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Explanation for:
Matthew
23
:
2
Saying: The scribes and the Pharisees have sitten on the chair of Moses.
9
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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":"What could illustrate greater kindness and compassion from the Lord? He faces temptation from the Pharisees; their schemes are thwarted, and as the Psalmist notes, 'The arrows of babes were plagues to them' (Psalm 63:8-70). His declaration that the scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat indicates their role in upholding the law’s teachings. Similarly, the Psalm states: Upon the seat of destruction he sat not down, and: He hath overthrown the seats of the sellers of doves; these must be understood in terms of their doctrinal implications."},{"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":"Despite the corruption among the scribes, the Savior upholds their authority with such strength that even after delivering a stern indictment, He instructed the crowd, “All things whatsoever they say ye shall do, do ye,” highlighting that they were not presenting their own commands but rather those of God, as revealed through Moses in the law. Notice the profound respect He shows towards Moses, which further illustrates the consistency of His message with the Old Testament. He acknowledges the scribes as deserving of honor because of their connection to Moses, saying, “on Moses' seats He sits.” Although He does not see them as trustworthy due to their behavior, He provides a valid reason for adhering to their teachings by referencing the pulpit and the instruction of Moses."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"After the Lord exposed the unfaithful priests, who attacked Him like wild animals, with the piercing clarity of His response, He revealed their obstinacy. Errant laypeople can often be corrected, yet when clerics stray, they tend to be unyielding. He then addresses the apostles and the gathered crowd, acknowledging that the scribes and Pharisees positioned themselves on the seat of Moses. Thus, the failures of the former serve as a lesson for the latter.\\n\\nNow, what does He declare regarding these priests? The scribes and Pharisees, who occupy the seat of Moses, represent many in title, but few in true righteousness. Observe how one occupies this position: it is not the pulpit that sanctifies the priest, but rather the priest that brings sanctity to the pulpit; it is the individual, not the location, that imparts holiness. Not every priest lives a life of holiness, but every saint embodies the priesthood. Those who fulfill their role behind the pulpit with integrity will gain respect from it, while those who dishonor the position will bring detrimental effects to it. Hence, a wayward priest will face condemnation, not reverence, from his role."},{"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":"Every word spoken in vain is lifeless and of no value, especially those articulated by individuals esteemed in the priestly office. The more adeptly they utilize their words, the less believable they become to those who scrutinize their behavior. Hence, it is essential for them to exhibit a profound transformation and substantial change, embracing both journey and silence, disregarding their accumulation of wealth if they wish to captivate anyone's thoughts. By doing so, not only will the actions of their subordinates be enhanced, but they will find themselves honored as well. What was declared to leave no room for excuses among the lower ranks—“On Moses' seat sat the scribes and Pharisees,”—indicates that if they instruct you to observe something, you must do so without allowing their proclamations to serve as a defense for themselves or as a barrier against others’ critiques. A false pretext for justification only magnifies their guilt, leading not only to inevitable punishment but also to condemnation for their foolishness. While it may benefit the disciples to hear these truths, it is inappropriate for the teachers to voice that which shames their own carelessness. It is written, “But according to their works ye shall not do: for they speak, and do not do.” Christ, to eliminate any grounds for excuse, instructed that one should disregard the lifestyles of the teachers when their behavior invites criticism, and instead focus on the singular doctrine conveyed within the churches. Thus, I also referenced the seat of Moses the Lawgiver; for in this instance, they do not speak of their own accord, but rather convey that which is of the Scriptures, revealing their deceitfulness. Conversely, they ought to strive to eliminate any basis for reproach. If those who lead righteous lives fail to benefit others, this cannot be held against them. Just as those who conduct themselves poorly will not partake in the rewards reserved for the righteous, so too will those who live righteously be spared the punishments that befall the sinful. Therefore, you are to improve upon matters pertaining to your own life and speech. This is my expectation of you; if you act righteously, I will rejoice alongside you, and if not, I will not strip you of honor but will even bestow a crown upon you, for each person will receive recompense in accordance with the measure of their deeds, rather than the outcomes of their actions. With this understanding, let both instructors and learners strive towards virtue, leaving no grounds for any excuse."