Galatians 5:22 - 6:2 and Luke 6:17 - 23

Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2 > But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Luke 6:17-23 > And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples and said:

Blessed are you poor,

For yours is the kingdom of God

Blessed are you who hunger now,

For you shall be filled.

Blessed are you who weep now,

For you shall laugh.

Blessed are you when men hate you,

And when they exclude you,

And revile you, and cast out your

Name as evil.

For the Son of Man’s sake.

Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!

For indeed your reward is great in heaven,

For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

INTRODUCTION

Today’s readings, Galatians 5:22 – 6:2 and Luke 6:17 – 23, are simply awesome in their power to illuminate our understanding concerning our struggle with the passions and our victorious transformation of them through a life in the Spirit; and how Jesus wants to heal us of our spiritual sicknesses, those very passions, addictions, and crippling infirmities, that imprison us. By walking in the Spirit we crucify the passions and evil desires, and they are transformed by the life of the Spirit into the fruit of the Spirit in all goodness and righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:9). The healing ministry of Jesus* is a pictograph revealing to us a parallel between the sicknesses and physical maladies that Jesus healed, and the spiritual sicknesses, that is our passions in us, that are in need of healing. The sicknesses and demonic vexations that Jesus healed are metaphors for the healing of our passions, evil desires, and addictions. Have you ever noticed how we can be blind, in the dark because our spiritual eyes have cataracts or worse? Have you noticed how we can be deaf, our ears can’t hear the voice of God because of damaged eardrums from listening to the demonic frequencies of the world’s lies? Have you ever noticed how we want to do good, but our will is weak, crippled, like a withered hand? Have you ever noticed how we seem to be controlled by unseen forces? Have you ever noticed how we can be thrown into a fit of rage like someone with epilepsy? Have you ever noticed how we sense the wounds in our soul are bleeding, our life’s energy is seeping out of us? Have you ever felt paralyzed, unable to move because of bitterness or shame? Have you ever felt dead inside, lifeless, unfeeling, uncaring, unable to muster compassion; you are like a dead man walking? Jesus will heal you of all these spiritual diseases and conditions if you will cooperate with Him. As we become doers of Christ’s words we enter into communion with the Holy Trinity (John 14:15-26) resulting in our sanctification and deification. We are healed, that is, saved from our sins as we become partakers of God’s divine nature (2 Peter 1:2-4).

Four Truths To Live By

Truth #1)  We must admit that we are spiritually sick with our many sins. Our sinful nature, that which we inherited from Adam (Romans 5:12, 19), and what Paul calls, “the old man” (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:23, 24; Colossians 3:9, 10), are spoken of here as our flesh, with its passions and lusts. “By the flesh, Paul does not mean the body. The flesh here is a general term for evil actions, the depraved will, the earthly mind, the slothful and careless soul…” (Orthodox Study Bible Pg. 1595) What are the passions and lusts? Some are listed for us in the three verses just before we read about the fruit of the Spirit, read Galatians 5:19-21. St Paul describes them this way, “But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” (Romans 7:22) St Gregory of Nyssa describes the passions as qualities we inherit from our animal nature: “The animals came into the world before we did and we have inherited some of their qualities. This is the spring from which our emotions are derived. Those qualities which secure self-preservation in animals have been transferred into human life and become passions…Human nature…has a double likeness. In the drive of the passions it reproduces the signs of the animal creation, but in the soul it has the features of the divine beauty.”

Truth #2) We must know that Jesus desires for us to be healed of all our sins and infirmities, our passions and lusts, our sickness and brokenness. (Luke 4:16-19) In Acts 10:38 we read a description of Jesus’ healing ministry, “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” And it is written, “When evening was come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, saying: ‘He Himself took our infirmities, and bore our sicknesses.” (Matthew 8:16, 17) This, of course, is a quote from the great Messianic prophecy of Isaiah 53, where the Messiah is portrayed as the “suffering servant” who suffered and died for our sins. Notice here the language of Isaiah defines our sins as sicknesses for which Christ suffered and died that we may be healed (saved from our sins), “He bares our sins and suffers for us, yet we considered Him to be in pain, suffering, and ill-treatment. But He was wounded because of our lawlessness, and became sick because of our sins. The chastisement of our sins was upon Him, and by His bruise are we healed. All we like sheep have gone astray. Man has gone astray in his way, and the Lord delivered Him over for our sins.” (Isaiah 53:4-6 OSB) St Peter’s inspired commentary reads, “Who Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed.” As we are healed by our cooperation with Jesus, that is, through our faith and obedience, we become dead to sins that once dominated us, and we are free to live for righteousness.

