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Explanation for:
Matthew
9
:
17
Neither do they put new wine into old bottles. Otherwise the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish. But new wine they put into new bottles: and both are preserved.
11
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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 Lord Jesus Christ illustrated the difference between old and new through His parables about the new patch on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins in response to the inquiry, “Why do your disciples not fast while the devout Jews do?” Fasting represents a tradition, serving as a public demonstration of faith and devotion. The Lord’s message for future generations indicates that the social structures of the emerging Christian civilization will develop later. The Old Testament customs of social life are ill-suited for this new way of living; they cannot adapt to it and will ultimately be rendered obsolete. This was evident quite early on, as the apostles confronted the question of whether Gentile Christians should undergo circumcision or adhere to every minutiae of Jewish social regulations. After much debate, the apostles concluded that it was unnecessary for Christians to adopt all the traditions and practices of Jewish piety."},{"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 statement conveys this understanding: Until an individual experiences spiritual rebirth and sheds the old self, donning the new through My sufferings, they are unable to withstand the more demanding disciplines of fasting and abstinence. If they overdo their abstinence, they risk jeopardizing the faith they still possess. Two illustrations were provided: the old and new bellows, and the pieces of fabric. The new cloth and the new wine symbolize the gospel's commandments, which the Jews struggle to accept; otherwise, the division grows even wider. This mirrors the predicament of the Galatians, who attempted to merge the commandments of the law with the gospel and pour new wine into old wineskins. The apostle admonishes them, saying, “O foolish Galatians, who hath enticed you not to obey the truth?” (Gal. 3:1). Hence, the essence of the gospel should be more deeply received by the apostles than by the scribes and Pharisees, who fail to uphold the sanctity of Christ's teachings. There is indeed a distinction between the purity of a virgin soul, unharmed by the infection of original sin, and the impurity of a soul ensnared by lustful inclinations and multiple transgressions."},{"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 you recognize the similarities between the garments and furs mentioned here and those in the Old Testament? Jeremiah refers to the people’s loins and speaks of wine and furs. From these, the Savior draws his illustrations, focusing on the issues of overindulgence and consumption. The Evangelist Luke notes that new items become damaged when mixed with the old. Is it clear that such actions yield no benefit, only detriment? In addressing the present, Christ also predicts the future, indicating that His followers will eventually be transformed; however, until that time arrives, no harsh commands will be imposed upon them. Christ cautions that those who prematurely offer profound teachings will not find followers ready to accept them at the appropriate time, and they will ultimately render those individuals ineffectual. The issue lies not with the wine or the furs themselves but with the inappropriate haste of those who introduce them. Through these analogies, the Savior clarifies why He often spoke modestly about Himself with His disciples. To accommodate their limitations, He communicated many concepts that were below His true stature. John the Evangelist corroborates this when he records Christ’s statement, “I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” This was meant to assure them that His dialogue was not confined to what He had already shared but that He could reveal far more significant truths when they became stronger. The Savior reinforces this by stating that a time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away, and then His disciples will fast. It implies that we should not expect everyone to be ready for everything right away, but rather focus on what they can handle at the moment, eventually leading to greater insights. If you strive to complete your tasks too quickly, remember that haste can often prove counterproductive. If my message seems obscure to you, look to the inherent qualities of things to discern their true power. Do not be disturbed if others accuse you prematurely, as even the Pharisees once condemned the disciples. Yet nothing swayed Christ from His purpose; He did not declare it shameful for some to fast while others refrained. Like a skilled captain who focuses not on the tumultuous sea but his own training, Christ, too, was concerned with the disciples' true needs—not that they should feel embarrassed for not fasting, but that fasting inappropriately inflicted harm upon them. \\n\\nIn this light, we should manage our households thoughtfully, likening it to a wife who indulges in extravagant luxuries and is preoccupied with finery. While it would be excessive to assume that all vices reside within a single woman, we might envision such a scenario. Some may question why I depict a wife and not a husband; it is true that males can embody worse flaws, yet since the husband holds authority over the wife, I choose to use this example, not to imply that women are inherently more flawed. Indeed, men can exhibit vices absent in women, such as murder, grave robbing, and other offenses. I do not propose this out of disdain for the female sex; rather, I present this example for its instructive value.