←
Explanation for:
Matthew
17
:
18
Then came the disciples to Jesus secretly, and said: Why could not we cast him out?
10
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":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Afterward, His followers approached Him privately and inquired, “Why can we not drive out demons?” I believe they were concerned about losing the grace that had been bestowed upon them; they had been given authority over unclean spirits. Therefore, they sought Christ in secret, not out of shame (since they had already succeeded in their mission and faced correction, they had no reason to feel shame in confessing verbally), but because they wished to discuss a matter of significance and confidentiality. So, who is Christ?"},{"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":"The disciples experienced fear, wondering if they had forfeited the grace they had received over the evil spirits. In their concern, they inquired privately."},{"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":"According to Mark, upon Christ's arrival in the house, they inquired about their concern that they might have forfeited the authority they had acquired over impure spirits."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"The apostles were justifiably astonished by their inability to expel the demon, prompting them to inquire, “Why?” Previously, Jesus had bestowed upon them the authority to drive out unclean spirits, enabling them to heal every ailment and disease (Matthew 10:1). They contemplated whether the grace for performing miracles had been revoked from them. It was not that they hesitated out of shame to question Him openly; rather, they addressed Him privately because the matter was profound and beyond words (Zlat. in conversation). From this, we can deduce two points: first, those endowed with the gift of prophecy do not always prophesy about every situation, just as those granted the grace to perform miracles do not always accomplish miraculous deeds. Secondly, the lack of faith or doubt in the miracle-worker or the unworthiness of the one seeking a miracle can hinder the performance of miracles. This is further emphasized by the Lord's response: v. 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief. But I say unto you, If ye have faith as the grain of the mountain, ye shall say unto this mountain, Pass over from here to there, and it shall pass away: and nothing shall be impossible unto you."},{"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 disciples, recognizing their inadequacy, reflected on the reasons behind their defeat. St. Chrysostom observes that they were concerned they might have forfeited the grace that had been granted to them. Thus, when they entered the house, the disciples, who up to that moment had not approached Jesus, inquired of Him: \\"Why were we unable to drive him out, when previously the demons had obeyed us?\\""},{"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":"\\"Why were we unable to drive him out?\\" They were likely concerned that they might have forfeited the grace they had previously received, as they had been given authority over impure spirits. Thus, they approached Christ privately, unashamedly, because they sought to discuss a significant and confidential issue. Once the situation was made apparent and they were in the open, there was no reason for them to feel embarrassed about confessing verbally.\\""},{"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":"In the account provided by Mark the Evangelist, after Jesus had healed the boy, He went into the house, and the disciples accompanied Him. Once they were alone together, they inquired, \\"Why were we unable to drive him out?\\" Jesus responded, \\"It is due to your lack of faith\\" (Matt. 17:20)."},{"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":"Before Jesus empowered His disciples to drive out demons, individuals who were not part of His inner circle occasionally utilized this authority on His behalf (Mark 9:38). They succeeded in their endeavors. Therefore, it is understandable that the disciples seized the chance to inquire about the reason for their recent failure. Jesus candidly informed them that their lack of faith was to blame. Perhaps the awareness of His absence diminished their trust; maybe they felt less equipped to face challenges without Peter and the sons of Zebedee at their side; or it could be that the distressing news of their Master’s rejection and impending death weighed heavily on the spirits of the most vulnerable among them. Regardless, Jesus exploited this moment to impart two significant lessons: first, that there exist forms of spiritual, physical, and moral evil so entrenched that they can only be overcome through prayer, coupled with self-control and self-denial, with fasting being the most potent expression of these; second, that perfect faith enables all things to be achievable. Even faith as small as a mustard seed is powerful enough to effect miraculous outcomes. The one who possesses this faith can command a mountain to remove itself and cast itself into the sea, and it will happen."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Following this, Jesus Christ and His disciples entered a house, where the disciples asked Him privately, \\"Why were we unable to drive it out?\\" Blessed Theophylact notes that the apostles feared they had lost the authority granted to them over demons, which prompted them to approach Jesus with anxiety in a secluded setting. The Lord responded to their concerns about their lack of faith, saying, \\"Amen, I say to you: if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you.\\" This illustrates the remarkable strength of faith, beginning within the human spirit as a small seed yet growing to an extent where nothing is insurmountable. According to St. John Chrysostom, the Apostles did not consistently possess such unwavering faith; there were moments when they exhibited weakness, as they were not entirely perfected before the Cross."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Later, the disciples privately inquired of Him why they were unable to drive out the demon. The Lord clarified that their inability stemmed from their unbelief and also from a deficiency in fasting and prayer. Fasting is essential for fortifying prayer."}]}
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.