Truth #3) We must arm ourselves with all “the weapons of our warfare” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5), and through faith and obedience, cooperate with the divine grace that abides in all these God-given weapons, so that we may gain the victory in the unseen war. The Fathers of the Philokalia offer the following weapons with which to fight the passions: 1) Prayer, especially the Jesus Prayer; 2) The remembrance of the Name of Jesus; 3) The remembrance of the Lord’s Passion; 4) The remembrance of death. “He who has acquired the remembrance of death will never be able to sin.”; 5) The remembrance of the Last Judgment, especially eternal suffering; 6) Nepsis, watchfulness, vigilance; 7) By not feeding the passions, thus, starving them; 8) By waging war against them through ascesis; 9) By putting on the armor of God through the reading of God’s word and the writings of the Church Fathers; 10) Through the sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist. (Philokalia by Anthony Coniaris pg. 147) A beautiful thought from the “Philokalia”, “If you wish, you can be a slave to passions, and if you wish, you can remain free and not submit to their yoke; for God has created you with that power. A man who overcomes passions of the flesh is crowned with incorruptibility. If there were no passions there would be no virtues, and no crowns given by God to those who are worthy.” (Breaking the Chains of Addiction by Victor Mihailoff pg. 17) Synergy (working together with God), must become our path to victory over the flesh. It is through faith and obedience that we are empowered by divine grace to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires.

Truth #4) Christians who become spiritual, who have overcome the passions, are to restore the brothers and sisters who fall into trespasses. As we are healed, become spiritual (Galatians. 6:1), we are to become healing agents, restoring one another in the Faith. For it is written, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed…Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:16, 19) And thus “fulfills the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1) In light of these scriptures, which passions would be on your list for an honest and thorough confession? Consider the lists in Galatians 5:19-21 and Ephesians 4:29 – 5:4.

2) List as many of Jesus’ healings and miracles, recorded in the Gospels, as you can recall, and how each one would parallel a spiritual healing in your life.

3) Of the ten weapons recommended by the Church Fathers to defeat the passions, which ones do you practice daily? What can you do to incorporate the ten weapons into your daily thoughts?

4) When you attempt to help a fallen brother/sister, do you examine yourself first? (Matthew 7:1-5) What does a “spirit of gentleness” look like? (Ephesians 4:31, 32)

Verse-By-Verse Commentary On Galatians 5:22 – 6:2

 Verses 22, 23 > The fruit of the Holy Spirit grows upon the tree of our life as we are rooted in the gospel teachings, and obey the commands of Jesus. These fruits, nine of which are listed here, are the very energies of the divine nature that we express against the works of the flesh (the passions and evil desires). As we live in the Spirit, and walk in the Spirit, we yield our lives to the Holy Spirit, through our obedience to the commands of Jesus, that same Spirit transforms our passions into the fruit of the Spirit. We begin to produce beautiful fruit that glorifies the Father in heaven (John 15:1-8). Verse 24 > Those who are Christ’s are actively crucifying the flesh, that is, the passions and evil desires. St John Chrysostom writes, “For the desires, although they are troublesome, rage in vain.” Verse 25 > We are to live by the Spirit, that is, by the laws of the Spirit, and the power that that those laws supply. (Romans 8:1-3) The life that the Spirit gives us is actualized as we “walk in the Spirit”, that is, become doers of the word, and obedient to Christ’s commands. Verse 26 > The temptation we often face in the Spiritual life is to “compare ourselves with one another”, thus leading some of us to become conceited (thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought – Romans 12:3), and others to become envious (coveting another’s gifts and calling). This is all vainglorious, and to be crucified. Let all of us who strive for the mastery in spiritual things (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV) be temperate (self-controlled) in all things. Verse 1 > St Paul instructs the spiritual brethren on how they are to relate to those who are overtaken in  any trespass, that is, carried away with a passion that has not yet been crucified. Paul says, “you which are spiritual “restore such a one”, He says not, “chastise” nor “judge,” but “set aright.” (St John Chrysostom Homilies) Chrysostom continues, “…be very gentle to those who have lost their footing…administer correction with mildness.” St Paul warns that those who are administering correction take heed to their own weaknesses lest they be tempted and end up in very same state as the weaker brother whom they are restoring. Verse 2 > Since we all have shortcomings, Paul “exhorts them not to scrutinize severely the offences of others, but even to bear their failings, that their own may in turn be borne by others.” (St John Chrysostom) In this way we fulfill the law of Christ!

