Беседа 25

Acts 11:19. Meanwhile, those who were scattered from the persecution that followed Stephen went as far as Phenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, preaching the word to no one except the Jews. Why did the famine happen? - Every sin is cleansed by alms. – Types of alms. 1. Persecution brought sermons no little benefit: “to those who love God,” says (the apostle), “all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28). If they (the enemies) had tried to deliberately spread the Church, they would have done nothing less than this; I mean the dispersion of teachers. And look where the sermon has gone. “They went,” says (the writer), “as far as Phenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, preaching the word to no one except the Jews.” Do you see how everything concerning Cornelius was done with forethought? And this serves both to justify Christ and to accuse the Jews. When Stephen was killed, when Paul was twice in danger, when the apostles were scourged, when they were often expelled, then the pagans were already accepted, then the Samaritans. Paul proclaims this when he says: “Then Paul and Barnabas said boldly: The word of God should have been preached to you first, but because you reject it and make yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). In this way they traveled, talking with the pagans. “Now there were some of them Cypriots and Cyreneans, who, having come to Antioch, spoke to the Greeks, preaching the good news of the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:20-21). Look, they are preaching to the Hellenes. It is therefore probable that they knew how to (speak) Hellenic, and that there were many of them in Antioch. “And the hand of the Lord was with them,” says (the writer), “that is, they performed signs. Do you see why signs were needed even now? So that they may believe. “A rumor about this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they commissioned Barnabas to go to Antioch” (Acts 11:22). Why didn’t the apostles themselves go to such a city, which had already received the preaching, but send Barnabas? For the sake of the Jews. However, this is arranged with considerable foresight, and in order for Paul to arrive here in this way; not in vain, but by the great dispensation (of God) the Jews (the Jews) turn away from him, so that this voice of preaching, this trumpet of heaven is not limited to Jerusalem. Have you seen how Christ always turned their very malice for good, according to His will, and used their dislike for Paul to create the Church of the pagans? But also pay attention to this saint, i.e. Barnabas, how he did not care about himself, but went to Tarsus. “Having arrived and seeing the grace of God, he rejoiced and urged everyone to hold on to the Lord with a sincere heart; for he was a good man and full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And quite a number of people came to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul and, having found him, brought him to Antioch” (Acts 11:23-25). He was a very virtuous husband, meek and friendly with Paul. That’s why he came to this athlete, to this military leader, to this martial artist, to this lion. I don't know what else to say. Whatever I say, I will say less than Pavlov’s dignity. He came to this hunting dog that overcomes lions, to this strong ox (1 Cor. 9:9; 1 Tim. 5:18), to this bright lamp, to these lips sufficient for the whole universe. This is truly why in Antioch (believers) began to be called Christians, because Paul stayed in it for so long. “For a whole year they gathered in church and taught a considerable number of people, and the disciples in Antioch for the first time began to be called Christians” (Acts 11:26). No small praise for the city. Indeed, it can be argued before everyone that he, before all other cities, enjoyed those lips for so long, and that is why in him, first of all, the believers were awarded this name. Do you see to what height he raised and how glorious he made this city? This is Paul's merit. Where three thousand believed, where five thousand, where such a multitude, there was nothing like this, but they were only called “following” (Acts 9:2); and here they began to be called Christians. “In those days the prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch” (Acts 11:27). Since the fruit of alms should also grow here, it is beneficial that the prophets came (here). But please note: here too, none of the most famous (apostles) was a teacher; they had the Cyprians and Cyreneans and Paul as teachers, although he was superior to them, just as Paul (had teachers) Barnabas and Ananias, and, however, because of this he was in no way less than them, moreover, he had Christ Himself (as a teacher). “And one of them, named Agabus, stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine throughout the whole world, which happened under Caesar Claudius” (Acts 11:28). It is not in vain