden intentions of others. He softened their hearts and aligned their inner lives with their responsibilities. In essence, He refined their minds and spirits, preparing them for the complete outpouring of the Spirit of truth and sanctification. Initially, they related to the Lord as disciples; by the conclusion of His earthly ministry, He referred to them as His friends (Jn. 15:14-15), since He withheld nothing from them, and ultimately as brothers."}]}
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