←
Explanation for:
Matthew
12
:
32
And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but he that shall speak against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, nor in the world to come.
13
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"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":"How can it be that some individuals among us are restored to the positions of bishops and presbyters after having committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, particularly when the Savior proclaims, \\"Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men, but whosoever shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this age, nor in the age to come\\"? It is sufficient to consider the familiar account from the Gospel of Mark, which articulates the rationale behind such profound divine wrath, stating, \\"For they claimed that he had an unclean spirit\\" (Mk. 3:22). Therefore, anyone who attributes the works of the Savior to Beelzebub, the chief of demons, and declares that the Son of God possesses an unclean spirit, shall face irreversible consequences for their blasphemy. \\n\\nConversely, this passage may be interpreted in another way: if someone speaks ill of the Son of Man, perhaps tempted by My mortal nature and perceiving Me merely as a human—being the son of a carpenter with brothers like Jacob, Joseph, and Judas, and a man who consumes food and drink—such opinions and negative remarks might be forgivable, albeit they still contain the inherent guilt of error (Mk. 6:3; Lk. 3:23; Mt. 11:19). However, one who, despite witnessing the undeniable works of God, chooses to malign them out of envy and acknowledges Christ, the Word of God, and the deeds of the Holy Spirit as the works of Beelzebub will not receive forgiveness, neither in this age nor the age to come."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Jerusalem","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a9af397fcf9d613728f_Cyrill%20of%20Jerusalem.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Understanding the Holy Spirit indeed requires spiritual insight. It is not that we can fully articulate all that there is to say about Him, which is beyond our capacity, but rather that by grounding our discussions in the Holy Scriptures, we can steer clear of potential pitfalls. The message conveyed in the Gospel is profoundly sobering, as Christ declared, \\"If any man speak a word against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this age, nor in the age to come.\\" It is crucial to approach this topic with caution, as one might, through ignorance or misplaced zeal, inadvertently speak ill of Him and consequently face grave repercussions. The Lord Jesus, the Righteous Judge of both the living and the dead, warned that such an individual will not find mercy. Thus, if someone falters in this regard, what hope remains for them?"},{"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":"...it is stated, 'by your name' they expel 'demons' (Matt. 7:22). I believe Christ is referencing the Jews, placing them in opposition to the devil. They opposed Him and squandered what He had gathered. This connection is reinforced by the Savior's subsequent declaration: 'Therefore I say unto you, every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven unto men' (Matthew 12:31). By dismantling their slander and addressing their objections, He highlights their obstinate behavior. In matters of guidance and correction, it is sometimes crucial not just to persuade but also to instill fear, as frequently practiced by those who offer laws and counsel. While the words of Jesus may initially appear cryptic, a deeper examination reveals their clarity. Let us attentively consider His words: 'All sin and blasphemy' can be forgiven, He asserts, 'but blasphemy against the Spirit is not forgiven. If anyone speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but if anyone speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, neither in this age nor in the age to come' (Matthew 12:31-32). \\n\\nWhat significance do these words carry? You have made many accusations against me, claiming that I deceive or stand against God. I will forgive you for this, should you repent; however, blasphemy against the Spirit has no provision for absolution even for those who repent. How can this be explained, considering that other sins have indeed been forgiven upon true repentance? Numerous individuals who previously blasphemed the Spirit later believed, and were completely restored. What does this reveal? That sin against the Holy Spirit is uniquely grave. Why is that? Because while they may not have truly recognized Christ and His identity, their understanding of the Spirit was adequate. The prophets spoke under the Spirit's guidance, and the Old Testament provided a clear understanding of Him. Thus, Christ's teaching implies: 'You may doubt me in my earthly form, but how can you claim ignorance of the Spirit?' Therefore, your blasphemy will remain unremitted, warranting punishment in this life and beyond. Many face punishment here, like the fornicator who improperly