Verse-By-Verse Commentary On Luke 6:17 – 23

Verse 17, 18 > Jesus is revealed as our healer. He healed diseases and delivered people from unclean spirits. Christ’s healing ministry is a picture of what He accomplished for us through His passion, that is, his suffering and crucifixion. The diseases and torments healed by Christ parallel the healing of our spiritual sicknesses and psychic torments (our passions and evil desires). “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24) It is when we are healed of our spiritual sicknesses, that is our sins, we are then able to live righteously. And “When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: ‘He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses’” (Matthew 8:16-18; Isaiah 53:4).  Verse 19 > Through physical contact with Jesus the people were healed, because healing power went out from Him. To come in contact with Jesus was to come in contact with healing power (Acts 10:38). Remember the “woman (who) had a flow of blood twelve years, and suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, ‘If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.’ Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched My clothes’…And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction’.” (Mark 5:25-34) When we come into contact with Jesus, His power flows into us according to our faith. (Matthew 9:29) What are some ways we contact Jesus? First, through His Word; secondly, through prayer; and thirdly, through Holy Communion and the sacramental power of the Holy Spirit. Verse 20 > Jesus shifts His attention from the crowd unto His disciples and begins to unveil the blessedness of those who follow His commands (known elsewhere as the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12). Blessed are the poor (in spirit). As we willingly become poor as Jesus did (2 Corinthians 8:9), assume the heart of the poor, becoming totally dependent upon God, we are given the spiritual riches of the kingdom of heaven (Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 1:12-14). Verse 21 > Blessed are you who hunger, you who fast the things of this world, who deny themselves earthly pleasures, you will be filled with God’s Spirit. Blessed are you who weep, who shed tears of repentance. “St Theodore the Studite invites us to “go in the Spirit to the Jordan…and let us receive the baptism with Him, I mean the baptism of tears.” “The fruits of the inner man begin with the shedding of tears,” wrote St Isaac of Syria. “The fire of sin is intense,” wrote St John Chrysostom, “but it is put out by a small amount of tears, for the tear puts out a furnace of faults, and cleanse our soul of sin.” (Philokalia pg.174, by Anthony Coniaris) Your mourning shall turn to joy in the kingdom. Verse 22, 23 > Blessed are you when you are hated, and reviled, and called evil for Christ’s sake. Rejoice at the onset of persecutions, even leap for joy, for you are counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name. (Acts 5:41)

*The Healing Ministry of Jesus:
Our Blindness Matthew 9:27-31; Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 8:22-26; John 9:1-38.
Our Deafness Mark 7:31-37
Our Dumbness Matthew 9:32-34
Our Deafness and Blindness Caused by Demons Mark 9:14-27
Our Paralysis Matthew 9:1-7; Luke 5:17-26; Mark 2:1-14
Our Palsy Matthew 8:5-13
Our Epilepsy Matthew 15:21-28
Our Dropsy Luke 14:1-6
Our Weak Limbs Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6
Our Internal Bleeding Mark 5:25-34; Matthew 9:20-22
Our Fever Matthew 8:14,15
Our Demons Mark 1:23-28; Luke 4:31-37; Matthew 8:28-34; Luke 8:26-39
Our Leprosy Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16; Luke 17:11-19
Our Disfigurement Luke 13:10-17
Our Deadness Matthew 9:18-26; Luke 7:11-17; John 11

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PHILIPPIANS 1:12-20 / LUKE 12:8-12

Philippians 1:12-20 > But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. For I know this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

Luke 12:8-12 > Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven. Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.

Introduction

Today’s scripture readings, Philippians 1:12-20 and Luke 12:8-12, share the theme of “boldly proclaiming Christ and His gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit while suffering persecution.” We will examine this theme by breaking it into “four truths” that these two passages reveal. And these truths, when prayerfully meditated upon, will create in us a godly desire for sobriety, and inspire in us humility of mind. For surely it is sobering to face the realities of persecution, imprisonment, and even martyrdom. And it is humbling to acknowledge how unprepared we are for such happenings. These realities can seem far removed from us here in America if we are not paying attention. It is time that all true Orthodox Christians take the commands of Jesus to heart, and begin to confess Him openly in the midst of a perverse and twisted generation. A life of righteousness, and an open confession of Jesus Christ, will result in persecutions of various kinds; reproaches, censorship, and false accusations. Jesus, in today’s passage in Luke, and St Paul in his prison epistle to the Philippians, teach us in no uncertain terms that the authorities, both civil and religious, will be completely intolerant of faith in Christ. This should be expected as Jesus said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you”. (John 15:18)

