←
Explanation for:
Matthew
24
:
51
And shall separate him, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
12
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":"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":"And shall be separated from him - This indicates that he will be distanced from the community of believers. The unfaithful servant will neither be honored alongside the saints nor lightly chastised with those who have committed lesser offenses, but instead will be cast out with the deceivers and unbelievers into the realm awaiting those whose lives served as a warning to him. The righteous priest receives glory not only for his own virtue but also for the virtue he inspires in others, as he is a source of their righteousness. Similarly, the wayward priest faces harsher consequences than others, not merely for his own transgressions but also for the transgressions he has led others to commit, as he is the origin of their wrongdoing. The Lord labels them not only as deceivers but also as faithless, for every deceiver is indeed faithless, while not every faithless individual is a deceiver. A person who feigns membership in the Church but acts contrary to its teachings is deemed a deceiver."},{"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":"He conveys a consistent message, emphasizing that the Lord's return will occur unexpectedly, urging believers to remain vigilant and mindful. Additionally, the phrase, He will separate him, does not imply a violent cutting but rather signifies the removal of an individual from the fellowship of the faithful, placing their inheritance among the deceitful—those who toiled in the fields and at the millstones yet were not abandoned. We have often noted that a hypocrite presents one face while embodying another; thus, whether in the field or at the millstone, he appears to engage in the same activities as a true member of the Church, yet the ultimate outcome of his labor reveals a divergent intention."},{"author-name":"Caesarius of Nazianzus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a176e0f4c3aeca7aee3_Caesarius%20of%20Nazianzus.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"He will be divided and subjected to the same fate as the insincere. The term “cut up” should not be interpreted literally as a physical punishment, for that would reflect harshness and rage. Instead, it signifies the spiritual withdrawal of the blessings of Baptism and the loss of the freedom to approach God in prayer. To be “cut off” entails the judgment of the Lord: it is not feasible to penalize those who have pledged their allegiance to Christ, who are marked with His seal and equipped for His service, unless they are first stripped of their designation, as contemporary regulations indicate. A guilty soldier is not penalized until his insignia and rank are revoked. Once these are removed, he stands on equal footing with the general populace. \\n\\nI shall illustrate this divine separation with a clear analogy. The bishops of the holy assembly, positioned around the exalted Throne, do not first impose punishment upon any of the baptized who falter; rather, they strip him of his sacred office, thereby demoting him, so he appears as one among the ordinary people. The removal of rank can be likened to a disembowelment, leading to a shared destiny with the unbelievers. This is precisely what the divine poet David foretold when he proclaimed: “Do and make vows unto the Lord your God; all that are round about Him, let them bring gifts unto the Last One, who tames the spirit of princes.” Let no one assume that this declaration refers solely to the loss of souls from rulers. The Lord has the authority to give and take away not only the souls of rulers but also of their subordinates, both masters and servants. Ultimately, this matter revolves around spiritual blessings and Baptisms."},{"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 frequently He emphasizes this point, illustrating the beneficial nature of daily uncertainty, which leads us to a state of constant vigilance. His intention is for us to remain perpetually alert; for in times of comfort and ease, we often grow weak, while it is through trials that we find true strength. He consistently reminds us that in moments of relaxation and joy, misfortunes arise. Just as He demonstrated with Noah, so it is mentioned here: when that servant indulges in excess and revelry, a severe punishment awaits him. However, let us not solely focus on the consequences designated for him; instead, let us reflect on whether we may also be guilty of similar actions, even if we fail to recognize it."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Let us delve into the significance of being severed (Matt. 24:51). In the beginning, when Adam was created, God endowed him with unparalleled beauty and bestowed upon him a share of His own Spirit, breathing into him the breath of life (Gen. 2:7). This Spirit, which is the essence of life, is indeed Christ (see John 1:4, John 14:6). However, after Adam fell into sin through deception, the Spirit departed from him. When God the Father decided to unite all creation under Christ’s authority (Eph. 1:10) and restore humanity to its original splendor, we received through grace what sin had stripped away, for after the Resurrection, Christ breathed upon us, renewing us to our former glory. ‘Receive,’ He instructs, ‘the Holy Spirit’ (John 20:22). Thus, the Spirit joins with us, for whoever joins to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him (1 Cor. 6:17). Therefore, if we are engaged in righteous endeavors, we will attain fullness in the end, holding the Spirit as a promise. Conversely, if we are condemned by our sins, we risk losing that promise. The Spirit is removed at the time of judgment. This severance, as indicated by the Lord here, reflects the truth that it is impossible for anyone to endure punishment alongside the Spirit."