←
Explanation for:
Matthew
25
:
41
Then he shall say to them also that shall be on his left hand: Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels.
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":"To the condemned, He declares, \\"Depart from Me, you cursed ones,\\" not on account of the Father’s curse, for He has not condemned them, but rather due to their actions, \\"into everlasting fire, which was prepared not for you, but for the devil and his angels.\\" When He spoke of His kingdom, saying, \\"Come, you blessed, inherit the kingdom,\\" He added, \\"prepared for you from the foundation of the world\\" (Matthew 25:34); but regarding the fire, He indicated otherwise, stating it was \\"prepared for the devil.\\" The Kingdom was set aside for you, He states, yet the fire is designated for the devil and his angels. Since you have chosen this path leading into the fire, hold yourselves accountable. \\n\\nHe warns against Gehenna not with the intention of casting us into it, but to affirm that it has been prepared for the devil: \\"Go,\\" He instructs, \\"into the eternal fire prepared for the devil.\\" In contrast, He has designated a kingdom for humanity, suggesting His desire is not to see man thrown into Gehenna. \\n\\nSome claim there will be no Gehenna, arguing that God is loving. But did our Lord speak without purpose when He mentioned sending sinners \\"into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels\\" (Matthew 25:41)? They may assert it is merely a warning to restore our awareness. However, this notion reflects the deceitful tactics of the devil and the insensitivity of such reasoning! The suggestion of unmerited mercy, which lulls people into complacency, belongs to him. Those who oppose the truth will argue that scripture serves only as a threat. Yet, while they may speak maliciously about future judgments, they cannot deny the present realities already fulfilled. If one doubts the existence of Gehenna, let him recall Sodom and Gomorrah—the repercussions of their singular, grievous offense, which merited destruction: their unrestrained passion led them to be engulfed in fire. Now, countless offenses of equal or greater magnitude are committed, yet there is no such fiery wrath. Why is that? Because another fire remains, one that will never be extinguished."},{"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 sends those who linger at the rear to the fiery abyss that has been designated for the adversary. As demons are cruel and exhibit enmity towards us, individuals who share these traits and have brought upon themselves a curse through their actions are likewise destined for the same fate. It is important to recognize that God has not intended eternal torment for humanity or established punishment for us, but rather for the devil. Nevertheless, I find myself deserving of such judgment."},{"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":"Behold, humanity was created for the kingdom, while the flames were reserved for the demons. However, the foolish among men, turning away from what glorified the kingdom, chose instead what deserved the fire; thus, in rejecting the former, they condemned themselves to the latter. He further clarifies the reason for the judgment."},{"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":"He then addressed those beside Him, saying, “Depart from Me, you accursed ones.” The weight of this statement is profound: it signifies separation from life, exclusion from joy, and a deprivation of light. However, it goes further: “Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Just as those on His right will receive life, experiencing it fully through their relationship with God, and abundantly as they become His children and heirs of the kingdom, those on His left, having forsaken God and lost true life, will endure a far worse fate. This fate is articulated by their classification with the demons, as they are cast into the agonizing fire. How dreadfully intense this fire must be, tormenting both souls within bodies and disembodied spirits while simultaneously ensuring their immortality, an eternal state from which even our earthly flames will evaporate, as it is written: “The heated elements will melt” (2 Pet. 3:12). What an unbearable addition to their suffering: a perpetual absence of hope for relief, for this fire is unquenchable! What does this fierce pull signify? For this fire resembles a river, pulling souls further and further from God; thus, Christ did not merely command “go away,” but rather “continually depart” from Me, you accursed; for against the impoverished you have shown great contempt, deeming yourselves deserving of this curse. \\"Go,\\" He instructs them, \\"into the fire that was not meant for you but for the devil and his angels; this was never My intention, I did not create you for this purpose, nor did I establish this flame for you; this eternal fire is meant for the demons, who remain steadfast in their malice, and your unrepentant choices have aligned you with them."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"God's response to those who sin unveils three significant trials: separation from God, as in \\"depart from me, cursed\\"; the torment of everlasting flames, indicated by \\"into eternal fire\\"; and association with wicked spirits, denoted by \\"prepared for the devil and his angels.\\" These three trials are tremendously grievous in their intensity and unbearable over time, carrying a name that evokes sheer horror—damnation—which the human mind cannot fully grasp, nor can eloquence adequately express. Observe that the loving Creator has destined only a kingdom for humanity since the beginning, not punishment and suffering. The judgment was reserved solely for evil beings: as He stated, \\"depart into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.\\" Humanity finds itself condemned to share in this eternal torment only when it adopts the unyielding hearts of these malevolent beings. Thus, the righteous Judge declares to the merciless, \\"I condemn you for you were hungry and did not feed Me; thirsty and did not give Me drink; a stranger and did not welcome Me; sick and in prison and did not visit Me.\\" How will the contrite sinners respond to such an indictment?"},{"author-name":"Tichon of Zadonsk","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989ff6b5b4c943e70095_Tichon%20of%20Zadonsk.