\\n\\nLet us imagine a wife with such characteristics, and let the husband strive to guide her towards improvement. In what manner should he approach this? Rather than imposing immediate restrictions, he should begin with the least significant issues to which she is not strongly attached. A sudden overhaul would likely yield no results. Hence, do not rush to take away her cherished ornaments but permit her to keep them for a while. These adornments might appear as minor evils when compared to other practices. Start by addressing these ornaments, not through fear or intimidation, but with gentle persuasion and affection. Express that such adornments are objectionable to you, sharing your personal views while also mentioning that others share your sentiments, creating a broader consensus against such vanity. Avoid discussions of eternal consequences initially, focusing instead on encouraging her to appreciate her natural beauty as created by God. When she alters her appearance, others perceive her as less beautiful and honorable. Thus, engage her with thoughtful encouragements before discussing deeper spiritual truths. Should she resist your appeals, persist in your counsel with love rather than resentment, softening your approach with occasionally disapproving glances or gentle affirmations.\\n\\nConsider how artists, in striving to portray beauty, at times erase and refine their work. Let us not do any less. If they invest tremendous effort in physical representation, how much more should we engage in nurturing the soul? By tending to the inner beauty of your wife, you will no longer witness the manifestations of ugliness on her outward appearance—her lips, skin, and overall demeanor will reflect the virtue you have cultivated. However, I digress into harsh criticism; let us return to a spirit of gentle encouragement, exercising patience with our wives’ flaws, focusing on the change we wish to see. Just as we endure a child's tears in the process of weaning, let us also be patient with our wives as we seek to guide them away from vice.\\n\\nOnce you address a particular failing, the corrections of other faults will follow more easily. Then you can engage in conversations about other forms of adornment in a similar fashion. Gradually, through nurturing and teaching, you will become an adept trainer and a loyal partner. Reflect on the exemplary figures of biblical history, such as Sarah and Rebekah, noted for their virtue regardless of physical appearance. Even Leah, Jacob’s wife, did not concern herself with embellishments, nor did she alter her natural features through vain attempts, despite her upbringing among the Gentiles. \\n\\nYou, faithful one, guided by Christ, are more precious than any external decoration. Envision the pure water that refreshes your face, the graciousness that blesses your speech, and the love that nourishes your heart. If you contemplate these truths, you will avoid the temptation of superficial adornment. Recognize your unity with Christ, safeguarding yourself from that which veils true beauty. He disdains the allure of external enhancements, desiring instead the splendor of your spirit, which He holds dear. The prophet instructs you to embrace such beauty, declaring, \\"And the King shall desire thy goodness.\\"\\n\\nThus, let us refrain from tarnishing our image with unnecessary embellishments; all of God’s creations are flawless and require no enhancement from our hands. Anyone who would dare to alter the portrait of the king would be punished for such hubris. Why then would one seek to amend God's handiwork in an effort to improve something already perfect? Can it truly be that you overlook the realities of damnation or neglect your own spiritual state? What I suggest about the soul pales in comparison to your misplaced focus on nurturing the body.\\n\\nYou desire to project beauty, yet such ornaments only detract from your allure, creating sorrow for your husband and inviting his critique, not to mention that of others. If you seek youthfulness, such approaches will hasten the passage into age. If you long for praise, pandering to vanity brings disgrace, for a wife overly concerned with appearances becomes a source of embarrassment, not just to her peers, but to herself. \\n\\nThere is even greater sin at play, as one offends God, breaches the covenant of purity, fuels jealousy, and mimics the ways of the immoral. Recognizing the snares of worldly allure, discard these trappings; choose the beauty that resides within your soul, which delights both angels and the heart of God, and is pleasing to your husband. Thus, strive for a legacy of glory in this life and in the eternal, which we may all receive through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and authority forever. Amen."},{"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 referred to those who were entrenched in their old ways and spurned the new grace as remnants of antiquity, as if they had broken free from and discarded the fresh teachings of the kingdom. This is exemplified in Caiaphas, who, upon hearing his Lord proclaim that He was the Son of God, tore his garments in anguish. In contrast, Peter, who had embraced the law of the Spirit of life, neither turned away from instruction nor hesitated to acknowledge Him when questioned, thus demonstrating the truth that had been instilled in him."