},{"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 phrase \\"on the seat of Moses\\" serves as a symbolic representation indicating that during Christ's time, the scribes and Pharisees acted as interpreters of the Mosaic Law for the populace, as if occupying the role of the lawgiver himself, elucidating the statutes. This imagery likely derives from the pulpits found in synagogues, where scribes and Pharisees would ascend to read specific sections from the laws or the prophets and would then sit down to provide their explanations of the readings. Therefore, to occupy the seat of Moses implies possessing the authority and right to serve as an official teacher or interpreter of the Mosaic Law for the people. Just as Moses instructed the Israelites by delivering the laws, the scribes and Pharisees in Christ's era similarly conveyed the teachings of these laws through their interpretations."},{"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":"As He approached the conclusion of His earthly mission, the Lord deemed it crucial to unveil, without compassion, the wickedness of His adversaries' character and actions to the crowd, aiming to caution innocent hearts against following their example. His mighty rebukes thundered down upon their guilt-ridden souls with the weight of divine authority. With a serene yet grave demeanor, and wielding unassailable power, He delivered a condemnation that would cause all hypocrites to tremble. Then Jesus addressed the people and His disciples, saying, \\"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; they have assumed the role of Moses the Lawgiver and claimed the authority to interpret the Law.\\""},{"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":"Addressing the crowd and His followers while indicating the Pharisees, who likely distanced themselves from those they looked down upon, Jesus remarked, “The scribes and Pharisees occupy the seat of Moses.” This indicates that while Moses conveyed the law to the people, the scribes and Pharisees have now assumed his role, claiming exclusive authority to teach these laws and interpret their significance."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"After addressing the Pharisees and silencing their objections, He discerned that His adversaries were afflicted by a grievous ailment. He understood the concealed motives and desires of the hypocritical and envious. As His earthly ministry approached its conclusion, He delivered a powerful address that condemned the immoralities of the scribes and Pharisees, who masked their true nature with superficial piety. The pronounced woes, which those spiritually blind leaders had previously heard from Him (Luke 11:42-44, 47-51; 13:34, 35), were reiterated with renewed vigor. He no longer hoped for the hardened to repent but aimed to safeguard the people from adopting their vices (St. John Chrysostom). Aware of how infectious hypocrisy can be to innocent souls, the Saviour employed vivid, relatable imagery to reveal the true essence and motivations of those who claimed to be exemplary guardians and flawless interpreters of the law. With words that exuded righteous anger, the eternal Truth articulated its condemnation of the most brazen and sacrilegious acts of deceit and hypocrisy ever witnessed among humanity, ensuring that not only the ancient scribes and Pharisees but also all their successors would bear eternal shame. As all the people listened attentively, He instructed His disciples, Beware of the scribes who don lengthy robes, revel in greetings in the marketplaces, seek prominence in assemblies, recline at banquets, exploit the homes of widows, and engage in lengthy hypocritical prayers; they shall incur a severe judgment. He then addressed both the people and His disciples, explaining that while the scribes and Pharisees occupied Moses' seat, claiming exclusive authority to interpret the law, they instructed adherence to it without practicing what they preached. If the Saviour instructs His listeners to be guided by the Mosaic law rather than the law of grace, as St. John Chrysostom notes, it is because it was not yet the appointed time to speak clearly about grace before the crucifixion. The Lord emphasizes proper regard for the law, commanding its observance despite the corruption of its teachers. He does not revoke their due honor but heightens their condemnation, leaving His listeners without excuse for disobedience."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Jesus Christ begins His address by acknowledging the enduring influence and authority of the Pharisees and scribes as the teachers of the people, interpreters of the Law of Moses, and guides for living in accordance with that law, instructing them to uphold all that they are mandated to observe. However, He quickly cautions His audience regarding the moral decay of the Pharisees, advising them not to emulate their conduct, which starkly contradicts the true message of the law. While the Pharisees are meticulous in enforcing their requirements on the people, they themselves show no intention of adhering to these standards. Jesus then condemns their hypocrisy and arrogance: while they insist on the people's obedience to the law, they contribute nothing to its fulfillment themselves; any actions they do take are merely for the sake of self-promotion, projecting an image of piety that lacks genuine substance. As a result, they expand their phylacteries and enhance their clothing for outward display. In contrast, Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility to His disciples."}]}
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