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Explanation for:
Matthew
3
:
17
And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
13
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Gregory the Wonderworker","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c6a2632a260ae8168b2_Gregory%20the%20Wonderworker.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":3,"exegesis-text":"This is my beloved Son. This refers to Jesus, not to John; he who was baptized, not the Baptist; he who existed before all ages in Me, and not Zacharias; he who was incarnate of Mary in the flesh, and not Elizabeth, who seemed beyond hope; he who is the fruit of unblemished virginity, not the result of unfulfilled barrenness; he who was raised among you, not nurtured in solitude. This is my beloved Son in whom I take delight, the Son who is of one essence with Me, and not estranged; of one essence with Me in the spiritual realm, and of one essence with you in the earthly realm, apart from sin. This is He who created man alongside Me. This is my beloved Son, and in Him I find joy. This is not a different Son of Mine, nor another Son of Mary; rather, this is my beloved Son, both visible and understandable. This is my beloved Son, and I am pleased with Him, listen to Him (Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11). When He declares, \\"I and the Father are one\\" (John 10:30), pay attention to His words. When He asserts, \\"He who has seen Me has seen the Father\\" (John 14:9), heed Him. When He states, \\"The Father who sent Me is greater than I\\" (John 14:28) - align this proclamation with the purpose of creation. When He inquires, \\"Who do people say the Son of Man is?\\" respond to Him, \\"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God\\" (Matthew 16:13). The human race was illuminated by these divine declarations, descending from the Father like thunder from the heavens. They understood the distinction between the Creator and the created, the Sovereign and the servant, the Creator and His creation, and rooted in their faith, they came to Christ, our true God, who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire. To Him be glory along with the Father, and the holy and life-giving Spirit, now and always, and unto ages of ages. Amen."},{"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":"Who among humanity, whether Greek or non-Greek, has had the audacity to claim that the God he worships is merely one of His creations, existing only after His own formation? Or who would refuse to believe in the God he professes, when it is stated, ‘This is my beloved Son,’ and yet contends that He is not a Son but rather a created being? Indeed, all will respond with outrage towards those who speak such foolishness. However, the Scriptures provide no defense for this notion. It has been demonstrated time and again, and will be illustrated once more, that such beliefs are contrary to the truths of God’s word."},{"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 baptism, the profound mystery of the Holy Trinity is revealed: the Lord undergoes baptism, the Spirit descends as a dove, and the Father's voice affirms the Son. The heavens open not by the change of visible elements, but to the spiritual perception; as Ezekiel notes at the start of his book, they were opened. The dove rested upon Jesus' head to clarify that the Father's voice was directed to the Lord, rather than to John."},{"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":"Since the proclamation, \\"This is my beloved Son\\" (Matt. 3:17), many interpreted it as referring to John, because it lacked the addition of \\"this one who is being baptized\\"; rather, it merely stated \\"this one.\\" Given the esteemed position of the Baptist and all the circumstances surrounding this event, those who heard these words were more inclined to associate them with the baptizer than with the baptized. The Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove to clarify that \\"this one\\" referred not to John, but to Jesus, the one being baptized. One might wonder why the Jews did not come to believe in Him despite such monumental occurrences. The answer lies in their hardened hearts. Similarly, during the time of Moses, many miracles, albeit lesser in scale, occurred, yet the people, after witnessing these acts along with voices, trumpets, and lightnings, fashioned a calf for themselves and turned to Baal of Peor. Those present at the baptism later witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus, yet they did not believe in Him who performed this miracle; instead, they repeatedly sought to take His life. If they remained entrenched in their disbelief even after witnessing the resurrection of the dead, what is so surprising about their rejection of the voice from above? When the soul is numb and corrupt, afflicted by the malady of envy, no miracle will persuade it. Conversely, a receptive soul embraces everything with faith, even without the need for specific miracles. Thus, rather than questioning why they did not believe, it is more prudent to reflect on whether everything necessary was done to lead them to faith. God Himself attests to this through the words of the prophet, defending all that He has done for their benefit."