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Explanation for:
Matthew
11
:
21
Woe to thee, Corozain, woe to thee, Bethsaida: for if in Tyre and Sidon had been wrought the miracles that have been wrought in you, they had long ago done penance in sackcloth and ashes.
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":"Chorozain and Bethsaida, towns in Judea, are lamented by the Lord due to their failure to repent despite witnessing numerous miracles and wonders. In contrast, Tyre and Sidon, cities entrenched in idolatry and immorality, are regarded more favorably; they are considered less culpable because they merely violated the natural law, whereas Chorozain and Bethsaida disregarded both the natural law and the teachings of Scripture without acknowledging the miraculous works done among them. The Scriptures affirm that the Lord performed remarkable feats in Chorozain and Bethsaida, as indicated in Matthew 4:23, which states: \\"And He went round about all the cities and towns, healing every infirmity, and other things.\\" Therefore, we can conclude that the Lord’s miraculous acts also took place in these cities."},{"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 confirm that the residents of these towns were not inherently evil, He references a city that is the origin of the five apostles; specifically, Philip and the four principal apostles came from Bethsaida."},{"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":"To grasp the idea that disbelief arises not from inherent evil but from personal choice, the Lord highlights Bethsaida, the home of Andrew, Peter, Philip, and the sons of Zebedee. This emphasizes that wrongdoing stems from decision rather than nature; had it originated in nature, all would have been wicked. The Lord declares that the Jews are more culpable than the Tyrians and Sidonians, as the Tyrians violated the natural law, while the Jews not only disregarded that but also broke the law of Moses. The former did not witness the miracles, whereas the latter, despite witnessing them, chose to revile them. The gate serves as a representation of repentance. Those who lament have ashes and dust sprinkled upon their heads, as is evident in our own observations."},{"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 later mentions Sodom and Gomorrah, recognized for their immorality, along with Tyre and Sidon, which are marked by their disgraceful idolatry."},{"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":"The Lord revealed numerous wonders in Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Chorazin; however, the number of believers did not correspond to the magnitude of the miracles. Thus, He harshly admonished these towns, asserting that on the day of reckoning, it would be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon, as well as for Sodom and Gomorrah, than for those cities. We ought to reflect on this example. How many signs has the Lord displayed throughout Russia, rescuing it from formidable foes and conquering nations! How many lasting blessings He has granted, manifesting continual miracles through sacred relics and wonder-working icons found across the land! Nonetheless, in our times, many in Russia are straying from the faith: some have fully embraced unbelief, others are turning towards Protestantism, while a segment is secretly concocting its own beliefs, attempting to amalgamate spiritualism and theological absurdities with Divine Revelation. Wickedness is escalating, hostility and disbelief are emerging, while faith and Orthodoxy are diminishing. Will we not awaken? ... If we continue down this path, we may find ourselves in a similar situation as that of the French and others... If that occurs, what do you suppose will be our fate on the Day of Judgment after receiving such blessings from God? O Lord! Deliver and show mercy to Orthodox Russia from Thy righteous and impending judgment!"},{"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":"Chorazin and Bethsaida are small towns located near Capernaum, though the precise location of Chorazin remains uncertain. The name 'Bethsaida' translates to 'house of fishing,' suggesting that this town, which likely sat on the western shores of the Lake of Galilee, had a significant fishing industry. It was the hometown of the apostles Andrew, Peter, and Philip (John 1:44). It is important to note that this Bethsaida differs from another town named Bethsaida, known as Julia, which was named in honor of Julia, the daughter of a Roman emperor, and is situated a short distance northeast of the Lake of Galilee. The Gospels do not record any specific miracles performed in Chorazin and Bethsaida (John 20:30).\\n\\nTyre and Sidon are ancient Phoenician cities that were once prosperous and renowned, particularly for their trade. Located along the Mediterranean coast to the northwest of Judea, they were well-known among the Jewish people. Tyre provided Solomon with a majority of the materials used for constructing the temple in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 2:11-16). Sidon originally fell within the territory of the tribe of Asher (Judges 19:28), yet that tribe was never able to capture it (Judges 1:31). Known for their extensive maritime commerce, these cities were home to inhabitants who indulged in luxury and were considered among the world's foremost sea merchants in that era (cf. Isaiah 23, Ezekiel 26:4-14). However, by the time of the Savior, their former glory had considerably waned due to the conquests of the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Romans, fulfilling ancient Jewish prophecies regarding these cities.\\n\\nThe Lord declared that even these affluent and morally corrupt cities would repent and believe in God and the Messiah promised to humanity if the miraculous deeds performed by the Savior in the Galilean towns were manifested among them. A 'wroth' refers to a wide garment made of coarse fabric, typically worn by the less fortunate. Wealthier individuals would also don such attire as an expression of sorrow, often accompanied by the act of sprinkling ashes or dust upon their heads, symbolizing grief (Job 1:21, Job 2:12, Jeremiah 6:26)."},{"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":"The Lord performed numerous acts of compassion in Galilee, particularly around the shores of the Lake of Galilee and in the coastal towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. Yet, despite this abundant \\"sea of miracles,\\" as Chrysostom describes it, and the incredible ability of His divine teachings to transform lives, the hearts of the religious leaders—including the elders, scribes, and Pharisees—remained indifferent: they continued in their disbelief. The Lord now turns to admonish them, beginning to grieve, which, as St. Chrysostom observes, holds greater significance than mere threats. At that time, St. Matthew writes that He started to rebuke the cities, expressing sorrow over their spiritual blindness, particularly in the places where His divine power was most evident yet led to no repentance. “Woe unto you, O Chorazin! Woe unto you, Bethsaida! For had mighty works been done in Tyre and Sidon as were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” The people of Tyre and Sidon only violated the natural law, the moral principles the Creator instilled within nature and human conscience, whereas you have transgressed the commandment given by God through Moses. They did not witness my miracles, but you did and chose to blaspheme instead."