Four Truths To Live By

Truth #1) THE GOSPEL IS TO BE PROCLAIMED. Whether we are free or in chains (prison), whether we dwell safely or in the midst of danger, Jesus does not equivocate, He commands us to confess Him before men. We are not to be silent when we are brought before the authorities. We are to refuse the temptation to deny Him. We are to speak that which the Holy Spirit puts into our hearts and mouths the very same hour we stand before our persecutors. St Paul took advantage of his imprisonment in Caesar’s palace to proclaim Christ to Caesar’s court, and his witness spread from there to many other places. And his fellow ministers grew in confidence seeing God at work in Paul’s circumstances, and they too, became much bolder to speak the word without fear.

Truth #2) WE WILL BE PERSECUTED FOR OUR FAITH. Today, in the U.S.A., we are witnessing our culture being “fundamentally transformed". The “powers that be” are engineering a society that is intolerant of Christ and His teachings, and therefore at odds with Christ’s Church. Orthodox Christians are being called today to confess their faith by speaking out in the market place in regard to the unborn innocents and the sacrament of marriage. Orthodox Christians are to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), speaking out against war.  Orthodox Christians are to be merciful (Matthew 5:7), demonstrating mercy to all peoples. The more we show the compassion of Christ, the more the world will hate us, revile us, and say all manner of evil against us. Around the world today our Christian brothers and sisters are being persecuted, displaced, imprisoned, and killed for Christ’s sake. www.persecution.org May their example of faithfulness in the face of death inspire sobriety and humility in all Orthodox Christians.

Truth #3) WE MUST EMBRACE THE NECESSITY OF BOLDNESS. In order for us to obey the commands of Jesus, to confess Him before men, and to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15), we must be infused with boldness. Boldness is courage, daring, bravery, and fearlessness, all of which must originate with an intimate relationship with God where we become one with His love. Christ is teaching us that we must overcome the fear of man. We must know the value of pleasing the Lord above all else. St Paul writes to Timothy that God has not given him a spirit of fear or timidity. Timothy is to not be ashamed of the gospel, nor to fear afflictions because Jesus has abolished death. There is absolutely nothing to be afraid of for the believer who knows that Christ has risen from the dead, and that we have life and immortality through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:7-10). The Lord has promised, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you. So that you may boldly say, ‘The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me’.” (Hebrews 13:5, 6; Psalm 27:1) Scripture teaches us to be a God-pleaser, not a man-pleaser (1 Thessalonians 2:1-4); God will provide supernatural boldness when needed (Acts 4:13-20); the early Church prayed for boldness (Acts 4:29-31); the Apostles obeyed God rather than man (Acts 5:28, 29, 41, 42); and the early Church increased in boldness (Acts 13:44-46).

Truth #4) THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US. The Holy Spirit, the heavenly King, the Comforter and Helper, Teacher and Guide, will be with us, upon us, and in us every moment of every day, through peaceful times or persecution. (John 14:16, 17, 26; John 16:13) St John the Theologian writes, “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.” (1 John 2:20, 27) The ongoing Chrismating power of the Spirit is at work in us, teaching us the truth, preserving us in the Truth. St Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “We have received the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us by God.” St Peter writes, “If any one speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it with the ability which God supplies.” (1 Peter 4:11)  And finally Jesus says, “The Holy Spirit will teach you the very same hour you face your persecutors exactly what it is you are to say to them. (Luke 12:12)

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1) What is the gospel that Jesus told us to take into all the world? If someone asked you to explain the gospel what would you say? How can we become equipped to give answers to those who ask for a reason for the hope that is in us? (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15)

2) What spiritual practices will prepare us for times of persecution? How can we even be prepared for martyrdom? (Matthew 5:10-12; Hebrews 2:14, 15; Hebrews 11:32-40)

3) How can we increase in boldness? In our daily lives, where are some places we could begin to speak up for Christ? Have we considered that we can begin developing our boldness by denouncing our own passions and boldly speak the word against our temptations? (Matthew 4:1-11; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18)

4) How well are we acquainted with the Holy Spirit? How can we be filled with the Holy Spirit? Is there a prayer we can pray daily to develop reliance on the Holy Spirit? (John 14:15-26; Ephesians 5:14-20; John 7:37-39)

