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Explanation for:
Matthew
18
:
19
Again I say to you, that if two of you shall consent upon earth, concerning any thing whatsoever they shall ask, it shall be done to them by my Father who is in heaven.
10
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Ignatius of Antioch","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d0244079222ed1845a0_Ignatius%20of%20Antioch.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":1,"exegesis-text":"Let no one be led astray! Those who stand apart from the altar are deprived of the Bread of Life. If the prayers of two hold significant strength, how much more powerful is the prayer of a bishop alongside the entire Church? Therefore, anyone who does not participate in the general assembly is displaying arrogance and has brought judgment upon themselves; for it is written: God opposes the proud. Let us strive to support the bishop, so that we may be in harmony with God."},{"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 entirety of the preceding discussion invites us to unity. Thus, the promise of His presence among those gathered in His name reaffirms this truth. This concept echoes the story of a certain ruler who, having imprisoned two friends—one of whom wished to visit his ailing mother and was released on the condition set by the other—sought to test their loyalty. The ruler decided to let one go while the other remained confined. Upon the return of the released friend on the designated day, the governor, moved by their unwavering loyalty, asked to join them as a companion. Spiritually, this narrative illustrates the harmony that should exist among the spirit, soul, and body. When these elements are aligned without conflicting desires—where the flesh does not desire what opposes the spirit, and the spirit does not yearn for what contradicts the flesh—they will receive from the Father all that they request. It is important to recognize that such petitions ought to be for righteous deeds, meaning that the body's desires should align with the spirit's intentions."},{"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":"Observe how He eradicates hostility, nullifies trivial considerations, and harmonizes those in discord, not merely by announcing condemnation, but by revealing the blessings that arise from love. Following the aforementioned denunciations of enmity, He declares significant rewards for unity. Those who are in agreement offer their petitions to the Father, and Christ dwells among them. But what does this mean? Are there not instances of two living harmoniously together? Certainly, such examples exist in numerous places, perhaps even universally. Why then do they not receive everything? This is due to various other factors hindering their reception. One reason is that they often request things of no value. Should we be surprised that this occurs with others, when Paul himself encountered similar situations: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9)? They do not receive, as they are not worthy of being heard, failing to fulfill the necessary conditions on their part; yet the Saviour seeks prayers from those who embody the spirit of the apostles, and thus He emphasizes: two of you, referring to those who live virtuously and maintain an angelic demeanor. Alternatively, their requests may be directed against those who have wronged them, seeking retribution and punishment, which is prohibited, as it is commanded: pray for your enemies (Matthew 5:44). Additionally, unrepentant sinners may plead for mercy, but it is impossible for them to obtain it, even if another, bold enough, intercedes on their behalf. Jeremiah, who petitioned for the Jews, received the response, ‘Do not pray for these people, for I will not listen to you’ (Jeremiah 11:14). If all these conditions are met—asking for beneficial things, fulfilling your obligations, leading an apostolic life, and living in harmony and love with your neighbors—you will receive according to your petitions, for the Lord is gracious. Moreover, since the Saviour mentioned ‘From my Father’ to indicate that He Himself is the giver and not the Father alone, He further elaborated (see v. 20)."},{"author-name":"Chromatius of Aquileia","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a3df6d7a747a33b4f4a_Chromatius%20of%20Aquileia.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The significance of unity and harmony among brethren is clearly highlighted by God, as exemplified in the Lord’s declaration: “The heavenly Father will give all that is asked, if two or three ask in harmony.” There is nothing more delightful to God than the tranquility among His people; nothing surpasses the beauty of their unity and concord, which is captured in the words: “How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together” (Psalm 132:1). Furthermore, it is stated: “Great is the peace among them that love Thy name, and there is no stumbling block to them” (Psalm 118:165). In another passage, we see that God grants us the ability to live peacefully in our homes. The prophet Isaiah affirmed this: “Lord! You give us peace; for You also arrange all our affairs for us” (Isaiah 26:12). Through Solomon, the Holy Spirit proclaimed: “Three things have adorned me, and made me beautiful in the sight of the Lord and of men; these are unanimity among brethren, and love among neighbours, and a wife and husband living together in harmony” (Sir 25:1-2). Hence, it is fitting for the Lord to say that when two or three gather on earth, the Father will grant whatever they ask."},{"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":"Through these teachings, He guides us toward love. After instructing us to refrain from tempting and causing harm to each other, He now emphasizes the importance of mutual agreement. The term \\"those who agree\\" refers to individuals who support one another in righteousness, not in wrongdoing. Consider His words: “if two of you,” meaning those who possess faith and virtue. While both Annas and Caiaphas were in agreement, their collaboration was for shameful purposes. Frequently, we find that our requests go unanswered because we lack harmony among ourselves."