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Explanation for:
Matthew
10
:
8
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils: freely have you received, freely give.
12
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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 order to empower ordinary individuals who may lack eloquence or formal education, but who possess genuine faith, God grants them the ability to heal the sick, purify those afflicted with leprosy, and expel evil spirits. This is done to ensure that the magnitude of the promise of the Kingdom of Heaven is validated by the sheer power of miraculous signs. Furthermore, since spiritual gifts, when rewards are average, are often undervalued, Christ admonishes against greed, saying, \\"Freely ye have received, freely give.\\" As your Lord and Master, I have bestowed these gifts upon you without cost, and you, in turn, should share them without charge, so that the integrity of the Gospel remains intact."},{"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":"To ensure that their preaching would lead to greater faith, He instructs them to Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons; freely ye have received, freely give. Observe how He emphasizes their responsibilities just as much as the miracles themselves, illustrating that miraculous acts devoid of righteousness are meaningless. By saying, ‘Thou hast received, thou hast given,’ He diminishes their arrogance and cautions them against greed. Moreover, to prevent them from believing that the miracles they perform stem from their own merits, leading to pride, He reminds them, ‘You have received freely. You give nothing of your own to those who accept you; these gifts were not earned or merited: they are bestowed by my grace. Therefore, extend the same to others, for these gifts cannot be measured by any price.’"},{"author-name":"Aphrahat (Jacob) the Wise","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"You receive freely, so you should also give freely. If someone possesses something and chooses to deny it to one who is in need, they will ultimately lose what they have (Matthew 25:29). For those who accept a gift are also called to offer a gift in return."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The apostles receive the full authority of the Lord, and humanity, created in the likeness of God through Adam, gains a complete reflection of that likeness in Christ, equipped with powers equal to those of their Lord. The earthly being is transformed into a heavenly one. They will announce that the kingdom of heaven is near, signifying that the divine likeness and truth are now bestowed, allowing all saints, deemed citizens of heaven, to reign with the Lord. They will attend to the sick, raise the dead, heal the lepers, and drive out demons; through the shared power of the Lord, they will eliminate the afflictions that Satan introduced to Adam's flesh. Ultimately, Christ instructs them to generously share what they have received, fulfilling the prophecy found in Genesis, so that they may achieve the likeness of God. Thus, one ought to offer freely that which has been graciously given."},{"author-name":"Ambrose of Milan","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88871ceef8c96e0998cd0_Ambrose%20of%20Milan.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Christ chose to be offered for a modest sum, allowing everyone the opportunity to attain Him, ensuring that the less fortunate are not disheartened. He proclaims, ‘freely ye have received, freely give.’ He embodies the profound wealth mentioned in Romans 11:33; He does not require monetary offerings, but rather our thankfulness. He has redeemed us with His precious blood, as stated in 1 Peter 1:19, and has not bartered us away. While there is more to be elaborated on this subject, we acknowledge that we have addressed it in different contexts."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c2b032f5f6e5effaa54_Gregory%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"Miracles were bestowed upon the holy messengers to amplify the impact of their preaching and enhance belief in their teachings. They were empowered to perform extraordinary acts—not just to convey a new message, but also to demonstrate it through signs, as indicated in the scripture: heal the sick, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. In a world filled with material abundance, growing populations, and the persistent existence of the flesh, who would genuinely believe in the promise of eternal life? Who would choose the unseen over the seen? Yet, through the healing of the ailing, the resurrection of the deceased, the purification of lepers, and the expulsion of demons from the possessed, the realm of the unseen becomes credible because of these manifest miracles. The visible signs aim to draw the hearts of observers towards faith, revealing that what is external and wondrous points to something even more remarkable within. \\n\\nIn our current age, as the faithful community has expanded, many virtuous individuals exist in the Holy Church, yet they may lack visible signs of their virtue. An outward miracle serves no purpose if there is no corresponding inward transformation. As stated by the Apostle, these signs are not for believers but for those who do not believe (1 Cor. 14:22). Thus, the same