that it is foreshadowed here that there will be a great famine, which happened, as it was predicted. So that some do not think that the famine happened because Christianity appeared and that demons retreated, the Holy Spirit predicts what was going to happen, just as Christ predicted many things that happened. Thus, this did not happen because it should have happened from the beginning, but because of the evil that was done to the apostles; when they began to make it, God was patient; and when they began to persist, a famine set in, threatening the Jews with future disasters. But, if it was for them, then for others it had to stop even after the onset. What evil, in fact, did the Greeks do, so that they, who had not done any evil (to the apostles), should be subjected to the same disasters? If not for the Jews, then the (Christians) themselves could demonstrate their virtues even more, because (the Jews) did their job - they killed, tormented, tortured, and persecuted (them) everywhere. And look, when the famine comes: when the pagans were already accepted. 2. But, you say, if (the famine was) for the atrocities (of the Jews), then Christians should have been excluded from it? Why, tell me? Didn’t Christ tell them before: “in the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33)? And when you say this, perhaps you will also add that they should not have been scourged? But look: for them, hunger also served as a salvation, gave rise to alms, became the source of many blessings, just as it would have been for you if you wanted, but you didn’t want to. It is predicted about him so that they prepare for alms, because those who were in Jerusalem suffered grievously; and until that time they had no hunger. And Barnabas and Paul are sent to serve them. “Then the disciples contributed, each according to his means” (Acts 11:29). Do you see how, as soon as they believe, they already bear fruit, not only for their own people, but also for those far away? Here, it seems to me, we are talking about the same thing that Paul says elsewhere: “give me and Barnabas the hand of fellowship, ... so that we may remember the poor” (Gal. 2:9-10). Hunger brought such benefits! And look: even during this sorrow they do not give in to crying and tears, like us, but take up a great and good deed; they continued to preach the word with even greater boldness. And they did not say: we, the Cyrenians and Cyprians, came to such a glorious and great city; but, hoping for the grace of God, these began to teach, and they did not disdain to learn anything from them. See how everything is accomplished little by little, the preaching is spreading, those in Jerusalem take equal care of everyone, as if considering the whole universe to be one home. They heard that Samaria had accepted the word, and they sent Peter and John there; They heard about what was happening in Antioch, and they sent Barnabas there. The distance was great (from Jerusalem), and the apostles should not have left there yet, lest they be considered fugitives running away from their own. They are excommunicated (from there) out of necessity already when, finally, the Jews turned out to be unhealed, when the war had already come and it was possible to die, when the sentence was pronounced (on Jerusalem); and until Paul came to Rome, until then they were there. However, they are not leaving because they are afraid of war; How (could those who went to (the people) who had to fight with them (could be afraid of this)? Moreover, the war began after the death of the apostles. and what was said about the Jews was fulfilled: “but wrath is coming upon them to the end” (1 Thess. 2:16). So, the more humble they were, the more grace shone, accomplishing great things through the small! But let's turn to the above. “He urged everyone,” says (the writer), “to hold on to the Lord... for he was a good man” 23 (Acts 11:23). It seems to me that “kind” here means simple, unfeigned, very zealous for the salvation of his neighbors. And not only was he a “good man,” but also “full of the Holy Spirit and faith.” Therefore, he “convinced everyone to hold on to the Lord with a sincere heart,” that is, with glorification and praise (to the Lord). And look how this city, like a rich land, received the word and showed great fruit. Why did Barnabas take Paul out of Tarsus and bring him here? Not in vain, but because there were good hopes, and a vast city, and a great multitude (of people). Have you seen how it is grace, and not Paul, that does everything - how the matter began small, and when it became known, then they sent Barnabas? And why didn't they send him before? Because they had great concern for their own affairs and did not want the Jews to accuse them of accepting pagans; after all, when it was inevitably necessary for them to unite (with the pagans), there was some indignation between them, to prevent which what happened to Cornelius happened. Then they already say: “to the