},{"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":"He mentioned that the disciples were still in a state of weakness and required compassion, explaining that the full burden of the commandments should not be imposed on them at this time. In doing so, He was instructing the disciples to extend the same mercy when they teach the world. Thus, fasting represents a new garment and new wine, while the old clothes and skins signify the frailty of the disciples."},{"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":"He offers another illustration, referring to new wine as the rigor and strength of the commandments, while viewing wine as bringing joy to the spirits of the righteous. New wine is characterized as unfamiliar to those unprepared to receive it, and the disciples are likened to old garments, representing those who possess the teaching but are worn and feeble. The bellows are destined to rupture due to the pressure of the new wine; if the wine that cannot be contained is wasted, then the bellows will be ruined and rendered unusable for the future. A wise steward must consider both the quality of the wine and the resilience of the bellows, as well as the appropriate timing. Currently, the disciples are in a state of decline, not yet revitalized. Furthermore, He remarked to them, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now” (John 16:12). Thus, He indicates that both elements, the wine and the garment, are preserved, symbolizing that which is carried and that which is worn."},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"One does not sew patches of unbleached cloth onto worn garments, nor does one pour new wine into old wineskins. What message does the Redeemer convey through this illustration? Through this analogy, the Master revealed that rigid practices devoid of the essence of genuine life do not enhance the moral framework but instead lead to chaos and destruction. To those who repent, grace is bestowed, fostering within them a resolve to serve the Lord with unwavering commitment. For those who possess such resolve, all endeavors are commendable. Conversely, for those lacking this resolve, even a stringent fast may result in struggle and eventual abandonment, leaving their lives in a much worse state afterwards."},{"author-name":"Ivanov A.V.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88db13197efab881aa332_Ivanov%20A.V..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"A new patch on an old garment symbolizes the introduction of a fresh Christian teaching atop the worn-out practices of the Old Testament. Attempting to integrate the two would only lead to a rupture of the old ways, prompting Christ to set aside those former teachings. The new bellows represent Christ's disciples, who carry and proclaim the essence of His teachings. The followers of John and the Pharisees, steeped in the belief that external rituals were essential for salvation, could not effectively communicate Christ's message. Thus, Jesus selected new vessels—disciples who were untainted by the outdated doctrines of the Pharisees. Among these new carriers is Matthew, a former tax collector."},{"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":"They will not pour new wine into old wineskins; if they do, the wineskins will rupture, causing the wine to spill and the containers to be ruined. Instead, new wine must be put into new wineskins, ensuring preservation for both. Just as a child should not be introduced to profound teachings prematurely, or they may not be receptive later. Fresh patches and new wine symbolize fasting, while worn garments and old bellows represent disciples. This is why the Savior often spoke in straightforward terms when addressing His followers, explaining, \\"I have many more things to say to you; but now you cannot bear them\\" (John 16:12). Therefore, we too must exercise patience with others if we hope to succeed. The phrases ‘new garments, new wineskins, new wine’ encapsulate the essence of the entire New Testament by our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul notes, \\"What is obsolete and aging will soon disappear; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new\\" (Hebrews 8:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17). The New Testament offers new sacred texts, gracious Sacraments that restore us, a renewed Divine Service, and fresh fasts; indeed, all of its practices are revitalized, as Christ revives the ancient law of the Old Testament. He transformed the original Sabbath into the celebration of His resurrection, clarifying the true essence of the commandments from the Old Testament, thereby establishing the gracious kingdom of God on Earth, namely, His Holy Church. This bride of Christ, the Church of God, adhering to the teachings of her heavenly Bridegroom, Christ the Savior, honors His instruction: the children of the bride chamber are not to mourn or fast while the Bridegroom is with them. Observing a focused fast during the days of repentance leading up to the radiant celebration of His resurrection, the Church concludes this fasting when Christ, as the exalted Bridegroom, emerges from the tomb. Throughout both fasting and festive periods, the Holy Church steadfastly follows the Apostolic Tradition, carefully allocating days of fasting and feasting throughout the calendar year to prepare her members for the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life. The Holy Fathers interpret the Savior's words about ‘old and new garments’ in the context of spiritual growth, teaching that one inexperienced in spiritual matters should not immediately embark on rigorous practices. \\"First, awaken within yourself a spirit of fervor, and then undertake strict disciplines,\\" advised St. Theophanes the Hermit. \\"However, if you begin austerities lacking this enthusiasm, it will do you no good. Persist slightly longer in this austerity, and then you may weaken and abandon it, leaving you in a worse state than before.