esteemed preacher, in the midst of his ministry, raised Eutychus from the dead before the assembled non-believers after he had fallen and died from a window (Acts 20:9ff.). While passing through Melitus, aware of the island's unbelief, he healed the father of Publius, who suffered from fever and dysentery, through prayer (Acts 28:8). Conversely, Timothy, his companion and fellow preacher, was healed not by prayer, but through medical knowledge, as he instructed him to \\"Take a little wine for your stomach and your frequent ailments\\" (1 Tim. 5:23). Why, then, does he heal the unbelieving sick man with a single prayer but treat his believing companion differently? The answer lies in the fact that a person lacking spiritual life must be healed through visible wonders so that they might awaken to the inner life through these outward demonstrations of power. Meanwhile, a co-worker with genuine inner health requires no external signs. \\n\\nLet us also hear what our Redeemer added to the commission to preach and perform miraculous works: “Freely ye have received, freely give.” He foresaw that some would exploit this gift of the Holy Spirit for personal gain, reducing miraculous gifts to mere transactions for their greed. Similar to Simon the Magician, who, upon witnessing the miracles performed through the laying on of hands, sought to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit for monetary gain (Acts 8:18ff.), he aimed only to sell the sacred for profit. Our Redeemer, in response, expelled the merchants from the temple, overturning the tables of those trading doves (John 2:15) because to sell doves symbolizes the ordination process, which bestows the Holy Spirit not based on virtue but for a price. \\n\\nSome may not charge money for ordination, yet they grant priestly titles for personal gain, seeking recognition in return for their generosity. Such individuals fail to share what they have graciously received, as they desire worldly satisfaction in their ministry instead of offering their service freely. As the Prophet articulates the character of a righteous man, stating that he \\"shakes off his hands from every gift\\" (Isaiah 33:15), it suggests that a true servant in divine matters must not desire wealth or human gratitude. \\n\\nBeloved brethren, leading a secular life, as you understand your responsibilities, let your focus also turn toward your own actions. Engage in service to one another without seeking earthly rewards, particularly as you recognize the approaching end of this transient world. Just as you strive to hide your wrongdoings from others, ensure that your good deeds are not pursued for human acclaim. Engage in righteous work for the sake of the One who will judge you. Let Him witness your good deeds in secret, promising to reveal them at the right time for His reward. Just as you nourish your body each day, so should your good works be sustenance for your spirit. While physical nourishment supports our temporal existence, divine acts feed the soul eternally. What you provide for your mortal body, do not withhold from the spirit which lives forever. \\n\\nWhen disaster unexpectedly disrupts a household, its owner instinctively preserves what they can, considering it a gain if they secure any belongings amidst the chaos. Similarly, as calamity sweeps across the earth, ravaging what is deemed precious, reflect on the greatest treasures you can extract from it, grasping eternal rewards over temporal losses. By hoarding earthly goods, we ultimately lose; through generosity, we retain our treasure. Time swiftly passes. Therefore, amid our unawareness of our impending judgment, let us urgently prepare through good works, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever. Amen."},{"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":"The Lord empowers the apostles with miracles as instruments. Humility and generosity are virtues most fitting for a teacher. These qualities are illustrated in the admonition, “freely ye have received, freely give.” Do not elevate yourselves by possessing such gifts and distributing them, for they have been granted to you freely and by grace. Therefore, while practicing humility, also be abundant in your giving: “freely,” He commands, “give freely.”"},{"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 bestowed upon them the ability to heal, so that those who were not swayed by the message might be persuaded by the signs; concurrently, he encouraged their commitment to proclaiming the Word. To prevent them from becoming arrogant about this remarkable gift and to dissuade them from expecting earthly compensation, he fortifies them in advance with the reminder, \\"Freely ye have received this gift of healings from me, without any labour on your part; freely communicate them to men, requiring nothing from them for the maintenance of their lives.