},{"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":"Oh, how deeply He values love, frequently reiterating its significance throughout the Gospel. Now, having issued stern warnings to those who are tempted and unredeemed, despite their own struggles, He offers significant promises to those who embrace love, drawing believers together through both admonition and assurance. He states: If two of you, particularly those who embody love, come together to petition God for something, their requests will be granted; and the effect is amplified if there are more than two. However, why is it that often two individuals who genuinely love and unite in prayer do not receive what they ask for? It is because they do not resemble the apostles; and the Savior specifically mentions, If two of you agree, indicating virtuous individuals like yourselves. Thus, either they fail to do everything required of them, or they request trivial matters, or they pray against an offender, or they intercede for the unworthy, or there may be another reason for their unanswered prayers; yet those who lead a righteous life, dwell in love, and unite in their requests will indeed receive promptly, for He who has made a promise cannot deceive. Certainly, even a single virtuous individual will be heard if they pray, yet this is not as powerful as the unified prayer of two. When He declared, ‘I will have it from My Father,’ He emphasizes that not only the Father provides, but He Himself does as well."},{"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":"I assure you that in the same manner, if even just two among you who have faith in Me and walk in trust come together on earth to request anything from Me, whatever they ask for—provided it aligns with God's will and serves your good—believe they will receive it from My Father in heaven. Do not hesitate to intercede for others due to concerns about inadequately praying for yourself; rather, be aware that neglecting to pray for others may hinder your own supplications. If everyone seeks only personal petitions, then each will be limited to their own prayers, the cold remaining with the cold and the weak with the weak. Yet, if each prays collectively and for one another, then all will find strength in the powerful intercession of the entire Church. Contribute your prayers to the communal treasure of the Church’s united supplication, and this collective offering will be more than sufficient to help you, along with all, obtain the invaluable gifts of divine grace. The fervent prayers of many will amplify the strength of both individuals and the community as a whole."},{"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":"\\"When two of you come together in agreement on earth,\\" etc.: \\"Observe how He removes hostility, eliminates trivial disputes, and brings reconciliation to those who are at odds. He does this not merely by announcing judgment but by revealing the blessings that come from love. Following these warnings against division, He offers substantial promises for unity. Those who are united humbly seek the Father in prayer, and Christ dwells among them\\" (Chrysostom). - \\"Whatever they ask, it shall be done for them,\\" etc.: This broad assurance certainly has conditions. It does not imply that every request, regardless of its nature, will be granted, but rather that those petitions which please God and benefit the supplicant will be fulfilled, especially if they are deserving of such responses. \\"There are numerous factors that can obstruct receiving: either because they often request things that lack value… or because they may not be worthy of being heard, as they fail to fulfill the expectations placed upon them (the Savior desires prayers that align with those of the Apostles, which is why He mentions 'two of you,' referring to those virtuous and living in accordance with the Gospel), or because they pray for retribution against those who have wronged them, a request that is not permitted, or because unrepentant sinners petition for mercy, which cannot be granted to them… If all these conditions are met, that is, if you ask for beneficial things and perform what is required of you, live an apostolic life, and maintain love and harmony with your neighbors, then your prayers will be answered\\" (Zlat.)."},{"author-name":"Alexander Swirelin","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c888626d8de9e2f4ee3d8a_Alexander%20Swirelin.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In these passages, the Lord emphasizes the significance of collective prayer within the church community. While individual prayer at home is beneficial—especially when it aligns with God's will—the Lord particularly honors prayers offered in the gathering of believers. United in faith in Jesus Christ and guided by the church's pastors, it is in this assembly that the Lord's grace is most profoundly present, granting requests made in such a setting."},{"author-name":"Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ffb7a2ebaf99e46539_Philaret%20of%20Moscow%20(Drosdow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Truly, I say to you, declares Christ the Savior, that if two of you come together on earth to discuss anything you desire, it will be fulfilled by My Father in Heaven. What significance lies in His promise to two rather than one? He wishes to impart that the collective fervor of many amplifies the strength of each individual and all together. Therefore, grasp and be convinced of the substantial support available for the endeavors you are about to pursue, if many, united in spirit and purpose, seek the guidance of your heavenly Father. Accordingly, ask Him in unison, that He may bestow upon each of you the clarity to recognize what is genuinely beneficial for the community, the resolve to pursue it, the steadfastness to adhere to what is wisely chosen, the discernment to avoid the traps of misguided perspectives, the wisdom to refrain from being swayed by bias or selfish motives, and the passion for the common good, avoiding inertia while the shared homeland demands vigilance and action."}]}
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