\\" While discipline can indeed be beneficial, it is crucial that one approach it in the right order. All actions should stem from the heart and soul rather than for outward appearance. Furthermore, external practices that lack genuine concern for the purification of the heart from passions and sinful thoughts—particularly in humility and self-humbling—can be detrimental to the soul's salvation. Such imprudent ascetics, focused on their outward achievements, may become prideful and fall into delusion; these individuals risk being, as the Savior warns, \\"the last worse than the first\\" (Matthew 12:45)."},{"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":"“Old bellows” refers to a method used in the East, particularly during travel, for storing wine, utilizing bellows crafted from animal skin for this specific purpose. Over time, these bellows become worn and fragile, making them unsuitable for handling the fresh, potent wine, as the pressure could cause them to rupture. Therefore, freshly fermented wine requires new, robust bellows. This imagery conveys the same message as before: the new wine symbolizes fasting, while the old bellows represent the frailty of the disciples, which should not be overwhelmed."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When addressing the matter of fasting, Jesus indicated that it was not yet the right time for His disciples to engage in this practice. He illustrated His point by saying that no one would patch an old garment with unshrunk cloth, just as no one would pour new wine into old wineskins. This teaching reflects the inconsistency between the demands of the Mosaic law and the new commandments He was instituting. When questioned about why His disciples did not fast, Christ inevitably touched upon the broader issue of how His teachings aligned with strict adherence to Jewish laws and elder traditions, collectively known as the law. The Apostle Paul later elaborated on this matter in his letter to the Galatians. To fully capture the essence of Jesus's parable regarding old garments and old wineskins, we can refer to Paul’s words as well as insights from John Chrysostom. Paul admonished Peter for expecting Gentile converts to adhere to Jewish customs while he himself, as a Jew, lived in a way that did not comply with the law. Paul clarified that justification cannot be attained through the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His commandments. He stressed that if the law could provide justification, then Christ’s sacrifice would have been in vain (see Galatians 2:16-21). John Chrysostom commented on this matter, noting that adherence to the law undermines the gospel. He reasoned that if one part of the law is to be kept, then all of it must be, leading to the inevitable conclusion that one would have to reject faith in Christ or risk being seen as a lawbreaker because of Him.\\n\\nReturning to Jesus’s parable, we recognize that the Pharisees frequently criticized His disciples for their failure to uphold the law, such as plucking grain on the Sabbath or eating without first washing their hands. Each time, Jesus defended them. In this instance, when the Pharisees, along with the disciples of John, questioned why His followers did not fast, Christ not only justified them but also conveyed His perspective on the incompatibility of His teachings with rigid observance of the Jewish laws. His parable, open to various interpretations, conveys that the Pharisees wanted His disciples to wear the old garments of their rituals and traditions, while Christ urged them to embrace the new garments of love and forgiveness. He expressed that new clothing cannot be fitted onto old rags, nor can a new piece be taken to patch a worn garment; such attempts would only ruin both the old and the new. Furthermore, the analogy of young wine not being suitable for old wineskins underscores that His disciples should be free to become renewed and receptive to His teachings, shedding the remnants of the outdated ways. Although they might not yet fully embody His teachings, they have begun to recognize its superiority over traditional interpretations. Just as a person won't return to inferior wine after sampling the good, His followers, having experienced the richness of His message, would not revert to the old.\\n\\nIn this parable, the words “no one, having drunk old wine, desires new” (Luke 5:39) might seem contradictory to the earlier discussion of old garments and wineskins. However, this misunderstanding is resolved when we note that old wine is prized while young wine is deemed less desirable. By clarifying our terms, we uncover the true message of the parable: no one, who has savored excellent wine, would seek out inferior wine."}]}
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