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Explanation for:
Matthew
13
:
52
He said unto them: Therefore every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old.
10
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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":"The apostles received guidance as the scribes and witnesses of the Savior, inscribing His teachings and directives upon the fleshly tablets of their hearts. They are educated in the sacred mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, endowed with the abundant treasures of the Household, drawing forth from the storehouse of their teaching both new insights and enduring truths. Thus, the Gospel's proclamation is affirmed by the testimonies found in the scriptures of the law and the prophets. This is reflected in the words of the bride in the Song of Songs, ‘My beloved brother, new and old things have I kept for you,’ Song of Songs 7:14."},{"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 Lord addresses not the crowds, but His disciples and those who truly grasp the parables He shares as a valid testimony. He likens them to Himself, referring to them as students, because they have come to comprehend His teachings regarding the treasures both new and old. They possess the insight of those He refers to as scribes, having recognized that He reveals both the new and the old, which pertains to the Gospels and the law, demonstrating that both lead to the same treasure of their Master."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"A scribe is an individual who, through careful study of both the Old and New Testaments, accumulates a wealth of wisdom. Consequently, He blesses those who integrate sound legal principles with the teachings of the Gospel, enabling them to draw from their storehouse both fresh insights and ancient truths. To such individuals, He compares the scribe, as He states elsewhere: I send to you wise men and scribes (Matthew 23:34)."},{"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":"The entirety of sacred Scripture is organized into two distinct segments, reflecting the way in which the Lord has revealed it. He states that the scribe, instructed in the kingdom of heaven, resembles a master who retrieves both new and old treasures; these segments are known as the two Testaments. \\n\\nIn this manner, the voice of Christ communicates with the Jews through the words of the Old Testament: they recognize those words but do not perceive the presence of the One who speaks. Do they desire the veil to be lifted? They must approach the Lord. In doing so, the old treasures are not discarded; instead, they are stored within the treasury, allowing the scribe, who is educated in the kingdom of heaven, to draw from both new and old treasures. If he were to present only new or only old, he would not truly be a scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, for he must draw out both (Matt. 13:52). If he merely articulates this idea without embodying it, he conveys it from a pulpit rather than from the wealth of his heart. Thus, we sincerely urge you, in holiness: what is revealed from the Old Testament finds its illumination in the New. Therefore, come to the Lord so that the veil may be lifted."},{"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":"For humanity, the descent into the depths of hell has long been a reality, where eternal punishment for sin reigns. However, through the advent of the Mediator, a new opportunity has been presented; if one strives to live a righteous life, entrance into the kingdom of heaven is attainable. Although a person experiences physical death in this corruptible state, they are destined for eternal life in heaven. Thus, this transformative message embodies both the old, reminding us of the consequences of sin and the eternal suffering it brings, and the new, offering the hope of redemption through repentance and life in the heavenly kingdom. This concept is reiterated by the Lord at the close of His teachings. Previously, He compared the kingdom of heaven to hidden treasures and fine pearls, then spoke of the torments of hell and the fate of the unrighteous. In conclusion, He states: Therefore every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like a master who brings out from his storeroom both new and old treasures. This suggests that there exists a learned minister within the Holy Church who can articulate both the new – the blessings of the kingdom – and the old – the solemnity of divine retribution, so that those indifferent to rewards might at least heed the warnings of punishment."},{"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":"Observe how the parables prompted deeper reflection among them. Those who were otherwise considered dull and uneducated grasped the meaning, albeit dimly. Commending this understanding, the Savior declares, “therefore every scribe,” and so forth. He refers to them as scribes, indicating their familiarity with the law. However, although educated in the law, they did not adhere to it; rather, they acquired the knowledge of the kingdom, which is the understanding of Christ, allowing them to draw from the treasures of both the Old and New Testaments. The Master, identified as Christ, embodies the richness of wisdom. He introduced the new by also referencing the old Scriptures. Hence, He stated, “Thou shalt also answer for an idle word”—this represents new teaching; subsequently, He testified, “By thy words thou shalt be justified and condemned”—this is a principle from the old law. He is akin to the apostles, such as Paul, who urges, “Be ye imitators of me, even as I am of Christ” (1 Cor. 4:16)."