},{"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":"A voice resounded from the heavens, declaring, ‘Thou art my Son; I have begotten thee now’ (Ps. 2:7). This proclamation, along with the vision, signifies that Christ is indeed the Son of God; it serves as a testimony to the unfaithful and inattentive prophets regarding their Lord. Furthermore, by observing the unity of these elements in Christ, we understand that after our purification through the waters from the celestial realm, the Holy Spirit descends upon us, granting us the anointing of divine splendor. Through God's voice, we are adopted as His children, as the events unfolding portray the sacramental reality that has been fulfilled in us."},{"author-name":"Apollinarius of Laodicea","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"It is suggested that the voice proclaiming, This is my beloved Son, may be understood as either the voice of an angel emerging from the Person of the Father or as another voice that appeared abruptly."},{"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":"I observe your eagerness to follow the Lord and to examine the Scriptures (John 5:39). Thus, it is important to address your inquiries. “This is My beloved Son,” the Father proclaimed from heaven at the time of the Son’s baptism, affirming that He is indeed the true Son by nature, amidst doubts about His rightful place among those designated as sons by virtue and honor. This declaration simultaneously unveiled the holy and revered Trinity, recognized in the distinct Persons, and countered the harmful heresies of Montanus and Sabellius. During the Son's baptism, the Father bore witness, and the Holy Spirit descended, signifying that He who was baptized shares the same divine essence with the Father and the Spirit."},{"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 this passage, we observe the clear presence of the Holy Trinity: the Father's voice, the Son in human form, and the Holy Spirit represented by a dove. This order is particularly significant as it is the most straightforward to understand. The depiction of the Trinity here is so evident that there can be no doubt about it. When the Lord Christ approaches John in the guise of a servant, it unmistakably signifies the Son; one cannot ascribe this figure to the Father or the Holy Spirit. When we refer to Jesus coming, we are undoubtedly speaking of the Son of God. As for the dove, who would contest its identity? The Gospel itself affirms this unambiguously: \\"And the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove\\" (Luke 3:22). Similarly, the voice that declares, \\"Thou art my beloved Son,\\" leaves no uncertainty that it belongs to the Father. Hence, we can see the Trinity plainly illustrated.\\n\\nIf we consider specific instances, it could be argued, despite any reservations in doing so, that we observe the Trinity in a manner that appears divided. When Jesus approached the river, the dove descended from heaven to earth; likewise, the voice of the Father did not emanate from the earth or water but from above. Each of the Three seems to be distinct in location, in their roles, and in their actions. Some may challenge me to demonstrate the inseparability of the Trinity, and I must respond as an Orthodox Christian should. Our faith teaches that this is, indeed, your faith—the true and orthodox faith—founded not on mere conjecture, but rooted in the testimony of Scripture, untainted by heretical error, and grounded in apostolic truth. Thus, we believe, even if we cannot see it with our physical eyes or comprehend it in our hearts until we are made pure through faith. Through this very faith, we understand unequivocally that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit coexist as the inseparable Trinity, One God, not three separate deities. They are One God in such a way that the Son is distinct from the Father, the Father is not the Son, and the Holy Spirit is neither the Father nor the Son, but is the Spirit of both. This incomprehensible Divinity, which enlivens, creates, renews, guides, redeems, judges, and sets free, is the Trinity we recognize as both ineffable and indivisible."},{"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":"\\"This is My beloved Son, in whom I take delight,\\" indicating the One upon whom I bestow My favor and grant My grace."},{"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":"What does it signify when we hear, \\"Of Him I am well pleased,\\" which conveys that He is the source of my delight? Similarly, following the birth of Christ, the angels proclaimed, \\"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men\\" (Luke 2:14). Goodwill refers to a benevolent intention, with the ultimate desire being the salvation of humanity. Thus, I affirm that He is the one through whom I wished for the well-being of mankind, meaning that through Him, salvation was bestowed upon humanity."