},{"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":"Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida! The wrongdoers are the people of these cities, not the land where they stand, nor the structures that compose them. Bethsaida produced five Apostles—Andrew, Peter, John, James, and Philip—even though many there rejected Jesus. For if the miracles performed among you had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, those cities would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Tyre and Sidon were Gentile cities, whereas Chorazin and Bethsaida were populated by Jews. Jesus illustrated that the outcome for those Gentiles would be more favorable at the final judgment than that of the Jews who had been granted the chance for salvation but chose to turn away. The term \\"sackcloth\\" refers to the garments worn by the Jews during times of fasting, while \\"ashes\\" signifies the practice of sprinkling ashes on their heads, representing their profound remorse."},{"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":"By this time, it had become clear that even in the cities where the Savior had primarily taught and performed His works, the inhabitants often lacked genuine belief in the awaited Messiah. They appeared reluctant to abandon their misguided vision of a triumphant Messiah, being more focused on their desire for vengeance against their Roman oppressors than on the promise of the kingdom of heaven. They harbored a proud fantasy of a time when Rome would submit to the anticipated Savior. In response, the Lord issued a stern admonition: \\"Then He began to reproach the cities where His miracles had been most evident for their failure to repent. Woe unto you, Chorazin! Woe unto you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles performed in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, Tyre and Sidon, those wicked Gentile cities of nearby Phoenicia, will fare better in the day of judgment than you. And you, Capernaum, exalted to heaven, shall be brought down to Hades; for if the miracles that were done in you had occurred in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I say unto you, that the land of Sodom will be more fortunate in the day of judgment than you.\\" In these declarations, Christ was not merely acting as a prophet, but also as a Judge, whose verdict was to be executed with chilling precision, which indeed came to pass. Most of these cities now lie in ruins, with no stones left standing and their locations lost to memory or contentious debate."},{"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 towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, where Jesus performed numerous miracles and signs, serve as a profound illustration of the disbelief that He admonished in His contemporaries. Addressing these towns with disapproval, the Lord prophesied a woeful destiny as a fitting consequence for their unparalleled lack of faith: Woe unto you, Chorazin, woe unto you, Bethsaida; for if the mighty works done in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, shall be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works that have been done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you. The prophetic declarations of the Savior were realized so precisely that even today, travelers debate the whereabouts of these cities, which have been reduced to their very foundations."},{"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":"Matthew connects the discourse on John the Baptist with a rebuke of the towns that failed to recognize the Savior's miracles, echoing Luke's account when He commissions seventy disciples to proclaim the message. Luke also highlights Christ's gratitude to God the Father for revealing the secrets of the kingdom of Heaven to those who are like children, emphasizing His unique relationship as the only begotten Son of God. The narrative of the seventy's mission is found in Luke, along with Christ's expressions of joy upon their return. \\n\\nDetermining the chronological order of these events among the Evangelists is challenging. It's likely that Christ's condemnation of the cities occurred toward the conclusion of His public ministry, which is why Luke presents it in that arrangement. Similarly, Christ's praise is probably a response to the demonstration of profound faith by His disciples, justifying its placement within the chronological sequence in Luke. \\n\\nFor a more thorough understanding, additional context can be referenced."},{"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":"At the end of His teachings to the seventy apostles regarding their conduct in spreading the Gospel, the Lord affirmed their authority with a grave warning, foretelling a severe and punishing judgement for those who would reject their message: \\"I tell you that it will be more tolerable for Sodom in that day than for that city\\" (Luke 10:12). Sodom and its neighboring towns, which similarly indulged in various immoralities, had already faced destruction by fire. However, this act of destruction is merely a foretaste of the eternal fire that awaits (Jude 1:7). On that day, the ultimate judgement from God looms over them, and harsh consequences are anticipated for the sinful inhabitants of these cities. Nevertheless, those who dismiss the apostolic preaching face even greater anguish; for, if the residents of Sodom had witnessed as many miraculous works as those who lived during the time of Christ and the apostles, they would have turned from their sins (Matthew 11:23). The Lord then pronounced woes upon the cities where His miracles were most evident but where the people did not repent: Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. The latter city is known to be where the Lord resided after departing from Nazareth (Matthew 4:13) and where numerous deeds of Christ took place. The exact locations of Chorazin and Bethsaida remain uncertain. Chorazin is mentioned solely in this context. However, given that Christ's ministry was primarily on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, it is reasonable to conjecture that Chorazin was in proximity to Capernaum. Likewise, we can infer that Bethsaida, referred to here, is the Bethsaida located on the western side of the Sea of Galilee, the homeland of apostles Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 4:44). Chorazin and Bethsaida are likened to Tyre and Sidon, not only for being Gentile cities (Phoenician, along the eastern Mediterranean coast) but also because their affluent inhabitants may appear least inclined to heed spiritual matters. \\"And you, Capernaum, which are exalted to heaven, shall be brought down to hell.\\" Capernaum was also a commercial hub, more significant than its neighboring towns along the Sea of Galilee. Moreover, the presence of Christ turned it into a center for a significant religious movement sparked by His works. Yet, high as it was, it would later face humiliation; during the Jewish war, like its neighboring cities, it was utterly devastated and destroyed."}]}
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