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Explanation for:
Matthew
11
:
23
And thou Capharnaum, shalt thou be exalted up to heaven? thou shalt go down even unto hell. For if in Sodom had been wrought the miracles that have been wrought in thee, perhaps it had remained unto this day.
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":"In a different passage, we read: And thou, Capernaum, who art exalted to heaven, shalt descend even to hell. These words carry a dual significance – either ‘You will descend to the depths because you proudly opposed My message,’ or ‘You were lifted high due to My character and the miracles and wonders I performed, so with this great privilege, your suffering will be even more severe.’"},{"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":"Capernaum gained renown as a result of Christ residing there and carrying out numerous miracles. He declares, \\"And thou, who art exalted even unto heaven by thy glory, shalt also descend even unto hell by thine own ignominy.\\" The mention of heaven signifies the height of glory, while hell represents the depth of shame. This statement serves to intensify the rebuke, illustrating that their wickedness was not only greater than that of contemporary sinners but also surpassed that of those from earlier times."},{"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":"Capernaum was lifted up as the city of the Lord; it was honored as His home, yet it failed to gain any blessing from this privilege due to its lack of faith. Instead, it faces greater condemnation, suffering eternal torment, having had such a Divine presence yet not embracing His grace. The name ‘Capernaum’ means ‘place of comfort’; thus, if anyone is privileged to be the dwelling of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, and subsequently grows arrogant, believing themselves to be elevated, they will ultimately fall because of their pride. Therefore, let one take heed."},{"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 Gospel of Matthew connects the discourse on John the Baptist (11, 20-24) with a condemnation of cities that remained unaffected by the works of the Savior. This is echoed in Luke’s account when He sends out seventy disciples to proclaim the Gospel (10, 13-15). Additionally, Jesus expresses gratitude to God the Father for revealing the secrets of the Kingdom to the humble (25-26). Luke highlights both the commissioning of the seventy disciples (10, 13-15) and Christ's acknowledgment of the Father for disclosing these mysteries to the innocent (25-26), alongside the doctrine of His divine sonship (27-30), which emphasizes that Christ’s return to God the Father follows this revelation (25-26). During the return of the seventy disciples (10, 21-24), Christ's words are recorded, yet it is challenging to ascertain the precise chronological order presented by the Evangelists. Regarding the denunciation of the cities, it is likely that Jesus proclaimed this towards the conclusion of His earthly ministry, thus reflected in the chronological narrative of Luke. Similarly, it is probable that His exaltation of the Father stemmed from the emergence of profound faith among His disciples, justifying its chronological placement in Luke's account."},{"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":"Capernaum: refer to the commentary on Matthew 4:13. \\"He who ascended up to heaven\\": in biblical terminology, to ascend or be exalted to heaven can sometimes convey the notion of pride or a grandiose self-image, reflecting one's perceived greatness and fulfillment (Isaiah 14:13). Capernaum was relatively notable among its neighboring cities, positioned on the main trade route connecting Gaza of the Philistines with Damascus of Syria. Its economic prosperity might have given the impression of being lifted high above the other towns. However, it is likely that the prominence of Capernaum is attributed to the presence of Jesus Christ, who lived there, preached, and performed miracles during His time in Galilee (as noted by Theophilus and Chrysostom). \\"Thou shalt be brought down to hell\\": you who now stand elevated shall ultimately face humiliation. Here, the term hell does not refer to the eternal punishment designated for the unrighteous, nor does heaven denote the eternal joy of the righteous; instead, they symbolize only degradation and ruin. The once exalted city, recognized among all, will experience downfall and destruction. This prophecy was fulfilled with precision. During the Jewish-Roman wars, Capernaum and its neighboring cities suffered such devastation that only impoverished villages remained in their stead. Yet this was merely a temporary chastisement; \\"in the day of judgment,\\" the residents of this city, who disregarded the words and deeds of the Lord, would face a harsher fate than the people of Sodom (see note on Matthew 10:15). \\"Would have remained\\": would not have faced destruction (see also note)."},{"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":"Capernaum, you who are exalted to the heavens, elevated by your wealth and the multitude of your blessings, and who bask in glory because I have chosen to reside within you and have performed numerous miracles among you, you who show ingratitude for the abundant mercies of God, due to your disbelief and hard-heartedness, will be brought down to the depths of despair; you will face destruction and ruin! If the mighty works of God's power had been shown in Sodom, that notorious city, it would have remained standing to this very day. Yet you had such a presence among you, and you chose not to embrace Him!"