},{"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":"And behold, a voice from heaven proclaimed, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ This is my one and only Son, who was born of Me before time began, and through whom everything was made, possessing equal power, authority, and glory with Me. This is my Son, the embodiment of my love, through whom my love is extended to all humanity. Thus God the Father bore witness to His only begotten Son, affirming to John and to all believers in Christ that this baptized Jesus is undoubtedly the Messiah, the Christ, the Savior of the world. To clarify that this voice did not refer to John, the Holy Spirit descended, indicating to those present that the pronoun ‘This’ designates Jesus Christ. The question may arise as to why the Jews did not believe in Jesus Christ. St. John Chrysostom responds, ‘Due to their hardened hearts; even during Moses’s time, they witnessed many miracles, yet after seeing voices, trumpets, and thunderbolts, they crafted a golden calf. The very people who witnessed Lazarus’s resurrection also chose not to believe. If they were so wicked after seeing the dead rise, how can we be surprised that they disbelieved the voice from on high? A soul ensnared in insensitivity, decay, and jealousy can find no conviction in any miracle.’ From that moment, our Lord Jesus Christ commenced His mission of salvation for humanity; from that point, John preached not of a future Messiah, but of the Messiah who had already come. Prior to the baptism of Jesus, His glory as the Savior was concealed from people; now, at His baptism, He was officially appointed by the Holy Spirit in His humanity to undertake His saving work, anointed before all creation, and proclaimed King, High Priest, and Prophet; hence, He is called Christ, which means the Anointed One. Beloved Christian! What was said over the Savior is similarly pronounced over you. At your baptism, the heavens are opened, and the Holy Spirit descends when you are immersed in water. Then God calls you to the exalted homeland. In holy baptism, the Holy Spirit does not transform us into angels or archangels, but into cherished sons of God. Therefore, live in a manner worthy of this high calling. Otherwise, your transgressions will merit not just the repercussions for a mere mortal, but for a son of God."},{"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":"A proclamation from heaven comes from God the Father. This declaration echoed during the Lord's transfiguration (Matt. 17:5) and was also heard shortly before His crucifixion, a moment some mistook for thunder (John 12:28-30). It was a significant declaration identifying Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ, referred to as \\"My beloved Son,\\" a title bestowed upon Him by the Lord Himself. The term Son signifies the relationship of the incarnate Word with the Father, affirming that the Word made flesh is indeed the Son of God—that Jesus represents the incarnate second person of the Holy Trinity, co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. \\"In whom I am well pleased\\" reflects the complete depth of the Father’s love for the Son. This declaration, \\"This is my beloved Son,\\" could easily be misconstrued as referring to John, since it simply states \\"This one\\" without adding \\"This one who is baptized.\\" Given the remarkable stature of John the Baptist, listeners might naturally associate the title with him. However, the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove to signify that this affirmation pertained not to John, the baptizer, but to Jesus, the one who was baptized."},{"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":"The coming of the Holy Spirit and the voice from heaven After being baptized, Jesus rose from the water immediately (Matthew 3:16) and prayed (Luke 3:21), beseeching His Father to bless and consecrate the start of His ministry. At the moment of His prayer, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and the voice of God the Father proclaimed Him as His Son. This remarkable, supernatural event, described by all four Gospel writers, has been interpreted in various ways due to some discrepancies in their accounts. Therefore, it is important to examine the perspectives provided by each Evangelist. \\n\\nIn Matthew's account: After Jesus was baptized, He immediately emerged from the water, and behold, the heavens opened, revealing the Spirit of God descending like a dove to rest upon Him. A voice from heaven declared, \\"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.