},{"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":"The authority to govern will be taken away. Alternatively: separation de \\n\\nNotes: The complete and eternal loss of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Even now, if she does not unite with those souls that defile her, while aiding those who have once been sealed to her as they await conversion, she will ultimately become entirely estranged from them forever. Consequently, she will assign him to share in the fate of the unfaithful, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. From his perspective, he names himself as one already stripped of the power to rule. In other words, he will distance himself from his servants and subject him to the same destiny as the hypocrites, as he merely pretended to be a steward and leader, when in truth, he was more destructive. Thus, he conveyed the need for unwavering vigilance in two ways: first, through the honor bestowed upon the faithful and wise servant, and second, by highlighting the punishment that awaits the wicked servant. Luke recounts this parable in the twelfth chapter, stating regarding the wicked servant: and his portion shall he lay with the unfaithful (Luke 12:46). These unbelievers are indeed the hypocrites who claim to know God, yet they speak falsehoods. Therefore, these statements are consistent; should they not have been, it would not be surprising, given that they were not expressed simultaneously."},{"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":"He will be thrown into the abyss. Previously, he led others astray through his service. Consequently, many church leaders seem virtuous solely due to their ministerial role. In time, grace will be withdrawn from them, and they will face judgment as deceivers for not being true to their actual selves."},{"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":"In His fury, He will sever him in two and cast him among the hypocrites, where he will be thrown into the outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, an unbearable and eternal torment. St. John Chrysostom points out, if anyone questions, \\"Do you recognize the thoughts that arose in the servant due to the day's uncertainty?\\" For he remarked, \\"My lord will delay his coming.\\" This thought did not stem from the lack of knowledge about the day, but rather from his own wickedness as a servant. Why did such thoughts not arise in the mind of a faithful and wise steward? Alas! Even if the master is tardy, why do you not anticipate his arrival at all? Why are you unconcerned? The Lord is not slow: heed the words of the Apostle Paul who states, \\"The Lord is near\\" (Phlp. 4:5). Consider how often Jesus Christ reminds us of the unpredictability of the day, illustrating its redemptive nature, as it encourages vigilant awareness. Given that we are often weakened by comfort and ease, and firmer through challenges, He consistently warns us that trials will follow a life of comfort. Let us reflect on our own actions to see if we are likewise guilty without realizing it. Those who possess wealth and neglect to assist the needy resemble him. You are merely the steward of your resources, just as a minister of the Church is the steward of her resources. You cannot squander your treasures at will. Although you may have inherited from your parents, making it seem that everything is yours, in reality, it all belongs to God. He has entrusted you with these resources so you can provide for others in need. What does it mean to give at the appropriate time? To share with the poor and the hungry. Just as you would place your goods in the care of a servant, so it is pleasing to God that you manage His gifts wisely. Thus, even if He takes away your possessions, He does so to deepen the love between servants for one another. It seems to me, the saint continues, that Jesus addresses the oppressors and greedy, issuing a stern rebuke for mistreating those they ought to care for. I also believe He references indulgent individuals, for such people will face punishment: \\"He eats and drinks,\\" He says, \\"with drunkards.\\""},{"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":"\\"Dissection\\" was a form of execution that took place in the East, utilized by the Hebrews, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:33, 2 Samuel 12:31, and Hebrews 11:37, as well as by the Chaldeans in Daniel 2:5 and 3:29, among the Egyptians, and to some degree by the Romans. This gruesome method involved cleaving the body from head to toe, employing either a sword or a saw. The term broadly indicates that an unfaithful and wicked servant would face intense suffering from their master. \\n\\nThose who share the same grim destiny as the hypocrites (refer to the commentary on Matthew 6:2) are depicted as individuals of the utmost depravity, destined for grave punishments. The phrase “weeping and gnashing of teeth” relates to the reference found in Matthew 8:12-13. \\n\\nIf a person who has been given a stewardship over a gift neglects their duty, lacks the fear of impending judgment, and thinks in their heart that “my lord is delayed,” meaning they perceive him to be slow in rewarding or punishing, thus exploiting God's patience for wrongdoing and mistreating fellow servants, the Lord of Hosts declares that such behavior tempts others (noting that subordinates may be led astray by the corrupt handling of authority by their leaders). Consequently, the Lord will scatter him, stripping him of the gift bestowed upon him, leaving him in his original state, and he will find himself cast into outer darkness."