VERSE-BY-VERSE COMMENTARY ON PHILIPPIANS 1:12-20

Verses 12,13 > St Paul’s desire is for the Philippians to understand that what had happened to him, his imprisonment in Caesar’s Palace, has resulted in the Gospel going further than it had ever gone before. We learn from this that persecution creates divine opportunities to proclaim the gospel. And when those who are persecuted demonstrate a Spirit-filled life it can result in people’s hearts opening to the gospel message. Christ had become manifest to the entire palace guard. Jesus teaches us in the Beatitudes that those who are persecuted, reviled, spoken evil of, can become the salt of the earth and the light of the world if while undergoing the fiery trials of persecution, they gracefully season their persecutors with salt (Colossians 4:6), and shine the light of truth upon them, rather than hiding under a bushel. (Matthew 5:10-16) Verse 14 > As a result of St Paul’s sufferings, and the subsequent divine favor upon his prison ministry, St Paul’s fellow ministers grew in confidence, speaking the word of God boldly without fear. St Paul had written to Timothy, his son in the faith, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.” (2 Timothy 1:7, 8) Let us remember that this very moment we have Orthodox brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world suffering persecution. www.opendoorsusa.org Let us pray fervently for their deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity. Verses 15-17 > St Paul contrasts two kinds of preachers. The first group of preachers was moved by ill-will toward Paul. These preachers were envious of St Paul, motivated by a contentious spirit. There reason for preaching was not of sincerity, that is, to simply proclaim Christ. They were compelled by selfish ambition to compete with St Paul’s ministry. Elsewhere St Paul had warned the Elders of Ephesus that they should be on guard, for themselves and their flock. He warned that “savage wolves would come in among them, not sparing the flock. Also from among them men would rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after themselves.” (Acts 20:28-30) St John Chrysostom says that these preachers were unbelievers who wanted “to stir up more vehemently the persecution from the emperor…that all his anger might fall upon the head of St Paul.” (Homilies on Philippians) The second group of preachers was motivated by goodwill, they were moved by love for St Paul, knowing that he was “appointed (set) for the defense (apologia in Greek) of the gospel.” Here, I believe, St Paul is saying that he was especially appointed to preach the Gospel (Acts 26:13-18), and that he was to give an apology or an answer to every accusation that would come against the gospel. (1 Peter 3:15; Colossians 4:6) Verse 18 > St Paul reveals his inward disposition towards both the false preachers that were moved by envy and strife, and the true preachers who were inspired by sincerity and love. Whether they were false brethren (savage wolves dressed as shepherds), or whether they were faithful elders, he rejoiced that the gospel was preached. Verse 19, 20 > There are three points here. First, St Paul’s hope and expectation he had for himself, is that he will be ashamed for nothing he did in his ministry. St Paul knew he had the sentence of death in himself, he knew he was heading toward eventual martyrdom. But, day by day, as he suffered for Christ, he wanted Christ to be magnified in his body. Secondly, St Paul teaches us that it is through the prayers of the faithful that he would experience deliverance, “though not necessarily for his body. His expectation and hope is of eternal life.” (Orthodox Study Bible, Pg. 1612) And thirdly, St Paul is sustained and delivered by “the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.”

VERSE-BY-VERSE COMMENTARY ON LUKE 12:8-12

Verse 8, 9 > Jesus gives us an ultimatum. If we confess Him before men (in this life) He will confess us before the angels of God (at His Second Coming). For it is written, “When the Son of Man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.” (Matthew 24:31)  And again, “…the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7) So it is at Christ’s second coming that He will confess us before the angels, if we, in this life, confess Him before mankind. We will have no need to fear the one who has the power to cast into hell, for we have become His friends. As we confess Christ in our daily lives, He energizes us with grace and peace. As we cultivate our friendship “here and now” with Christ, he will be our friend, “there and then”, forever in the kingdom. Verse 10 > It is possible to speak against Christ, the Son of Man,  in ignorance, but once enlightened by the Spirit, to repent and be forgiven your blasphemy against the Son of Man. But to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is to reject the Spirit’s witness as to whom Christ is, and therefore you commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and you will not be forgiven because you have rejected the revelation of Jesus Christ. You have rejected the witness of the Spirit. The parallel passages to this verse are found in Matthew 12:31, 32 and Mark 3:29, 30. In these passages blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is further explained as attributing the miracles of Christ to Satan rather than to the work of the Holy Spirit. “According to St John Chrysostom and many other Fathers, the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit would be forgivable if a person were to repent of it. Jesus never calls the sin itself “unforgivable.” Jesus makes this declaration knowing that those who blaspheme the Spirit are calling pure, divine goodness “evil,” and are beyond repentance by their own choice. (Orthodox Study Bible, pg. 1391) Verse 11 > Who are “they”? They were the Jewish religious leaders (who hate Christ and were committed to stifling the Christian movement), and the Roman civil authorities who would arrest them for being contrary to Caesar worship. Synagogues, found in many towns and cities, are where a person would be brought before a Jewish tribunal to be examined for breaking a religious law. The leaders of the synagogue had the authority to even scourge the offender. The Magistrates and Powers (Civil Authorities) were the superior authorities, Jewish or Gentile, that would examine those who were being accused. Verse 12 > God’s grace and the supply of the Holy Spirit awaits us when being persecuted. The very hour we find ourselves being accused falsely because of Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit will teach us what we are to say in response. And too, we should know that the Holy Spirit will teach us every day what to say under all circumstances. We need not be afraid in any social setting where there may be antagonists to the Christian Faith. Trust in God that He will teach you and enable you to speak for Him. (1 John 2:20 27; 1 Peter 4:9-11)