partook of the mysteries in Corinth, while others experience consequences both here and in the afterlife. \\n\\nIn this context, I absolve you for the misguided words you spoke against Me prior to the crucifixion; your disbelief will not be held against you. Those who believed before the Passion lacked complete faith—hence, He frequently commanded that His identity remain concealed until after His suffering, even praying on the cross for the Jews to be forgiven of their sin. However, what you have spoken against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. It is clear that Christ is addressing the blasphemies spoken by the Jews against Him prior to the crucifixion, as evidenced by the statement: 'if any man speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but if anyone speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven' Why so? Because you are aware of the Holy Spirit, yet you unabashedly reject the evident truth. If you claim not to know Me, you cannot deny that it is through the Holy Spirit that demons are cast out and healings are performed. Thus, you insult not only Me but also the Holy Spirit, making your punishment inevitable in both this life and the next. Some face retribution in both realms; others are punished solely here; yet others only in the afterlife, while some escape judgment altogether, like the Apostles, prophets, and the blessed Job. Their suffering derives not from punishment, but from trials and tribulations."},{"author-name":"Athanasius the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889457b66f7fc274d1066_Athanasius%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"It is fitting to reference the words of the Apostle: The letter kills, but the spirit gives life. For if we adhere too strictly to the divine Scriptures in a literal sense, we risk falling into heretical blasphemies. This also applies to the teachings of the Lord. Should we interpret these statements too literally, we not only embrace erroneous beliefs but also encounter contradictions in the Lord’s words. If it is true that anyone who speaks an offense against the Son will be forgiven, why then did the Son Himself declare that whoever denies Him before others will be denied before the angels of God? Furthermore, if all sins and blasphemies can be forgiven, then how do we account for the necessity of answering for idle words? Why is it stated that one who insults his brother as ‘Fool’ will be in danger of hellfire? The Apostle Paul warns that the unrighteous cannot inherit the kingdom of God. If all these assertions hold true, why do we insist that every sin and blasphemy is forgivable? Moreover, if this last point is accurate, why is Origen criticized for teaching that suffering would come to an end, and that all sins would be forgiven to both humans and demons? If blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is indeed unforgivable, how can the Church reproach Novatus for rejecting repentance? The situation becomes even more perplexing: one who speaks a word against the Son will be forgiven, yet speaking against the Spirit is unforgivable, implying a hierarchy that diminishes the Son in comparison to the Spirit and the Father. Therefore, why do we condemn the Arians, who diminish the Son in relation to the Spirit? Wherefore does the Son state, I and the Father are one, and affirm that disregarding the Son equates to dishonoring the Father? Thus, let us ask, will blasphemy against the Son be forgiven to the Arians, Simonians, Sabellians, Photinians, and all those who denounce the incarnation of the Son? Such a suggestion must be rejected entirely! If uttering a derogatory term toward one’s brother results in condemnation, what fate awaits one who denigrates his God by labeling Him as a mere creature, a servant, or a lesser being? If speaking against the Son leads to forgiveness, why did the Son say, Whoever does not eat My flesh and drink My blood has no life in him? How can anyone disrespect the Son and not also blaspheme the Holy Trinity? To blaspheme the Holy Trinity is to renounce sacred baptism, and one who denies baptism effectively repudiates the Holy Spirit. As with speaking ill of the essence or ray of the physical sun, such disrespect would taint the entire nature of the sun; similarly, dishonoring one aspect of the Triune God is to dishonor the full manifestation of the Godhead. The statement made to the Jews declares that every sin and blasphemy may be forgiven by man, but to speak against the Holy Spirit shall not receive forgiveness, neither in this age nor in the age to come. We must listen with discernment and not deceive ourselves. The Scriptures reveal that Christ embodies twofold natures in a mysterious unity: that of divinity and humanity, for the Word became flesh. Christ identifies the Godly nature of the Word with the Holy Spirit while referring to His human side as the Son of man, as He proclaims, Now is the Son of man glorified. The Jews, who consistently insulted God, ultimately blasphemed against Christ. Some, tempted by His humanity, viewed Him merely as a prophet and labeled Him as a deceiver, yet to