←
Explanation for:
Matthew
23
:
26
Thou blind Pharisee, first make clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, that the outside may become clean.
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":"In addressing the scribes and Pharisees, Christ highlights their misguided approach, which breeds a lack of respect for the essential commandments. While it may seem He previously suggested the opposite by stating they impose heavy burdens yet fail to lift them (Matthew 23:4), their actions indeed led to corruption among those they led. They insisted on meticulousness in trivial matters while neglecting significant responsibilities. The Savior points out their blindness regarding prayer, mint, dill, and cumin, emphasizing that they ignore the more crucial aspects of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. It is appropriate to practice these latter principles and not abandon them (v. 23). \\n\\nWhile one might argue that tithing is important and that charitable giving poses no issue, Jesus does not condemn the scribes and Pharisees for their adherence to this law. Rather, He acknowledges that while such practices are suitable, His criticism focuses on their distinction between internal and external purity. He illustrates that true purity arises from within and should manifest outwardly, and not the other way around. Regarding human behaviors, no such distinction is made; He addresses them comprehensively, also because the time had not yet arrived to directly challenge the law’s precepts. As He comments on external washings, He more explicitly counters these rituals. \\n\\nTherefore, He asserts about almsgiving, “It is fitting to do these things, and not to forsake them,” in contrast to His comments on ritual cleanliness. He notes, “You cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and wickedness.” He urges, “Cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside may also be clean.” Through His example of the cup and dish, Christ conveys a clear message. \\n\\nTo demonstrate that neglecting bodily purification poses no real danger, while failing to attend to the soul's cleansing—symbolizing virtue—results in serious consequences, the Savior compares external washings to a gnat, deeming them trivial, while elevating the cleansing of the soul to the status of a camel, signifying its weighty importance. Hence He remarks, “You strain out a gnat and swallow a camel” (v. 24). The law prescribed external purifications solely to promote internal cleansing, emphasizing mercy and justice; thus, even in the Old Testament context, if the heart was neglected, their significance waned. \\n\\nGiven that lesser matters were instituted for the sake of the greater, abandoning the latter rendered the former ineffective. Indeed, this misalignment led to superficial practices devoid of true virtue, where external acts should have flowed from internal integrity. Thus, the Savior conveys that even prior to the grace bestowed through His coming, physical cleanliness was deemed insignificant, a sentiment that rings truer after the New Testament commandments have been established. \\n\\nConsequently, living a life hindered by vice is always a serious evil. It is particularly dire when one who is flawed believes they have no need for correction, and more so if they presume to advise others. This led Christ to refer to the scribes as blind guides of the blind. If the misfortune of a blind individual failing to seek guidance is great, how profound the peril when such a person seeks to lead others astray! The Savior’s words serve to reveal the extravagant, almost frenzied, adulation of the scribes and Pharisees, which ultimately led to their insanity. Their exhibitionism was at the core of their woes; their actions aimed merely at outward appearances led them away from faith and true virtue, fixating instead upon external rituals while neglecting the condition of their souls. \\n\\nDesiring to redirect them toward authentic virtue and soul cleansing, Christ recalls the principles of grace, justice, and faith—those virtues that bind our lives together. These virtues—truth, compassion, integrity—purify the soul. Genuine love compels us to forgive others and prevents us from being excessively harsh toward the errant, thus allowing us to embody true humanity and, in turn, earn God's great love for all. Truth guards us from deception. \\n\\nWhen Christ states, “It is fitting to do these things, and not to forsake them,” He does so not to revive Old Testament legalism, as previously noted, but to convey the superfluity of those observances. He focuses not on external purity but emphasizes internal cleansing, assuring that the external will follow suit. In His references to the cup and the dish, He speaks metaphorically of the soul and the body, underscoring the distinction: the 'outward' pertains to the body, and the 'inward' pertains to the soul."},{"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":"In Matthew 23:23, Christ speaks not of mere vessels but addresses the spirit and the flesh. When referring to the term 'outward,' He is alluding to the body, while 'inward' denotes the soul. If it is essential to focus on the internal aspect of a vessel, it is of far greater importance when it comes to your being. Yet, you do the opposite: by concentrating on trivial and external matters, you disregard the vital and inner truths. This leads to the gravest error, as you mistakenly believe you have fulfilled all requirements while overlooking the more significant responsibilities; in neglecting these, you show no concern for their fulfillment or take steps to address them."},{"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":"Through symbols, the law imparted lessons on living a pure life. One such ancient tradition among the Jews involved washing bowls and dishes (Matthew 23:25) to keep them free from the defilement of sinners. This practice was meant to help the Jews steer clear of communion with those deemed unclean by avoiding contact with the utensils they used. In engaging with these customs, they were taught to shun sin itself. However, those who meticulously followed these rituals while engaging in theft, deceit, and violence were rendered unholy by their actions. Thus, the Lord admonishes, \\"Avoid this injustice, you blind Pharisee\\" (Matt. 23:26), for you fail to recognize your own actions. What is clean in your cup and plate is derived not from injustice. True righteousness purifies the vessel far more beautifully than mere water."