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Explanation for:
Matthew
11
:
9
But what went you out to see? a prophet? yea I tell you, and more than a prophet.
11
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{"arr":[{"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":"After illustrating John's location, his attire, and the crowds that gathered around him, the Savior ultimately declares him to be a prophet."},{"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 this regard, John surpasses the other prophets by directly pointing to the One who has already arrived, declaring, “Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world.” Unlike the other prophets who spoke of Him solely as the One yet to come, John reveals the fulfillment of that promise."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"A true prophet is indeed a significant figure, yet John the Baptist surpasses him, for while the prophets foretold the arrival of the King, John was uniquely privileged to declare, “This is the One about whom the prophets proclaimed” (cf. Matt. 11:10, 13). Thus, as one greater than the prophet, he is not simply a reed swayed by the wind. When John recognized that his life’s journey was concluding, he entrusted his followers to the Chief Shepherd, mirroring how the Lord, in demonstrating His loving care for His people, bequeathed His flock to Peter, the foremost of His disciples, at the time of His crucifixion—Peter, whose confession affirmed His identity (Matt. 16:16) and whose repentance bore witness to his sincerity (Matt. 26:75). The Lord’s acknowledgment of John's superiority over the prophets confirms that he did not waver in faith. If John holds such a distinguished role beyond that of a prophet, one must ponder the magnitude of his honor, given that the prophetic vocation represents the pinnacle of human achievement. Was it perhaps due to John's priestly lineage that the Lord designated him as such? Yet, many priests existed at that time. Or was it his prophetic nature that commanded such recognition? There were indeed numerous prophets as well."},{"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":"Indeed, I assure you, and even more than a prophet. The role of a prophet is to declare Christ. But could a prophet, formed in the womb, truly comprehend God while still in the womb? The purpose of the prophet is to receive revelation through a life rooted in faith. However, is it conceivable for a prophet to assume that role before he became human and before he was bestowed with grace? The function of a prophet involves receiving favor from God. Yet, can a prophet bestow upon God the blessing of baptism? The duty of the prophet is to proclaim truths concerning Christ ahead of time. But could a prophet, standing directly before Christ, point him out with certainty? The prophet's job is to foretell of God Himself. But is it possible for a prophet to have God declare about him, “Behold, I send My angel before Your face”? He is the one of whom it is said through the prophet, “Behold, I send My angel before Your face” (Matthew 11:10). Here He begins to provide the reasons why the blessed John, deserving of such a witness, is considered more than a prophet. John, after all, testified of Christ: “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), but he received the testimony from Christ rather than delivering it himself. In honoring Christ, John bestowed upon Him human recognition, while Christ, in turn, granted John divine honor. John referred to Him as a Lamb, and he called Him an angel. John's glorification of Christ was less than that which He received in return. For Christ not only eradicated the sin of the world but also imparted eternal life to the world. Furthermore, He elevated John to a status greater than was apparent, such that a man was honored with the title of angel."},{"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":"The role of a prophet involves proclaiming future events, yet it does not entail directing attention to those events. Hence, John surpasses the role of a prophet; he explicitly indicated with his finger the One about whom he had previously preached."},{"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":"John surpasses the prophets because the others merely predicted the coming of Christ, whereas he actually beheld Him, which holds significant importance. Moreover, the other prophets received their revelations after their birth, while John recognized Christ even while in his mother's womb and was filled with joy."},{"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 continues to explain the reason for this, specifically due to the proximity of his manifestation to Christ's return. Among the heralds, those who approached the king held greater significance. He was more than a prophet, as he had witnessed firsthand the One he foretold, while the prophets preceding him had only perceived Him through visions."},{"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":"If not, what were you witnessing? Elijah the Tishbite, who lived in the desolate caves of gloomy Carmel, often emerged like a tempest to confront the sinful, to topple and hand over rulers, and to vanquish the priests of false gods? Truly, his intense solitude, vigorous and thunderous rebukes, his fiery proclamations, his boldness before worldly authorities, all contributed to John’s resemblance to the powerful figure of the great Elijah. Indeed, I assure you, you were not mistaken; you sought out a prophet, and he is a greater prophet, surpassing any of the Old Testament prophets, for he is closer to Me than all others; he is My Forerunner. While the prophets were granted visions of My arrival, this one baptized Me in the flesh, and he was the first among the prophets to proclaim that the Kingdom of God is already here."},{"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 Jews regarded John as a prophet (Matt. 14:5, Matt. 21:26). The Lord affirms the validity of this view by declaring that John surpasses all prophets. His significance stems from his closeness to the One who was to come (Chrysostom). John is not only the final and greatest of the prophets from the Old Testament but also the precursor of the Messiah, preparing the way for Him (cf. Theophilus). Additionally, John's prophetic message about Christ is sharper and more explicit than that of the other Old Testament seers. The Jewish people esteemed those prophets who articulated the revelations about Christ most clearly, elevating Isaiah among the prophets; however, John excelled even him. As the herald of the Messiah, John's proclamations about Jesus were more direct and precise than those of any preceding prophet, as he pointed to the Messiah with unwavering clarity. Hence, he is indeed more than just a prophet."},{"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":"What drew you out to witness? Was it the prophet? Indeed, I affirm to you, he is more than a prophet. His significance surpasses that of a prophet because it was foretold by God through the prophet Malachi: ‘Behold, I send my angel before your face, who will prepare your way before you’ (Luke 7:27). If there was prophecy regarding his coming and he is the messenger heralding the arrival of the Messiah, then it is certain that among those born of women, no one stands as a prophet greater than John the Baptist (Luke 7:28). Yet, despite this, He who some may claim is lesser than John, holds a greater position in the kingdom of God. John was neither a mere staff nor someone who indulges in luxury; he was esteemed as the greatest of all prophets. The people held this view, drawn to his ascetic lifestyle and his bold condemnation of the wicked."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"He surpasses the prophets of the Old Testament owing to his intimate connection with the Coming One; while the other prophets merely prophesied about Christ, he served as the herald and direct witness who identified the Messiah with his own hand."}]}
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