Gentiles, and to them to the circumcision” (Gal. 2:9). And see how opportunely the need of hunger brought about fellowship (through alms) sent from the pagans to those in Jerusalem; these receive what is sent from those; and those, not like us, who met misfortunes with tears, did not do so, but endured them with great complacency, like those who were far from the persecutors and lived among people who were not afraid of the Jews, which also contributed a lot to this. But they also retreated to Cyprus, where there was greater security and greater peace. “Preaching the word to no one,” says (the writer), “except the Jews.” They did this not out of human fear, which they considered nothing, but wanting to keep the law and also being lenient towards them. "We went as far as Phenicia and Cyprus and Antioch". These did not care much about the Jews. “When they came to Antioch, they spoke to the Greeks, preaching the good news of the Lord Jesus.” Perhaps because they did not know how to (speak) Hebrew, they were called Hellenes. “He (Barnabas), having arrived,” says (the writer), “and seeing the grace of God,” and not human efforts, “and convinced everyone to hold on to the Lord with a sincere heart.” Having praised and approved the people, he probably converted them even more. And why do they not write to Paul, but send to Barnabas? They did not yet know the virtue of this man; That’s why it’s arranged in such a way that only Barnabas goes. And since (there) there was a large crowd, and no one interfered, faith grew successfully, and especially because no temptation was tolerated there, and that Paul preached, no longer being subject to the need to flee. It is also good that it is not they themselves who predict the famine, but the prophets, so that (otherwise) they do not seem in any way burdensome. And it is worthy of surprise how the Antiochians were not indignant at the fact that they were, as it were, despised (by the apostles), but were content with their teachers. So they were all ardent for the word (of the Gospel)! They did not even expect famine to come, but they sent it before it, “each according to his means.” 3. And look: this (care of the poor) is entrusted to others from the apostles, but here to Paul and Barnabas. This was done with no little forethought; Then there was the beginning (of the Christian Church) and, moreover, it was necessary to beware of temptation. But now no one does this, although even now the hunger is worse than then. It’s not all the same whether everyone suffers misfortune together, or, while everyone lives in abundance, the poorest suffer hunger. Then there was only hunger, and those who gave (were) poor - “the disciples contributed, each according to his wealth,” says (the writer), - and now there is extreme hunger, although there is extreme abundance, heavy hunger, hunger not of hearing the word of the Lord, but of being satisfied through alms. Then both the Jewish poor and the Antiochians who gave help received consolation, and the latter more than the former; and now both we and the poor suffer hunger, they - in need of necessary food, and we - deprived of God's mercy. There can be nothing more necessary than such saturation. Here there is no evil that comes from satiety; here excess food does not go away. There is nothing more beautiful, nothing more healthy than a soul nourished in this way; it is above all illness, all hunger, all illness and disease; no one can touch it, but just as neither iron nor anything else can harm the adamantine body, so the soul, protected by alms, cannot be touched by anything at all. Tell me what could ever possess her? Is it poverty? No; (alms) are kept in the royal treasury. Thief and robber? But no one can dig under its walls. Worm? But this treasure is higher than even such evil. Envy and hatred? But he doesn’t master them either. Slander and slander? Neither can they, because this treasure is inaccessible. But it would be unfair to show only these properties of alms, and not the opposite ones. It is not only free from envy, but is also accompanied by great blessing even from those who have not experienced its benefits. Just as the cruel and inhuman are hated not only by those who are offended by them, but also by those who have not suffered anything from them, but only sympathize with the offended and condemn those who offend them, so those who have done many wonderful things are praised not only by those who have benefited from them, but also by those who have received nothing from them. But what am I saying: free from envy, slanderers, thieves and robbers? Not only is this good about it, but also the fact that it does not decrease in itself, but always increases and multiplies. What was more vile than Nebuchadnezzar? What is uglier, what is more criminal than him? He was a wicked man; He saw many signs and wonders and did not want to repent, but threw the servants of God into the furnace, although after that he