},{"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":"And you, Capernaum, who have been exalted to heaven. To be elevated to heaven symbolizes ambition and pride. Capernaum held considerable importance among Galilee's towns, gaining prominence because Jesus Christ resided there, attracting crowds eager to listen to His teachings and seek healing for their ailments, as well as witnessing His numerous miracles. Jesus drew a comparison with the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, infamous for their inhabitants' depravity, which faced destruction through sulfur and fire (Genesis 19). And you, Capernaum, elevated to heaven, will be cast down to the depths; for if the divine works witnessed in you had been displayed in Sodom, it would have endured until now; but I tell you that Sodom will have a greater ease on the day of judgment than you. Here, the term hell does not refer to its typical definition but is used in opposition to heaven: those who have been raised to great heights will face downfall and ruin; and the people of Capernaum, who turned away from Christ, will face a fate far worse in the afterlife than the sinful denizens of the obliterated cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The initial phase of the Lord's judgment on these cities came to fruition soon after: during the conflict between the Jews and the Romans, when Jerusalem was laid waste, these towns met a similar end, leaving only ruins in their wake, and today, desolate villages stand where vibrant cities once thrived."},{"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 point, it had become clear that even in those towns where the Saviour frequently preached and performed miracles, the inhabitants did not consistently demonstrate genuine belief in the anticipated Messiah. They seemed reluctant to abandon their misconceptions of a triumphant ruler, showing greater concern for vengeance against their Roman oppressors than for the kingdom of heaven. Instead, they cherished a lofty hope that one day Rome would submit to the awaited Messiah. In response to this, the Saviour issued a serious admonition: \\"Then He began to rebuke the cities where His miracles were most clearly evident for their unrepentant hearts. Woe unto you, Chorazin; woe unto you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, Tyre and Sidon, those sinful Gentile cities of nearby Phoenicia, will fare better on the day of judgment than you. And you, Capernaum, which are exalted to heaven, shall be brought down to Hades; for if the miracles done in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I say to you, the land of Sodom will be more fortunate on the day of judgment than you.\\" In these statements, Christ acted not only as a prophet but also as a Judge, and His decree was destined to be realized with terrifying precision. Today, most of these cities lie in ruins, and their exact locations have been lost or remain a topic of 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 He worked numerous miracles, serve as a poignant illustration of the disbelief that Jesus confronted during His ministry. Addressing these cities with a tone of admonition, the Lord predicted a grim destiny as just punishment for their remarkable lack of faith: Woe unto you, Chorazin; woe unto you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes. Yet I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be treated more favorably on the day of judgment than you will be. And you, O Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be thrust down to the depths: for if the mighty acts performed in you had taken place in Sodom, it would have endured to this day. But I say to you, the land of Sodom will fare better on the day of judgment than you. The prophetic declarations of the Savior were fulfilled with such precision that today, travelers debate the whereabouts of these towns, which were obliterated down 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":"At the end of His instructions to the seventy apostles regarding their conduct while spreading the Gospel, the Lord affirmed their authority by issuing a warning about a dire and punitive judgment awaiting those who disregard 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 surrounding towns, which indulged in similar debauchery, have already faced punishment through fiery destruction. However, this destruction merely foreshadows the torment of eternal flame (Jude 1:7). On that day, they will confront the final judgment of God. A harsh reckoning is anticipated for the sinful residents of these cities. Yet, those who repudiate the apostolic message will face even greater suffering, as the people of Sodom would have repented had they witnessed as many miracles as those who lived during the time of Christ and the apostles (Matthew 11:23). \\n\\nConsequently, the Lord proclaimed woes upon the cities where His miraculous works were evident, yet they did not repent: Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. Capernaum is particularly noted as the town where the Lord resided after departing from Nazareth (Matthew 4:13) and where many of His works were performed. The other two cities, however, are less clearly identified. Chorazin is mentioned exclusively in this context, but given that Christ's primary ministry occurred on the western bank of the Sea of Galilee, it is reasonable to assume that Chorazin was nearby Capernaum. Similarly, it seems likely that Bethsaida referenced here refers to the Bethsaida located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, the hometown of apostles Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 4:44). \\n\\nChorazin and Bethsaida were likened to Tyre and Sidon, not only because they were Gentile cities (Phoenician, situated on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean) but also because the citizens of these prosperous trading hubs appeared least inclined to heed spiritual matters. ‘And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, thou shalt be brought down unto hell.’ Capernaum was also an important trade center, surpassing its nearby towns along the Sea of Galilee. Nevertheless, as a result of Christ's presence, it became the heart of a significant religious awakening instigated by His deeds. Yet, despite its lofty status, it was reduced to humiliation in later times; during the Jewish war, it was completely demolished, like its neighboring settlements."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Then the Lord, filled with deep sorrow, declared a curse upon those obstinate towns (Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum—elevated by the presence and ministry of the Lord), where despite the numerous miracles He performed and His constant teachings, He found very few genuine, wise followers. A greater judgment is destined for you than that which came upon Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom!"}]}
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