},{"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":"When they claimed to understand, He conveyed a parable to them, illustrating that all His true followers possess an abundance of wisdom. He stated that every scribe or wise individual who has become a learner of the King of Heaven, who is Christ, is enriched with insight—this learner is regarded as someone who, rather than simply being wise, actively engages with Him. Such a person resembles a master, akin to a wealthy individual who draws from his treasure both new and old precious items at will. The \\"new\\" represents the teachings of the New Covenant, while the \\"old\\" denotes the principles of the Old Covenant. The phrase “For this cause” here is not intended to imply causation but rather serves as an affirmation, synonymous with “truly.”"},{"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 addressed them, indicating that they could now be recognized as scribes—not merely knowledgeable in ancient teachings, but also enlightened with the fresh mysteries of God. Every sincere, virtuous, and discerning scribe, every proclaimer of the Gospel's truth, who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven and has absorbed its truths, resembles a steward who draws forth from his treasury for sacrifice, utilizing both old and new provisions according to need. Likewise, you convey to the people both the wisdom gleaned from the Old Testament and the revelations granted to you now. Thus, the prophecies of the Old Testament pertain to the former covenant, while their fulfillment is realized in the New; the commandments of the Law belong to the Old, but their essence and completeness are found in the New; the images presented through parables are rooted in the Old, while the teachings encapsulated within those images manifest in the New. Blessed Theophylact observes that \\"the homely man is Christ.\\" He possesses abundance, for all the treasures of wisdom dwell in Him. As He imparted new teachings, He referenced the old for validation; for instance, He proclaimed, \\"They shall give an answer ... for every idle word\\"—a new teaching; then He affirmed, \\"by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned”—a teaching from the past (Matt. 12:36)."},{"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 term \\"scribe\\" in this context shifts from its traditional Jewish meaning, often associated with scholars and teachers of a Pharisaic nature, to embody the true essence of a Christian preacher (see Matt. 23:34). This Christian scribe, unlike the Jewish scribes who identified as followers of Moses (Matt. 23:2, Jn. 9:28), is identified as a disciple of the kingdom of heaven (μαυειτε'υειν τινι - to be a disciple of someone: Matt. 27:57). Here, the kingdom of God is personified, suggesting that Christ's disciples are indeed the disciples of this divine kingdom, with Christ as its sovereign leader (refer to the note on Matthew 12:28). \\n\\nWhen it states \\"takes out of the treasury,\\" it implies drawing upon what is necessary, contingent upon the circumstances and needs of the audience. The phrases \\"old and new\\" refer to knowledge that is either ancient or more recently acquired; this encompasses both teachings that have been historically known and those that have been newly revealed. The \\"old\\" relates to the Old Testament, while the \\"new\\" pertains to the New Testament (as noted by Chrysostom, Hieron, Theophilus). For instance, prophecies from the Old Testament are categorized as \\"old,\\" while the teachings regarding their fulfillment fall under the \\"new;\\" the commandments of the law are part of the old, yet their fulfillments (Matt. 5:17) are found in the new. Similarly, the imagery used in parables and broadly in the teachings of Christ and the apostles is rooted in the old, but the spiritual truths conveyed through these images belong to the new. Thus, when proclaiming the reign of Christ, the apostles and all subsequent Christian preachers are to follow the guidance provided by the Lord. They are called to share the truths from both the Old and New Testaments, as both have been divinely revealed for the purpose of humanity's salvation.\\n\\nThose who lack familiarity with the divine scriptures cannot be deemed adequately knowledgeable; they are devoid of spiritual nourishment, failing to care for their own well-being. Moreover, not only are these individuals at a loss, but heretics also miss out on this spiritual richness, as they draw from a treasury that holds neither the old nor the new. Without possession of the old, they consequently lack access to the new."