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":18,"exegesis-text":"You are aware of the grave nature of the covenant (of the law) (Galatians 3:10). The covenant is alarming, and sin is dreadful. A covenant leads to everlasting condemnation and torment, while sin places the sinner under its binding decree. Thus, it is frightening to sin and contravene God's commandments, as breaking the law binds the sinner to an oath, which in turn subjects them to eternal judgment. Though sin may seem pleasurable to many, its consequences are indeed harsh. Those who sin without repentance will hear the words: ‘Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’ Let us therefore be cautious, dear ones, of the binding decree, and turn away from sin, so we do not fall back under the condemnation from which Christ has liberated us through His sacrifice. It is far better to endure trials daily, to encounter affliction and suffering, to face beatings and torture, or even to face death each day if necessary, than to sin and come under that binding decree. Reflect on these matters and guard yourself against sin, which is a lethal poison that brings eternal death to both soul and body. Protect yourself."},{"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":"Then the King will address those on his left with a daunting tone that causes all creation to quiver with dread: Depart from Me, you who are accursed, you who are cast away, you who are destined for everlasting anguish, into the unending flames, the fire of Gehenna, originally intended not for you, but for his angels! You have chosen to enter this fire, and the responsibility lies with you... I provided you with all the opportunities for redemption; fulfilling My life-giving commandments was within your grasp, yet you chose not to obey them."},{"author-name":"Ignatij (Briantchaninow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ce37597540c9caa5df5_Ignatij%20(Briantchaninow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Holy Scripture consistently refers to the sufferings of hell as eternal, a doctrine that has been perpetually proclaimed by the holy Church. Our Lord Jesus Christ affirmed this sobering truth on numerous occasions throughout the holy Gospel. In warning of the fate awaiting the rejected sinners alongside the fallen angels, He proclaimed that at His final Judgment, He would address them: Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41). When pronouncing judgment upon humanity, the unredeemed will face eternal suffering (Matthew 25:46). In the parable of the unyielding rich man and Lazarus, the Lord testified that a great chasm has been set between the realms of eternal joy and the depths of despair, with no passage from bliss to misery nor from misery to bliss (Luke 16:26). The worm of hell is unending, and the fire of hell is never extinguished (Mark 9:48). The depths of the underworld represent a terrifying destruction of existence while existence is still maintained. There exists a total halt of all action; only agony prevails, along with the most intense affliction of the heart—despair. The cries and moans provide no solace to the tortured soul. Unbreakable bonds and chains afflict the lost, while an impenetrable darkness persists despite the flames. This is the domain of eternal death. Such are the severities of hell that even the most brutal earthly torments, including violent death, pale in comparison. The Savior of the world, foretelling His disciples of the trials of martyrdom, instructed: I say unto you... Fear not them that kill the body, and then can do no more. But I will tell you whom you should fear: fear him who, after he has killed you, has the authority to cast you into hell; of him I say, fear him (Luke 12:4-5). Gazing through the lens of faith at the indescribable happiness that awaits the devoted servants of God contrasted with the equally unimaginable suffering destined for those who are unfaithful, the holy martyrs triumphed over the most savage afflictions devised by the wrathful cruelty of their persecutors, and through myriad trials and deaths, they vanquished eternal death beneath their feet. The holy monks, who may be viewed as hidden martyrs, kept the torments of hell ever in their thoughts. It was through this remembrance that they overcame the enticements and threats of the tempter, who vividly and alluringly portrayed to their minds empty pleasures and the allure of worldly desires."},{"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":"Cursing signifies a state that stands in stark contrast to blessing; those who are cursed are stripped of the divine gifts associated with blessing and are doomed to suffering and distress (Gen. 3:14, 17). The term 'everlasting fire' symbolizes the utmost form of suffering, as execution by fire is considered the most brutal form of punishment. This imagery likely draws from the flames of the valley of Hinnom (refer to Matthew 5:22). The phrase 'prepared for the devil and his angels' indicates that this torment was designated not for humanity but for the malevolent spirits who revolted against the Almighty, along with their leader (Jude 1:6, Rev. 12:8-9), who propagate various forms of wickedness among people. However, since those who sin participates in the same malice embraced by these evil spirits, they too face the same retribution. To those found guilty, it is declared, ‘Depart from me, ye cursed.’ The emphasis lies not on ‘Depart from the Father,’ for it is not the Father who has condemned them, but rather their own actions. 'Prepared for the devil and his angels' indicates that a kingdom was set aside for the faithful; however, the fire was not intended for humanity but for the devil and his angels. Yet, since individuals have voluntarily chosen to cast themselves into the flames, they must hold themselves accountable for their fate (Chrysostom, cf. Theophilus)."},{"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":"\\"And you? You turned down my request for a morsel when I approached you in hunger; you didn’t even offer a drink when I was parched. When I sought shelter as a traveler, you shut the door in my face. You ignored my tattered clothes, failing to understand that I required garments to shield me from the cold. You not only neglected to visit me in my illness, but you also recoiled from offering comfort. You showed me disdain when I was imprisoned. Depart from me now! Go to the place prepared for eternal suffering for the devil and his angelic followers!\\"\\n\\n“Lord! When did we ever see You hungry, or thirsty, or as a stranger, or without clothing, or ill, or in prison, and not minister to You? It never occurred; we have never encountered You in such dire need.” \\n\\n“Yes,” Christ will respond, “you may not have seen me in such circumstances; however, you chose to disregard all those in distress who, in my name, sought your assistance. You pushed them away, anxious that their plight might disrupt the careless joy of your leisurely existence. Yet, you ought to have realized that in rejecting them, you were ultimately rejecting me.”"}]}
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.