these He extended forgiveness, for preaching had only begun, and it was essential for the world to embrace a God who became man. Hence, Christ states, If anyone speaks against the Son of man, meaning His human form, it shall be forgiven. I assert that even the blessed disciples did not fully grasp His divine nature until the Holy Spirit descended upon them at Pentecost; even after the Resurrection, some worshiped while others expressed doubt but did not face condemnation. In contrast, those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit, denying the divinity of Christ and accusing Beelzebub of casting out demons, will find no release in this age or the next. It should be noted that Christ did not specify that those who repent after blasphemy will be condemned; rather, it is those who remain in blasphemy who are condemned. For true repentance can bring the forgiveness of all sins. Some scholars discuss the idea that there are four means by which forgiveness is granted—two applicable in this life and two in the age to come. Because our memories cannot recall every sin throughout a lifetime for proper repentance, our merciful Lord, as some believe, has arranged two means of repentance for the unrepentant in the afterlife. When someone performs good deeds, motivated by mercy and compassion for others, this will be considered during the time of judgment. If deemed sufficient, they may be granted forgiveness. This is the first means. The second arises when a person, burdened by sin, internalizes the saying, Judge not, that they may not condemn others for their actions, thus, as an upholder of this command, they will not be judged unfavorably by the All-Holy One. The other two paths to forgiveness occur in this life. When an individual grapples with sin and faces hardships or adversities under Divine Providence—through which God purifies them in ways known only to Him—and the afflicted expresses gratitude, they will be rewarded. Conversely, failing to express gratitude results in judgment for both the sins being punished and for ingratitude itself. Consequently, anyone who sins against another has numerous opportunities to attain forgiveness. Whoever sins against one person can be justified by doing good to another. However, blasphemy against the Spirit constitutes unbelief, and the only path to obtaining forgiveness is through faith; the sin of ungodliness and disbelief will not be forgiven in this life or the next."},{"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":"What sin is deemed unforgivable? The sin against the Holy Spirit. This transgression characterizes all heretics, as they have blasphemed and continue to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. The Lord declared that they shall not be pardoned, either in this age or in the age to come, as they have opposed God Himself, from whom salvation comes; who then shall aid them? \\n\\nThe phrase, \\"neither here nor there shall it be forgiven him,\\" must be interpreted in this context. The Lord generously forgives many sins, and His baptism freely cleanses believers from punishment. However, the sins of individuals who blaspheme on this earth cannot be pardoned by the Lord, nor through His baptism, nor even by God’s mercy, which transforms evil into good deeds and ultimately obliterates it. The Lord did not claim that there is no recompense for such a blasphemer, but rather that it is not freely granted to him. Even if he performs all that is good and acts in truth, it remains that he will not receive forgiveness freely, but will be recompensed in Gehenna. After all, David renounced his righteousness due to the murder he had committed (2 Sam. 11:14-15). \\n\\nOpenly, I say that no sins can exclude a person from repentance except for this sin of blasphemy, as other transgressions do not prevent an individual from being sanctified through righteous endeavors. Thus, when the Lord rewards those who commit such sins in Gehenna, He rewards the others in the kingdom of heaven. Paul blasphemed, yet he did not forfeit the possibility of repentance, for many blaspheme and persecute, but not to such an extent. By stating, “he shall be guilty of sins forever” (cf. Mark 3:29), he indicated that those sins are not forgiven. The subsequent explanation, “but he shall be guilty,” emphasizes that the individual will receive due punishment, while simultaneously denying him absolution. \\n\\nThe Lord makes a distinction between recompense and forgiveness, which may not be immediately apparent. He did not declare, \\"he shall be a sinner or unrighteous,” but instead said, “he shall be guilty and... condemned.” You can polish silver without fire, but cannot ignite it without flames. Similarly, it was said, “it shall not be released to him here or there.” This refers to his existence on earth, not to what is to come. They witnessed Him clothed in flesh, leading many to doubt His divinity, yet they held no prejudice against the Holy Spirit. Therefore, He states, “Whosoever shall speak a word concerning the Son of Man, let him go; but whosoever...” Likewise, whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, neither in this world nor the next. These words highlight a twofold punishment: a person will suffer here and be broken there. Not all wrongdoers face retribution in this life, but those who blaspheme do; vengeance is exacted both here and there, as seen in the case of Judas Iscariot, whose insides were laid bare.