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When the exact moment of the Son of Man’s return remains uncertain, believers are called to remain spiritually vigilant: be watchful and pray continually, for you do not know when that time will arrive. To impress the importance of this spiritual vigilance on the hearts of His disciples, the Lord shared a parable in which He depicted Himself as a master departing from His household, representing the Church, to return to His Father in heaven, and later to come back to His servants for accountability regarding the tasks entrusted to them. Like a man who leaves his home, granting his servants authority and assigning each his duty, he instructs the gatekeeper to remain alert. This divine mandate to be spiritually watchful is a timeless reminder for all Christ’s followers until the end of days: I say unto you, I say unto all, watch. This is the pivotal message from the Lord. Be cautious, lest your hearts be weighed down with indulgence, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, which could unexpectedly come upon you like a trap upon those dwelling on the earth: therefore, remain vigilant at all times, praying that you may be able to escape these trials and to stand before the Son of Man.\\n\\nThe Lord revealed important truths necessary for believers to exercise wisdom and avoid being swept away by the tide of heedless indulgence. Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man: before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the waters came and consumed everything. Likewise, the coming of the Son of Man will be. In that day, two individuals will be in the field: one will be taken, and the other left; two women will be grinding grain: one will be taken, and one will remain. The Lord had previously cautioned His disciples about the suddenness of His appearance at the final judgment. He emphasized not only the night but also the urgency of the hour (Luke 17:26-30, 35-36). He reiterated this warning, urging His faithful to remain in a state of constant and unceasing watchfulness as they anticipate the last day: ‘Watch ye, for ye know not what hour your Lord will come.’ To further illustrate the critical nature of being vigilant in awaiting His return and the dire consequences of neglecting the vital task of the soul’s salvation, the Lord reminded them of the message regarding the servants awaiting their master’s return, which He had shared previously (Luke 12:39-46)."},{"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":"Among the teachings of Jesus Christ, which encouraged His disciples to remain vigilant in light of the uncertainty surrounding the return of the Son of Man, each Gospel writer has retained unique memories. Luke offers a concise directive on this matter and later adds a summary of the life and ministry of Jesus, from His royal entry into Jerusalem to the Last Supper. Mark presents a parable about servants and a gatekeeper waiting for their master. Meanwhile, Matthew shares four parables: 1) the story of a homeowner facing a thief, 2) the parable of the faithful and unfaithful servant (cf. Luke 12:39-48), 3) the tale of the wise and foolish virgins, and 4) the parable of the talents, concluding with an illustration of the final judgment. The parable of the servants and the gatekeeper in Mark 13:34-37 depicts the Lord as a householder who entrusted his home to his servants before departing, assigning each a specific task, while instructing the gatekeeper to remain alert. Each servant is to engage in their responsibilities, and the gatekeeper must stay vigilant for the master's return. Since the timing of the master's arrival is uncertain, they must always be prepared to present themselves properly upon his return. In a similar manner, the Lord, having established His church on earth, ascended to heaven, visibly leaving it behind, with the promise of returning at a time ordained by God. Each believer holds a unique role within the body of Christ, with a distinct purpose and work to accomplish during their lifetime. Recognizing that the timing of Christ's second coming is unknown, which will herald the final judgment where everyone will account for their earthly deeds (as well as for the moment of their death when earthly work ceases), believers should remain ever watchful and ready for the return of the Lord, the judge of the living and the dead."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord emphasized the significance of remaining vigilant and active while expressing faithfulness, especially under challenging circumstances. Be watchful, for the hour of your Lord’s return is unknown. You hold authority in your household in My absence, yet the master of the home stays alert, for he always fears the possibility of a thief breaking in. Reflect on your condition following My departure; consider the servants entrusted with the management of the household during the master’s absence. How unfortunate it will be for the servant if he is discovered squandering the master's resources, while conversely, how blessed is the steward who has no complaints made against him and is held in favor by all."}]}
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.