},{"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":"After Jesus concluded His discourse with His disciples through parables, He inquired, “Do you comprehend all this?” When He discerned from their responses that they understood, He referred to them as scribes—not the Jewish ones who, in alliance with the Pharisees, opposed Him—but scribes educated in the teachings of the kingdom of heaven. The Jewish scribes were acquainted solely with the ancient prophecies regarding the Messiah's arrival, yet they lacked understanding. In contrast, a scribe enlightened through Christ’s preaching, well-versed in both the ancient prophecy and the new revelation about the Kingdom of Heaven, would draw from both sources. Just as a skilled steward selects from his treasury not only the new but also the old based on need, so too would they proclaim not only Christ’s teachings but also the Old Testament prophecies concerning Him. \\n\\nThe Jews anticipated the Messiah as a powerful conqueror destined to dominate and rule eternally. However, the true Messiah, Christ, the Son of God, came forth, proclaiming His message, yet the Pharisees, scribes, chief priests, and Jewish leaders resisted His words, choosing to close their eyes to Jesus’s miraculous deeds. They were unwilling to acknowledge evidence that challenged their teachings and affirmed the divinity of the Messiah, whose kingdom transcended worldly expectations; their hearts were hardened by their preoccupation with the notion of a triumphant Messiah.\\n\\nThe Apostle Paul, in his address before the Areopagus in Athens, encountered this same resistance during his proclamation of the resurrected Christ. Upon reaching the critical moment of the Resurrection, some members of the Areopagus ridiculed him, while others remarked, “We will hear you about this at another time” (Acts 17:32). They failed to heed the preacher’s words, akin to those whose hearts were similarly hardened by a belief in the improbability of resurrection.\\n\\nToday mirrors this reality. Our intellectual elite—though not all—who have little acquaintance with Jesus Christ or His Gospel, have often replaced the simple faith nurtured in their formative years with a modern skepticism portrayed as intellectual sophistication, diminishing the significance of Christ, the God-man and Son of God. Influenced by thinkers such as Büchner, Renan, and Strauss, they have become so captivated by these erroneous ideologies that awakening them from this intellectual slumber is a formidable task. \\n\\nFor instance, one doubting student, troubled by a sense of life’s futility, expressed to me a deep yearning to discover its meaning. I suggested delving into the Gospel and exploring the person of Jesus Christ for understanding. His response revealed a resistance, as deep-seated doubts impeded his ability to even open the Gospel. Another case involves an elder doctor I often encountered in Nice, who grappled with the question of life’s purpose. Despite beginning to read the Gospel, the pervasive doubt from his earlier educational experiences hindered any unbiased study. He later confided that he envied the faithful but struggled to believe in events that transpired nearly two millennia ago, claiming that they lacked a factual basis.\\n\\nThe truths revealed within the Gospel come from God, who grants understanding of the heavenly mysteries to some while withholding it from others. However, it is unjust to ascribe inequality in the distribution of such profound gifts—understanding of these mysteries—to God. He created humanity in His own image, which inherently allows every individual to comprehend the truths that Christ unveiled. These revelations do not demand exceptional intellectual prowess; they are simple and can be grasped easily, whether through the intellect or the heart. Faith in Him who has unveiled these mysteries is essential (John 6:28-29). One must either come to believe or be persuaded of Christ’s identity as the Son of God, affirming that every word He spoke is indeed the truth.\\n\\nThis opportunity to acknowledge or be convinced of Christ's divine nature hinges on the individual. Anyone approaching the Gospel without bias, liberated from the influences of Büchner and others, positions themselves to fathom the mysteries disclosed by the Lord. If a person remains impervious, having succumbed to such influences that render these revelations incomprehensible, they essentially forfeit the opportunity to understand. Generally, in instances of failure, one ought to engage in self-reflection; when seeking the reasons behind an unsuccessful outcome, one should first consider whether they themselves are at fault for the situation.\\n\\nThe Lord's statement, “It is given to you to know the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them,” should be interpreted as follows: you, meaning the Apostles, who have renounced all worldly attachments—property, family, and friendships—to follow Me, have thus gained the ability to comprehend the secrets I reveal. Your actions have provided you this understanding. Conversely, those who have hardened their hearts through selfishness and blinded their minds with the false doctrines of scribes and Pharisees remain precluded from grasping the mysteries I disclose because of their own self-centeredness and intellectual darkness. \\n\\nUltimately, the conditions we create for ourselves either facilitate or obstruct comprehension of these divine mysteries. Those who cultivate an environment conducive to understanding will have the truth revealed to them, and such knowledge will deepen. Conversely, those who place themselves in environments hostile to truth stifle their innate yearning for God and understanding of Him, diminishing the potential that exists within every person created in His image."}]}
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