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Explanation for:
Matthew
23
:
6
And they love the first places at feasts, and the first chairs in the synagogues,
8
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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":"Having enlarged their phylacteries and adorned themselves with elaborate fringes in their pursuit of honor among the people, they are criticized for prioritizing prominence, as they desire the places of honor at banquets and the most esteemed seats in the synagogues. They seek admiration from society, indulge in fine foods, and long to be addressed by the crowds as ‘Master,’ a title akin to the Hebrew term Rabbi."},{"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":"They delight, He states, in taking prominent seats at banquets, in occupying places of honor during gatherings, greeting each other in the marketplace, and seeking to be addressed as Teacher by others. These actions, which some might consider insignificant, are in fact the root of profound harm. They have led to the downfall of both society and the church. My heart aches as I reflect on those initial gatherings and greetings, realizing the numerous adversities that have arisen from them for the body of Christ. However, I will spare you the detailed account of this, especially since those among you with more experience are likely already aware.\\n\\nInstead, let us examine this: Where were the teachers of the law who succumbed to pride? They were meant to be vigilant against vanity, particularly in the synagogues, where they were tasked with instructing others. While their behavior at feasts may not have seemed overly objectionable, even there, the teacher was expected to lead by example—not just within the church, but in all aspects of life. As a person’s distinction from the silent creation is evident in all circumstances, so too must a teacher embody excellence in behavior, demeanor, attire, and in every facet of existence. In stark contrast, the Pharisees acted in a manner deserving of scorn and disgrace, pursuing what they ought to have shunned. Yet, as He remarks, they are enamored with these pursuits. If it is indeed wrong to love such things, what then is the true nature of this admiration? And how much more dire is the consequence of fervently seeking after it, burdening oneself in the process?"},{"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":"Woe to those whom the Lord addresses! Their condemnation arises from their desire to take the lead at banquets and to hold places of honor in the synagogues. What can be said of someone who commits even greater evils? 'They delight in leading in the synagogues.' While the Pharisees ought to exemplify humility, they instead reveal their own wickedness."},{"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":"In Christ's era, the Jewish people did not dine while sitting upright; instead, they took their meals in a semi-reclining position. The table, resembling our own in height, was typically arranged in a U-shape for feasts. Long mats or cushions lined the outer edge, allowing the guests to recline partly while the food was served along the inner side. At times, these mats were sufficiently wide to accommodate three individuals lying side by side (triclinia, cf. Jn. 2:8). Guests reclined on their left sides, positioning their feet away from the table, which allowed for easy and discreet access to one another. The head of one guest could be inclined toward the chest of the one next to them, symbolizing a deep bond of friendship among the diners. This arrangement was referred to as reclining upon another’s feathers (John 13:23, Luke 16:22-23). The most esteemed places at the table were those situated in the center, often desired by the Pharisees, which revealed their pride. In the synagogues, the prominent seats located near the pulpit (cf. note on Matthew 4:13) were typically occupied by the elders."},{"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":"Indeed, these hypocrites possess no true good works, finding pride instead in trivial and inconsequential matters. They delight in seeking dominance at every opportunity, relishing the special seating at banquets, the foremost places at the table, and the honored positions in the synagogues, where they strive to occupy the prominent spots close to the sacred texts. They relish being greeted in public gatherings and receiving esteemed acknowledgments in bustling marketplaces, desiring to be called: TEACHER! TEACHER! Blessed Theophylact reflects, \\"The words of the Lord clearly prompt us to caution! He rebukes the Pharisees solely because of their love for deceit; if only those who cherish it face condemnation, what fate awaits those who act solely for its sake?\\" St. Chrysostom notes, \\"While one might perceive these matters as trivial, they indeed lead to significant harm. From such behaviors, entire cities and churches can be led to ruin. The Pharisees succumbed to vanity when they were explicitly warned to resist it, particularly within the synagogues meant for imparting knowledge to others. Though vanity may appear less egregious at feasts, even there, a teacher ought to set an example so that others may regard him with honor. This exemplary conduct is required not just within the church but in every aspect of life. Whether he speaks, remains silent, dines, or engages in any other activity, he must serve as a model, reflecting dignity in his demeanor, gaze, attire, and all other actions. Conversely, the Pharisees displayed behaviors that brought them ridicule and disgrace, chasing after what they should have shunned. The toxic nature of ambition is both potent and pervasive; the allure of vanity can even tempt those who seem humble. Thus, when it comes to the root of all evil—namely, greed and deceit in teaching—our Savior firmly denounces this vice and, with fervor and strength, cautions His disciples with dire warnings."},{"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":"They delight in receiving recognition in every setting and seek to occupy prominent seats not only in places of worship but also at banquets. This way, when they gather and in communal gatherings, they are welcomed and referred to as instructors."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Like many who are consumed by pride, the Pharisees sought various signs of esteem from others; they relished taking their places of honor at feasts, occupying prominent seats at gatherings, receiving greetings in the marketplaces, and being addressed as “Rabbi.” In the tradition of the East, guests would recline on cushions or mats at banquets, with the most desired positions situated centrally. In synagogues, the prime seats were located near the ark where the sacred scrolls were stored. The distinguished title of teacher (rabbi, rabbinical, or the highest honor - rabban) was designated for those who were adept and learned in the law. This title was bestowed upon John the Baptist by his followers (John 3:26), and it was similarly used for Jesus Christ by His disciples (Matthew 26:25, 49; Mark 9:5; 11:21; John 1:38; 4:31; 6:25; 9:2), as well as by the general populace (Mark 10:51; John 20:16). Although the Pharisees did not live up to the high expectations associated with such a title, they still sought the public's recognition and reverence in the streets. “Where it was particularly important to teach humility to others, the Pharisees themselves were hypocritical, as their actions were driven by a desire for glory, yet they were unashamed and insisted on being called, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi!’” (Bl. Theophylact)."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Following this, the Lord departed from the temple, issuing a solemn condemnation towards the Pharisees and the priests who were culpable for the moral decay among the people, accompanied by warnings of impending divine judgment. As He concludes His earthly mission, He expresses that He will persist in acting among them through His servants. However, the Pharisees will also persecute these messengers, as well as those who have previously testified to the truth, thereby increasing the measure of their ancestors' transgressions. Ultimately, this will lead to the manifestation of God's judgment upon the iniquity of Jerusalem."}]}
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