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HEBREWS 10:32-38 / LUKE 12:32-40

Hebrews 10:32-38 > But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession(substance) for yourselves in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

For yet a little while,

And He who is coming will come and

will not tarry.

Now the just shall live by faith;

But if anyone draws back,

My soul has no pleasure in him.

Luke 12:32-40 > Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys, For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.


Today's readings, Hebrews 10:32-38 and Luke 12:32-40, share the theme of Christ's Second Coming, but each passage reveals a distinct spiritual discipline that enables you to live by faith in the promise of Christ's second coming. Jesus, in the passage in Luke, is emphasizing the spiritual quality of "watchfulness", while St Paul, in Hebrews, is encouraging us to embrace "endurance" while we wait for Christ to appear.

Let us consider four truths that these two passages communicate that will fill you with inspiration and purpose. 1) We must know the reality of Christ's Second Coming. That Jesus is really coming again; to raise the dead, judge everyone according to their works, and establish his everlasting  kingdom. We must live this life in the light of his second coming. We are to be looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-2:16; 2 Timothy 4:1,6-8; Matthew 24:29-31; John 5:25-29; Philippians 3:14-20; 1 John 2:28-3:3; Colossians 3:1-4; Romans 8:14-25; Acts 1:8-11; 2 Peter 3:1-18) 2) We must acquire the spiritual quality of "watchfulness". Watchfulness means alertness, attentiveness, being vigilant. It is the spiritual quality of "inner attention"  (nepsis in Greek) and is based on the words of Jesus. "Watch, therefore, for you do not know what hour the Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42). "Watch, what I say to you, I say to all: WATCH." (Mark 13:33,37) "Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation." (Matthew 26:40-45). Watchfulness is our conscious effort to not be sleepy, but to remain alert, awake (Ephesians 5:14-1; Romans 13:11-14). We are not to allow our minds to drift (away from Christ), but instead we are to think on things that are true and good, we are to keep our minds set on things above, and we are to take all thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. (Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:2; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5). 3) We must embrace "endurance" as a spiritual quality of genuine faith. To follow in the footsteps of Jesus we will be hated by this world, we will face persecutions, and be reviled and spoken against; we will experience trials and afflictions, but we are to endure them according to the will of God. God will sustain us in this life with joy and peace, and great will be our reward in heaven. (John 16:33; John 14:27; John 15:18-25; Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Peter 2:19-25; 1 Peter 4:12,19). 4) We must live by faith in Christ's Second Coming. When we truly believe that Jesus is coming again, when we have a solid hope in the promises of Christ, then our actions will validate our faith, and our lifestyle will reflect eternal values. Love, evidenced by sacrificial living, will produce peace and rejoicing in our hearts. We will begin to live this life in light of eternity. We will take Christ at his words, "Sell what you have and do alms". We will examine our hearts to see whether our modern American lifestyle, gathering possessions, is compatible with the values of the Kingdom of God. If we truly believe that Christ is coming and this world is temporal, then let us acquire the mind that renounces this world, detaches from the things of this world, and see ourselves as pilgrims and strangers in exile, waiting for that better country, our heavenly home. (Romans 5:1-5; James 2:14-20; 2 Corinthians 4:13-18; 1 Timothy 6:12-19; Mark 4:14-20; Hebrews 11:8-16; 1 Peter 2:9-11; The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Steps 1,2, and 3). 

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
1) Am I living my life with eternal values?

2) How frequently do I think of Christ's second coming? Do I take note of this reality when I confess the Nicene Creed?

3) What is your response to Christ's words, "Sell what you have and give alms"?

4) In what ways can I increase my watchfulness?