},{"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 Lord declares, \\"You strive to adorn your external appearance, yet your inner being, your soul, is tainted, for you engage in theft and wrongdoing. It is essential to cleanse the inner self, the soul, so that, alongside its purity, your external, physical condition will also radiate.\\""},{"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":"When the spirit is cleansed, the physical form is likewise sanctified, yet it is not the case that the body’s purification leads to the spirit's cleansing. Consequently, it is essential for the spirit to undergo purification for the body to attain purity as well."},{"author-name":"Gregorios Palamas","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bfc03f555204c307b7e_Gregorios%20Palamas.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":14,"exegesis-text":"\\"Anyone who gazes at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery in his heart\\" (Matthew 5:28). Although the physical body may remain inactive, sin can still take root in the mind. However, when the soul diligently engages in prayer, maintains sobriety, remembers death, feels godly sorrow, and laments, it can reject the temptations of the evil one. Consequently, the body becomes sanctified, rendered inactive against wrongdoing. This aligns with the Lord's teaching: it is not merely those who cleanse the external vessel that are pure within, but rather those who first make the inner vessel clean—then the outer will also be pure. If you strive to ensure that your inner life aligns with God's will, you will conquer the external passions that seek to ensnare you. For if the root is holy, so too are the branches; if the leaven is holy, the entire batch is holy. As Paul instructs, \\"Walk in the Spirit, and do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh\\" (Galatians 5:16)."},{"author-name":"Nicodemos the Haghiorite","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c895e07643831764b98b9d_Nicodemos%20the%20Haghiorite.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":18,"exegesis-text":"Anyone who harbors wicked and impure thoughts in their heart stands before God, who examines our innermost being, as detestable and unclean. This is the judgment of God Himself regarding such malevolent thoughts, for He stated, ‘It defiles a man’ (Matthew 15:20). Similarly, Solomon teaches us, ‘An abomination to the Lord is an unrighteous thought’ (Proverbs 15:26). If you, as a confessor, assist the penitent in liberating themselves from these thoughts and purifying the depths of their soul, then as their inner being is cleansed, naturally, all their external deeds will also reflect this purity. As the Lord instructed, ‘Cleanse first the inside of the cup and the dish, that the outside of them may be clean.’ Moreover, if you sanctify the root, which is the heart, the branches—representing actions and fruits—will inevitably become holy: ‘And if the root is holy, so are the branches’ (Rom. 11:16)."},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Purify the inner self, so that the outer self may also reflect this purity. Our behavior in communal settings is typically managed well; we are conscious of human judgment and act with restraint. When individuals outwardly pursue sinful actions, such conduct is often the final resort, leading to a loss of all sense of shame. Yet, even when visible actions are disciplined, the internal realm of thoughts and emotions may remain disordered. There, freedom is often mistaken for self-indulgence, expressed outwardly only to the extent that it can remain concealed from public scrutiny. This situation resembles a beautifully adorned coffin concealing decay. The state of inner impurity inevitably tarnishes the outer life as well. Address this internal corruption, and the external life will follow suit, leading to true cleanliness; you will become a vessel, suitable for every good work for the Lord. We ought to ponder why this inner aspect is frequently overlooked, especially since no one wishes to face destruction. The adversary cloaks such souls in ignorance, convincing them that they are without fault—merely because there are no overt sins—or encouraging procrastination with thoughts like, \\"Tomorrow we will earnestly attend to our spiritual lives,\\" while permitting the soul to revel in fleeting fantasies, if not outright sin. We must remain vigilant to avoid growing complacent in this mindset, lest the path to correction becomes as unattainable as transforming the old self."},{"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":"Blind Pharisee! You are oblivious to your need for correction, and you even presume to guide others. Awaken from your delusion, purify the inside of your cup and dish first. Ensure that what you serve is produced not through deceit and injustice, but through honest effort. Only then will it naturally follow that the exterior of your dish and cup will be clean. Otherwise, mere outward cleanliness will not benefit you. Your inner being, your very soul, is laden with filth. \\"You strive to adorn the outer appearance of the vessel,\\" notes Blessed Theophylact, \\"that is, the surface of your existence, while your inner self remains corrupt.\\" \\"If the inner quality of a dish holds significance, it is all the more critical for yourself,\\" as St. John Chrysostom reminds 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":"\\"First cleanse what is within, etc.: ensure that the food you eat and the drink you consume have not been obtained through deceit and injustice, but through honest work. Only then can the exterior of your dish and cup truly reflect purity; otherwise, even if they appear clean on the outside, they lack true moral purity within. St. Chrysostom emphasizes not just the cleansing of dishes and cups, but also the sanctification of both body and soul, with 'exterior' referring to the body and 'interior' to the soul. 'If the inner aspect holds significance for the dish, surely it is even more crucial for you. Yet, you focus on the trivial and external matters while disregarding the vital and internal aspects. This leads to the grave mistake of believing you are complete in all things, while overlooking those essential elements and neglecting your duty to fulfill them. The law mandated external cleansings to signify the need for internal ones, yet the scribes and Pharisees abandoned the latter while obsessing over the former. Consequently, no good came from this approach, as true internal purification did not accompany the external; rather, the internal should precede the external.'\\""}]}
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.