\\n\\nNotice how Peter demonstrated through his anger that Ananias had sinned against the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-5). Such was the case with the blasphemers of that time; however, in our days, they often blaspheme out of ignorance. Hence, all who are born can attain repentance; thus, for one who cannot repent, it would be better not to have been born. All may find forgiveness through repentance, regardless of whether their sins were committed knowingly or unknowingly. The Lord did not say, “Such a one will not find mercy and grace,” but rather, “he will not be absolved.” It may be that if the Lord disciplines him in this life, he might find mercy in the world to come. Therefore, if he does not relent, the Judge reveals the gravity of the offender’s wrongs; yet, if he does relent, the Merciful One demonstrates the vastness of God's blessings, in whom fullness dwells (Col. 2:9). \\n\\nDo not believe that God does not forgive if a sinner truly repents. However, such blasphemy is employed by Satan to hinder repentance. \\"In ignorance,\\" he claims, “I did it” (cf. 1 Tim. 1:13). As for those who persist in sin, the words ring true: “it shall not be put away unto them.” This is evidenced by Judas Iscariot, whose sincere remorse and repentance were rejected. To those who made Christ an ally of demons (Matt. 12:24), He assigned a fate akin to that of the demons, who find no hope of atonement in this world or the next. While the demon proclaimed Him, “Thou Holy One of God” (Lk. 4:34), they accused Him of being possessed by an unclean spirit (cf. Mk. 3:30), thus they are deemed more deserving of condemnation than the demon itself.\\n\\nBlasphemy is inherently present in all sin, yet in this blasphemy lies a willful shamelessness, as they recognized that the Lord had pronounced judgment upon those who knowingly sinned and would not be pardoned. Indeed, the Jewish authorities declared that one who accused Him of being demoniacal should be cast out and excommunicated from the synagogue (John 9:22), illustrating that this was blasphemy without justification—therefore, it remains unforgiven. \\n\\nThis line of reasoning leads to the conclusion that the blasphemers the Lord references do not receive complete forgiveness of sins through grace, but will instead face recompense in Gehenna. David, despite his serious transgressions, was able to reclaim his righteousness through repentance. Likewise, other sinners can be cleansed through repentance, but blasphemers alone are barred from repentance and the gracious absolution of sins."},{"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":"You have raised a significant and frequently asked question, one that has been explored by many, yet understood only by those filled with divine wisdom. As stated, if anyone speaks a word against the Son of Man, he will be forgiven; but speaking against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, neither in this age nor in the age to come. You may wonder why, if the Divine Trinity is one in essence, blasphemy against the Son is not punished while blasphemy against the Spirit is condemned. Therefore, listen closely. Those who utter blasphemy against the Son of Man, as declared by the Lord, will not face condemnation because those with a troubled heart find it difficult to grasp the inexpressibly united essence of God with the limited visibility of human flesh, until the concealed divinity is revealed. However, for those with a pure heart, where the incarnate divinity has been fully recognized, there is no trace of disbelief, and they are not warned of judgment by the Lord. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit remains unforgivable, as the deeds themselves, when revealed, hold those who blaspheme accountable, showing them to be blind and ungrateful. For when suffering was alleviated and demons were expelled by the power of divine majesty, the Jewish dissenters accused this action as being performed by Beelzebub (Matt. 11:27). Concerning this blasphemy, which directly speaks against God's essence, the Lord declared it inexcusable.\\n\\nFrom the very words of the Lord, where it is stated that whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not find forgiveness, it is clear what constitutes blasphemy against Him and that it is indeed punishable. You inquire if Scripture can clarify that the Holy Spirit embodies God's essence. The answer is found in the Lord's own words; with a little reflection and contemplation, you can uncover it. The Lord states: If I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you (Matthew 11:27-28). Furthermore, another Gospel provides a clearer insight: if I drive out demons by the finger of God; here the Holy Spirit is referred to as the finger of God (Luke 11:20). In this analogy, just as a finger is of the same essence as the body, the Evangelist made it evident that the person of the Holy Spirit is inseparable from and similar to the essence of God."