VERSE-BY-VERSE COMMENTARY ON HEBREWS 10:32-38
In verses 32-34 St Paul* wants the Hebrew believers to remember what it was like when they suffered willingly, when they were first illuminated (baptized), and had made a firm stand for Jesus Christ. St Paul reminds them how they were made a spectacle (a gazing stock, see 1 Corinthians 4:9), fools for Christ's sake. They were placed, as it were, on a stage in a theatre or a stadium, to suffer reproach, mockery, and ridicule. They were willing to be identified with the hated Apostles, those notorious traitors from Judaism. St Paul continues, reminding them how they had been willing to suffer financial loss, and how they actually had suffered the loss of their possessions for the cause of Christ. And why were they willing to suffer loss? Because they KNEW they have, in HEAVEN, a better and enduring (eternal) possession. They followed in the footsteps of Abraham (read Hebrews 11:8-16) who was looking for a heavenly city, a heavenly country, a city prepared by God in heaven. But while in this life on earth, he confessed, he was a stranger and a pilgrim. Then in verses 35,36 we see that because these eternal promises were a reality to them, they were told, "Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of ENDURANCE...". St Paul wrote to Timothy "You must ENDURE hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself  with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who has enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:3). So, regardless of the persecutions, afflictions, sufferings, and sacrifices, we are to persist in doing the will of God. For it is written, "Let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator" (read 1 Peter 4:12-19). In verse 37 St Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, quotes Habakkuk 2:3, evidently from the Septuagint** translation (Greek Old Testament), telling the Hebrew believers that Jesus's promise to come again is sure. The Prophet Habakkuk says, "For there is still a vision for an appointed time, and it will rise up at the end and not in vain. if it should tarry, wait for it, for when it comes it will come and not delay." St Paul interprets this passage that says a revelation is coming, reading into the passage, the divine truth that the person of Christ is that revelation. And this revelation, Jesus Christ, will come from heaven (read also 1 Peter 1:3-9; 2 Peter 3:1-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). St Paul's final exhortation is that the believers must "live by faith", otherwise it will be inevitable that we would draw back into perdition. St John Chrysostom adds these words of warning in his comments on this verse which tells us of the absolute certainty of Christ's coming again, "Let us say both to others and to ourselves as well: 'There is a resurrection, and a fearful judgment awaits us.' If we see someone puffed up and aglow because of temporal prosperity, let us say the same thing to him, to warn him that all this remains in this world. On the other hand, if we see another person downcast and afflicted with misfortune, let us address the same words to him, also, to remind him that his ill fortune will have an end, And if we see someone who is lazy and slothful, let us chant the same theme to him, to admonish him that he must render an accounting for laziness. This sentence is more potent than any remedy to cure the disease of the soul. And I say this because there is a resurrection and the resurrection is at the door, not far distant or far away in time. 'For yet a little while,' says Paul, 'and he who is to come will come, and will not delay.' (St John Chrysostom on Hebrews)