\\""},{"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":"He commissions them as proclaimers and givers of blessings to others while simultaneously revealing in advance the dire consequences they face. To facilitate their ministry, He instructs them: HEAL THE SICK, CLEANSE THE LEPERS, RAISE THE DEAD, CAST OUT DEMONS; freely you have received, freely give. Chrysostom notes the Lord’s diligence in guiding their conduct, emphasizing that miraculous acts devoid of virtue carry no significance. He diminishes arrogance and cautions against greed. To prevent them from believing that their miraculous deeds stem from their own merits and becoming haughty, He reminds them, “You have received freely.” They possess nothing of their own to offer those in need; the gifts they bear are not rewards for their efforts but are bestowed by His grace. These are too precious to be sold, akin to how He Himself demands nothing from humanity for His blessings. As God expects no payment from people, so should they serve Him. In explaining this message of the Lord, St. Philaret articulates, “The foundation of true selflessness among the elevated people reflects God’s pure generosity in the bestowal of grace. How did you attain the grace of apostleship and the ability to perform wonders? Was it through your actions? Did your virtues earn it? Certainly not! The moral qualities of humans cannot erase their transgressions, much less earn the favor of God. God’s grace is of such infinite value that even the most exalted beings cannot offer anything worthy in exchange for the slightest of its gifts. For this reason, it is termed grace, as it is granted solely by God's benevolence. If this is your receipt, then utilize it accordingly. Return a portion to the Giver by serving others properly, aligned with His design. Do not bartering that which holds no earthly equivalent for what is invaluable in Heaven. Do not tarnish the pure gift with your own selfishness. Freely you have received, freely give. The Savior meticulously cautions His disciples against the two most perilous inclinations: vanity and greed. Humanity’s sin-laden heart is particularly susceptible to these vices. When He instructs the apostles, “Freely you have received,” He eradicates pride’s roots: If all have received without cost, what basis is there for vanity? Yet when He states, “Give freely,” He imparts the spirit of generosity, illustrating that no individual possesses any good they can claim as their own; all is from God, everything belongs to Him. We are merely God’s assistants and stewards, entrusted with His talents to enhance and share freely, reflecting His boundless goodness. Thus, we can all heed the Lord’s directive: since you have freely received so much, share generously with others, even if just a little. Strive to act selflessly, ensuring that our gracious God may multiply His boundless grace upon you. Let your actions not be solely for personal gain or recognition, nor always with the expectation of reward; rather, engage in acts of kindness for their intrinsic value, driven by love for your neighbor and obedience to God’s will—oh, if only we might all aspire to do just that!”"},{"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 apostles were never to preach or utilize the miraculous gifts for monetary gain or selfish profit. In this way, the Lord humbles arrogance and cautions against greed; to prevent them from believing that their miraculous works stem from their own merits and leading them to pride, He reminds them, “They received freely. You give nothing of your own to those who receive you; you did not receive these gifts as a reward, nor for labor; they are my grace. Give them likewise.” This, however, did not stop them from accepting voluntary contributions from believers and devoted individuals to support their daily needs and preaching endeavors as indicated in Luke 10:7, 1 Corinthians 9:8-14, and 1 Timothy 5:18. While greed is admonished, receiving voluntary offerings is not prohibited."},{"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 Jesus Christ commissioned the apostles to spread His message, He anticipated that they would be asked for signs to validate their role as messengers. Therefore, He bestowed upon them authority over unclean spirits, enabling them to expel these entities, as well as the ability to heal the infirm, purify lepers, and resurrect the dead. By granting such power, He humbles their own prideful thoughts and cautions them against greed. To prevent them from believing that their miracles stem from their own merit and becoming arrogant, He reminds them, \\"You give nothing of your own to those who receive you; you did not receive these gifts as a reward or for labor: they are my grace. So also give to others, because it is impossible to find a price worthy of these gifts.\\" The apostles, divided into pairs, traveled through the towns, proclaiming the call to repentance, driving out numerous demons, and anointing many who were ill with oil, thereby bringing them healing."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Before their journey, the Savior provided guidance on how they should conduct themselves and the actions they were to undertake during their mission. Their ministry would focus solely on the lost sheep of the house of Israel and would not include the Samaritans or Gentiles. The central theme of their proclamation would be the imminent arrival of the kingdom of heaven, which they were to demonstrate through miraculous signs and acts of kindness. They were instructed to carry nothing with them—not a bag for provisions, nor coins in their belts, nor an extra set of clothing, nor any shoes apart from the customary sandals made of palm bark; they were even advised against taking a staff unless they already possessed one."}]}
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