},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"In opposition to this selfless offering and divine grace, the unyielding heart protests. Such unrepentance becomes a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be pardoned, neither in this life nor in the world to come. For it is against the Holy Spirit, through Whom they are baptized and from Whom all their sins are forgiven, that this person utters profoundly evil words, whether in thought or speech. The divine forbearance calls for repentance; yet, due to a hardened and unrepentant heart, such a person accumulates wrath for the day of judgment and the revelation of God's righteous decree, which will reward each according to their actions (Rom. 2:4-6). Thus we see unrepentance manifests itself. By a single term, we can describe both the blasphemy and the utterance against the Holy Spirit for which there is no eternal forgiveness. This unrepentance is what both the forerunner and the Judge proclaimed, urging, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (Matt. 3:2; Matt. 4:17). The Lord also addressed this in His gospel messages, underlining that the gospel must be proclaimed throughout the world. After His resurrection, He instructed His disciples that it was necessary for Christ to suffer and rise on the third day, and that repentance and the remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem (Luke 24:46-47). Unrepentance, however, cannot receive forgiveness, neither in this age nor in the age to come, since repentance in this life leads to forgiveness, which is upheld in the era to follow."},{"author-name":"Maximus the Confessor","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8951a1dea23713695271e_Maximus%20the%20Confessor.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":7,"exegesis-text":"What constitutes blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and why are all sins forgiven to humanity except for those who commit this blasphemy, with no forgiveness available in this age or the next? The confusion surrounding the blasphemy against the Spirit can be clarified as follows: when the Lord performed various miracles, the Jews credited the works of the Spirit to the ruler of demons (Matthew 9:34; Matthew 12:24; John 3:8). The statement that those who blaspheme the Spirit are unredeemable in this life or the next should be understood in this context. Some who have discerned the truth by the Spirit affirm that forgiveness of sins occurs in four distinct manners: two in this life and two in the age to come. Acknowledging human limitation in recalling all sins throughout one's life for repentance, our merciful Creator has established avenues for repentance, even in cases of neglect. In the age to come, as previously mentioned, the first way entails that if a person has committed sins without understanding but has also performed acts of kindness driven by compassion or another human motive, both will be evaluated at the Judgement. Should these good deeds outweigh the sins, forgiveness will be granted. The second way emerges when an individual, burdened with transgressions, hears the Lord's words, “Do not judge, lest you be judged” (Matthew 7:1) and feels apprehension without passing judgment on others; in this instance, during the evaluation of his actions, he will not face condemnation, for the Faithful One remembers His commandments. \\n\\nThe other two means of obtaining forgiveness occur in this life. Should Divine Providence bring trials, hardships, or illnesses upon someone living in sin, and this person remains unaware of God's purifying process, gratitude during these trials yields the reward of thankfulness. Conversely, if he fails to express gratitude, he is cleansed of the sins for which he faced punishment but bears the consequence of his ungratefulness. Thus, if a man wrongs others, as the Word illustrates, he has ample chances to receive forgiveness; if he sins against one individual while doing good to another, he can be justified before the same human nature that he offended. However, to blaspheme against the Spirit represents the essence of disbelief, and the only path to forgiveness is through coming to faith. This sin of disbelief and ungodliness will assuredly remain unforgiven for someone who has lived a life devoid of faith, in this age or the next."