\\" Mark narrates that upon rising from the water, John saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending like a dove, and a voice from heaven said, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:10-11). Luke adds that when everyone had been baptized, Jesus was also baptized and prayed; the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit came upon Him in bodily form like a dove (Luke 3:21-22). John testifies that he observed the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and remaining on Jesus (John 1:32). \\n\\nThe first three Evangelists generally agree that when Jesus emerged from the water, the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and the voice from above was heard. However, they do not specify who witnessed this extraordinary event. John the Evangelist supplements their accounts by noting that John the Baptist informed those sent by the Sanhedrin, “I have seen the Spirit descending from heaven.” This testimony from John is particularly noteworthy because he was a disciple of the Baptist and likely heard it directly from him, possibly even witnessing the event during Jesus' baptism. It is clear that John the Baptist observed this remarkable occurrence, which is why the Russian translation of Matthew and Mark includes the name John after the word \\"saw,\\" a detail absent from the Slavonic translation.\\n\\nYet, who else witnessed it? St. Chrysostom suggests that John’s companions at that moment might have seen the events unfold (Conversations on the Gospel of Matthew. 1:213). However, the Evangelists do not provide explicit evidence to support such a claim. Chrysostom posits that the spectators saw the sign but did not believe it due to their hardened hearts. Despite the overwhelming astonishment caused by the call to repentance from the new Prophet, the people flocked to confess their sins and receive baptism. Had they seen the heavens open and the Spirit of God descend, along with hearing the voice of God, it is likely they would have immediately recognized Jesus as the anticipated Deliverer. Even if not all present believed in Jesus due to their stubbornness, there would still have been several conversions. Moreover, even if those converts eventually turned away from Jesus, they should have initially followed Him given the extraordinary evidence. However, the silence of the Evangelists on this aspect suggests that the sign was not intended for the crowds, and they did not perceive it. \\n\\nThis miraculous sign was chiefly for Jesus Himself. As Matthew states, the heavens were opened to Him. Additionally, this sign served as a confirmation for the Forerunner, for according to his testimony relayed by John, he was told, “On whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining, He is the One who baptizes with the Spirit” (John 1:33). The Forerunner witnessed the Spirit in the form of a dove descending upon Jesus, leading him to realize that this Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the Son of God. \\n\\nThe Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Hebrews (Heb. 10:5-9), mentions that the Son of God, upon entering the world, voiced the words once revealed to King David: “I have come to do Your will, O God” (Psalm 39:7-9). At that moment, as Christ concluded His prayer, three miraculous events took place: First, the heavens were opened. According to Innocent, the Archbishop of Kherson, the heavens above Jesus appeared to part dramatically, resembling the sudden brilliance of a lightning flash. Second, the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus in the likeness of a dove. All four Gospel writers describe the descent of the Holy Spirit using the simile of a dove. Even though Luke specifies that the Holy Spirit descended “in bodily form,” it does not imply an actual dove, as he further clarifies that the descent was akin to that of a soaring dove. Lastly, a voice resonated from heaven. This voice was heard by both Jesus and John. \\n\\nTo whom exactly was this voice addressed? Matthew's Gospel, in stating “This is my Son,” suggests it was directed to a third person, namely John. Conversely, the phrases recorded by Mark and Luke, “You are my Son,” indicate that the voice was addressed directly to Jesus. Critics of the Gospels may view this as a contradiction among the Evangelists; however, this is not the case. Both Jesus and John heard these words, but their implications referred solely to Jesus. John, aware that whoever he saw receiving the Spirit would be the One baptizing with the Spirit, recognized that the Spirit descending upon Jesus and the accompanying voice affirming His sonship convinced him that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, the Messiah. Meanwhile, as Jesus prayed and ended with, “I go to do Your will,” He heard His Father’s voice in reply to His plea, saying, “You are my beloved Son.” Thus, we acknowledge that the visible sign of the descending Spirit was primarily for John, and while John heard the divine voice, it was distinctly addressed to Jesus, signifying the Father’s approval in response to the Son’s vow to fulfill His will.\\n\\nThe Feast of the Lord's Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 (19) and is also known as Epiphany, commemorating the day when God the Father revealed Himself: by His voice affirming His favor towards His beloved Son; through God the Son’s baptism in the Jordan; and by the descent of God the Holy Spirit upon Jesus Christ."}]}
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