VERSE-BY-VERSE COMMENTARY ON LUKE 12:32-40
Verse 32 > Jesus desires that we not be bound by fear, but rather that we be secure in the promise that our Father in heaven desires to give us the kingdom. In this world we will have tribulation (John 16:33), but we have, reserved in heaven, an inheritance that is undefiled, and that does not fade away (1 Peter 1:4). Verse 33 > Jesus commands us to sell what we have and give alms. This command only seems extreme because of our own sinful clinging to the things of this world. Jesus continues, so as to explain, how he means this command to be employed. We are to provide ourselves with bags that do not grow old like the miser's money bags do. Our money bags should not grow old because we frequently empty them to do alms. Our money bags are in heaven, where they do not grow old, because we have given alms here on earth! The Prophet Haggai warns, "And he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes." (Haggai 1:6) Christ would have His followers put their money up in other bags, not in bags that rot through age, or are worn out, and full of holes through use. Instead of into bags, we are to put our money into the hands and bellies of the poor. Verse 33 continues > No thief can approach our bags in heaven, but on earth our money bags are always in danger of thieves of various kinds. Moths cannot corrupt our garments in heaven, but they can and do corrupt the best garments worn here on earth. But the robes of glory and immortality can never be corrupted. Verse 34 > So, if our treasure is here on earth, stored in bags, or banks, or under our mattresses, that is where our heart is. But if our treasure feeds the poor, comforts the persecuted, digs wells for the thirsty, supports the gospel, and builds the church, these alms become "the fruit that abounds to our accounts" in heaven (Philippians 4:17), and are "a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18). Verse 35 > Long flowing robes were the garments of the day in the time of Christ. A belt was worn around the waist and when it came time for action, for work, or for movement, the robe had to be gathered and secured beneath the belt so the person would not be hindered. Jesus is saying we must be constantly ready for action by always having our waist girded (read Ephesians 6:14). Also, Jesus says, the servant must have his lamps burning so that he can see the Master coming at his return from the wedding. So we, like the five wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-10), must keep our lamps filled with oil, and the wick always trimmed (aflame). This means that we are to continuously be being filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit (read Ephesians 5:17,18), and keep your flame ablaze so you are not overtaken by the darkness. From The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles we read, ""Watch" over your life. Do not let "your lamps" go out, and do not keep "your loins unbelted," but "be ready," for "you do not know the hour when our Lord is coming." Meet together frequently in your search for what is good for your souls, since "a lifetime of faith will be of no advantage" to you unless you prove to be fully responsive to the very end. In the final days, many false prophets and seducers will appear. Sheep will turn into wolves, and love into hatred. With the increase of iniquity, people will hate, persecute, and betray each other. Then the world deceiver will appear in the guise of God's Son." (The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles 16:1-4).Verse 36,37 > When the Master, Jesus Christ, returns he will find the faithful "watching", holding vigil, being attentive to their spiritual lives. The Master, upon his return, does not expect to be served, but displays his eternal love by once again serving his faithful followers. St Cyril of Alexandria writes, "When he comes and finds us girded, awake and our hearts enlightened, then he immediately will make us blessed. "He will gird his loins and serve them." By this, we learn that he will reward us proportionately. Since we are weary with toil, he will comfort us, setting before us spiritual banquets and spreading the abundant table of his gifts." Verse 38 > Many of the church fathers say that the three night watches symbolize the three stages of life; childhood, adulthood, and old age. In his Commentary on Luke, St Cyril of Alexandria elaborates, "We typically divide the night into three or four watches. The sentinels on the city walls, who watch the motions of the enemy, after being on guard three or four hours, deliver the watch and guard over to others. With us, there are three ages. The first is childhood. The second is youth. The third is old age. Now the first of these, in which we are still children, is not called to account by God but is deemed worthy of pardon, because of the innocence as yet of the mind and the weakness of the understanding. The second and the third -- the periods of adulthood and old age -- owe obedience and piety of life to God, according to his good pleasure. Whoever is found watching and well belted, whether by chance he is still young or has arrived at old age, shall be blessed. For he will be counted worthy of attaining to Christ's promises." (Commentary on Luke, Homily 92). Clearly, Jesus is teaching us that the believer is to be constantly keeping watch, not just looking for the coming of the Master, but loving his appearing (2 Timothy 4:8), longing for it. As we confess in the Nicene Creed, "We look for the resurrection of the dead (at Christ's Second Coming) and the life of the world to come. Amen." Those of us found watching, faithfully praying, holding vigil against the evil one (1 Peter 5:8,9), Jesus says we will be in a blessed state. Blessed meaning you will be grace-filled, divinized, partaking of his divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Verses 39,40 > KNOW THIS!!! Jesus is pointedly telling all people an important truth! That he will be coming at an hour we do not expect -- SO, BE READY! This truth applies to all people of all times -- we all are to remain in a constant state of readiness and watchfulness every moment of our lives! St Basil writes, "What is the mark of a Christian? It is to watch daily and hourly and to stand prepared in that state of total responsiveness pleasing to God, knowing that the Lord will come at an hour that he does not expect." (The Morals 22).


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* Concerning the authorship of the book of Hebrews: Clement of Alexandria says, "By the style of writing, Luke may be recognized both to have composed the Acts of the Apostles and to have translated Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews." (A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs). "In the early centuries of the Church, several differing opinions circulated as to who wrote Hebrews. By the fourth century most witnesses ascribed Hebrews to St Paul, including St. John Chrysostom (d. AD 407) and St. Athanasius (d. AD 373)." (The Orthodox Study Bible, page 1652). Doubts about Pauline authorship arose around the end of the second century, predominantly in the west. The chief contenders besides St Paul were St Barnabas, St Clement of Rome, and St Luke the Evangelist. Modern scholars do not think that the style and vocabulary of Hebrews is a match for St Paul, and the consensus among them is that the author is unknown.
 
** Most English translations of the Bible are from the Hebrew Old Testament, but the Old Testament of the time of Christ, and of the early Church was the Greek Old Testament known as the Septuagint (LXX). When the New Testament writers quoted from the Old Testament, they nearly always quoted from the Septuagint, not from the Hebrew text. For further information on the Septuagint, in a concise form, see "A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs" (pages 607-609).


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