},{"author-name":"Symeon the New Theologian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c897eec143c131d21207b3_Symeon%20the%20New%20Theologian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":10,"exegesis-text":"Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us in the Holy Gospel, \\"All sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men: but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven unto men… neither in this world, neither in the world to come\\" (Matt. 12:31, 32). This prompts us to explore the nature of the blasphemy directed against the Holy Spirit. According to Basil the Great, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit occurs when an individual wrongly attributes the work of the Holy Spirit to the devil. If anyone observes a Christian brother performing miracles or displaying gifts of the Holy Spirit—such as a contrite heart, tears, humility, or spiritual insight—and claims that these are manifestations of demonic charm, they are committing blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Similarly, those who allege that individuals empowered by the Holy Spirit, living as children of God and obeying His commands, are under the influence of the devil also express blasphemy against the workings of the Holy Spirit within them. This parallels the actions of the Jews who insulted the Son of God; when they witnessed Christ casting out demons, they blasphemously asserted that He did so by the power of Beelzebub, the lord of demons. \\n\\nFurthermore, there are those who, despite witnessing the Divine acts, remain willfully blind, dismissing the testimonies of Scripture that affirm these occurrences are from the Holy Spirit. They reject the knowledge provided by the Scriptures and fearlessly assert that such divine acts arise from drunkenness and demonic influence. Like unfaithful and profoundly ignorant individuals who have not grasped the mysteries of God, they react with disdain when hearing about divine enlightenment or the illumination of the soul, contemplation, or the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and they do so in a manner that darkens their understanding further. In their obstinacy, they declare that such gifts are non-existent in the faithful today, demonstrating a level of impiety even greater than heresy itself."},{"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":"When the Jews observed the Lord engaging in fellowship with tax collectors and sinners, partaking in meals and conducting Himself as the Son of Man, they criticized Him as a glutton and a drunkard. In this instance, their actions might be excusable, as they believed they were led astray for reasonable grounds. However, if they witnessed His miraculous deeds and still chose to defame and denounce the Holy Spirit by attributing those works to evil spirits, how could one assume that such a transgression would be forgiven without genuine repentance? Therefore, it is essential to recognize that those who speak ill of the Son of Man, noting His behavior among sinners and calling Him a companion of lowly men, a deceiver, and one who indulges excessively in drink, will stand without justification unless they repent. Such individuals merit forgiveness because they did not comprehend the divinity present in Jesus Christ. On the other hand, those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit or malign the divine acts of Christ, labeling them as demonic, cannot expect forgiveness unless they turn from their wrongdoing, as they lack valid cause for their accusations—unlike those who disparaged Christ based on His associations. Thus, they will face no pardon either in this life or the next, suffering consequences both here and in the afterlife. Many endure earthly punishment but not in the hereafter, akin to poor Lazarus; others face torment in both realms, such as the inhabitants of Sodom and those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit; while yet others experience neither here nor there, like the Apostles and John the Baptist. They endured the trials of persecution, yet these were not punishments for sin but rather tests that led to the crowns of glory."},{"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":"Anyone who sins against My humanity, that is, who speaks ill of Me by being tempted by the fact that I, in My human form, eat, drink, sleep, work, and participate in all aspects of human existence—such a person can be forgiven. This is because their blasphemy arises from a lack of understanding rather than from malice. However, those who attribute My divine actions, which only God can perform, to Beelzebub, as you are doing now, are committing a serious offense against the Holy Spirit, referring to the Godhead as the Holy Spirit. Those who do so are manifestly destructive in their intentions, openly insulting God, and will not find forgiveness. They shall not be absolved in this life or the next, which highlights that blaspheming against God is the gravest and most horrifying sin. Some individuals face punishment in this life and the next, much like the Sodomites and the Jews. We have mentioned the Sodomites in the eleventh chapter, and the Jews faced consequences when they were tragically besieged by the Romans, suffering even greater punishment afterward. Others experience punishment only in this life, such as the well-known incestuous man from Corinth who was led astray by Satan. Some suffer in the afterlife, like the notorious rich man tormented in flames. Lastly, some endure trials neither in this life nor the next, such as the apostles, prophets, and Job; their experiences were not due to divine discipline but rather were acts of valor and struggle. Thus, this serves as a warning to those who choose not to repent, while to those who do seek forgiveness, grace is available both now and in the thereafter. Moreover, many who sinned similarly in that era yet later believed found forgiveness for all their transgressions."},{"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":"Against the Son of Man: against the Son of Man, against Jesus. The Jews were challenged by His origins and His lowly existence, as He was not the Messiah they had anticipated. They struggled with the fact that He hailed from Nazareth, a place they thought unworthy (John 1:46), and from Galilee, a region they believed could not produce a prophet (John 7:52). Their doubts were deepened by His state of poverty and humiliation, making them hesitant to accept Him as the Messiah, leading them to speak ill of Him. This sin will find forgiveness, for it arises from delusion, lack of understanding, and ignorance; these misperceptions can be cleared, ignorance can be transformed into knowledge, and faith can blossom with the aid of the Holy Spirit. Following repentance, this sin will then be absolved. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that I perform miracles. However, it will not be forgiven: anyone who denies the Holy Spirit in Christ and maliciously affronts Him will face no forgiveness; the reason lies in the spiritual condition of such an individual. As St. Chrysostom notes, they did not yet comprehend Christ and His true identity, even though they had received sufficient understanding of the Holy Spirit. ‘The Holy Spirit is known to you, and you are unashamed in denying the obvious truth. For if you claim ignorance of Me, you recognize that it is the work of the Holy Spirit to expel demons and perform miracles. Hence, your punishment here and in the afterlife is unavoidable’ (Zlat., cf. Theophilus). St. Athanasius the Great further explains this statement: ‘The sacred scriptures reveal that Christ, in the depth of His unity, is both divine and human, for the Word became flesh (John 1:14). Christ Himself identifies the divinity of the Word with the Holy Spirit, as He expressed to the Samaritan woman: God is Spirit (Jn. 4:24), while the humanity of the Word is the Son of Man, as He states, “Now is the Son of Man glorified’ (Jn. 13:31). Therefore, why does He say that whoever speaks against the Son of Man, which refers to His physical form, shall be forgiven? I venture to state that even His most blessed disciples lacked a full understanding of His divinity until the Holy Spirit descended upon them on Pentecost. However, those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit—denying the divinity of Christ and claim that He expels demons by the power of Beelzebub will not find forgiveness. It is essential to note that Christ did not say, ‘It shall not be forgiven to him who blasphemes and repents,’ but rather to him who blasphemes, meaning one who remains in blasphemy. For genuine repentance leads to the forgiveness of all sins. This applies during this age: the period leading to the second coming of Christ and the inevitable universal judgment. In the future: after the second coming and judgment—eternity."},{"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 anyone expresses something blasphemous against the Son of Man, who insults Me in My humanity, and, swayed by the fact that I eat, drink, sleep, and toil as a man, labels Me as a glutton and a drunkard, a companion of tax collectors and sinners, he is still somewhat excusable. For in the guise of My mortal form, he fails to recognize the Divine within Me, and thus, this sin can be forgiven. Ignorance may fade, knowledge will come, and then faith will emerge. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, one will come to repentance, and their sin will be cleansed by the blood of the Savior. \\n\\nHowever, if anyone speaks against the Holy Spirit, who, without ignorance, blasphemes against Me—having witnessed firsthand the marvels of My Divine Power and My ability to expel demons—no longer perceives Me merely as the Son of Man but transgresses against My Deity, then such a blasphemer actively insults the Holy Spirit, who is united with Me and of the same essence. Therefore, this blasphemy will not be forgiven, neither in this life nor in the age to come; he faces certain retribution both now and later. \\n\\nHe will remain unpardoned for this grave sin because he becomes incapable of embracing the renewing and saving grace of the Holy Spirit. If he resists the Spirit of God and speaks ill of Him, can he truly accept His life-giving grace into his sinful heart? This heart is filled with animosity and wickedness towards God; will it allow itself to be affected by God's love? The soul of such an individual closes itself off from the light of God and willfully embraces the darkness of evil and deceit, leading him to a dreadful state of unrepentance. Such a person drives away the grace of the Holy Spirit, making repentance unattainable for him, as God does not force salvation upon anyone. “I warn you,” says the Lord to the Pharisees."}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