worshiped (God). What does the prophet tell him? “King, may my advice be acceptable to you: atone for your sins with righteousness and your iniquities with mercy towards the poor; this is how your peace can last” (Dan.4:24). He said this not because he doubted it - he was absolutely sure of it - but, wanting to arouse in him greater fear and more strongly (show) the need to do it. If he had said affirmatively, he would have become even more careless. So then we most likely motivate someone when we say: ask so-and-so, and we do not add that he will certainly listen, but we say: maybe he will listen; greater fear, which comes from doubt, produces greater motivation. That is why the prophet did not express this clearly. But what are you saying? Will such crimes really be forgiven? Yes. There is no sin that charity cannot cleanse, that alms cannot destroy; every sin is beneath it; it is a medicine suitable for any wound. What's worse than a publican? He is capable of all wickedness; but Zacchaeus cleansed all this wickedness (Luke 19:8-9). Look how Christ also inspires this by what he established: “he had a money box with him and carried what was put in there” (John 12:6). And Paul says: “Only that we remember the poor” (Gal. 2:10). And everywhere in the Scriptures much is said on this subject. Thus, (the Wise One) says: “A man redeems his life with his wealth” (Proverbs 13:8). And Christ: “if you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor;... and come and follow Me” (Matthew 19:21). This truly is perfection. Almsgiving is done not only with money, but also with deeds. So, for example, you can petition, you can give a helping hand; Often in cases, petition helped even more than money. 4. So, let us bring into action in the present case all types of alms. Can you do it with money? Don't hesitate. Can you petition? Don't say you don't have money; it's nothing; and that means a lot, if you were so disposed as you would give money. Can you do me a favor? Do this too. For example: are you a doctor by title? Take care of the sick; and that means a lot. Can you give me some advice? This is by far the most important thing; The advice is better and higher than all, the greater the benefit it brings: you deliver them not from hunger, but from cruel death. The apostles were especially rich in them; Therefore, they entrusted the distribution of money to the lower ones, while they themselves remained in the service of the word (Acts 6:1-4). Or, do you think, will there be no great charity if a soul given over to despondency, in extreme danger, possessed by a flame (of passion), can be freed from this illness? For example, do you see a friend obsessed with the love of money? Show mercy to this man. Does he want to hang himself? Quench its flame. What if he doesn't listen? Do your job and don't be lazy. Do you see him bound in bonds (after all, the love of money is truly a bond)? Come to him, visit him, comfort him, try to free him from his bonds. If he does not agree, he will be to blame. Do you see the naked and stranger (truly naked and a stranger for heaven who does not care about a virtuous life)? Take him into your home, dress him in the clothes of virtue, make him a citizen of heaven. What do you say if I myself am naked? Dress yourself in advance; if you know that you are naked, then, of course, you also know that you must put on clothes. If only you know the properties of this nakedness, then you can easily recognize the clothing characteristic of it. How many women wear silken garments, and are truly naked from the garments of virtue! Let their husbands wear these. But they do not accept these clothes, but want those? First do this: arouse in them the desire for these clothes, show them that they are naked, talk about the future judgment, say that there we will need other (clothes), and not those (silk). If you allow me, then I will show this nakedness. Naked, during cold weather, becomes numb, trembles, stands huddled and with his hands folded, but during heat he does not do this. If now I show that both rich men and rich wives are more naked the more they are clothed, then do not be angry. Tell me: when we talk about Gehenna and those torments, don’t these ones freeze and tremble more than those who are naked? Do they not sigh heavily and condemn themselves? When they come to someone and say: pray for me, don’t they say the same thing as them? However, now, no matter what we say, this nakedness will not be completely visible; it will be visible there. How and in what way? When these silken garments and precious stones perish and everyone appears in only the garments of virtue and vice; when the poor will be clothed with great glory, and the rich will be drawn to torment in nakedness and ugliness. Who was more effeminate than that rich man dressed in purple? Who is poorer than Lazarus? And which of them spoke like beggars? And who enjoyed bliss (Luke 16:19–25)? Tell me: if someone decorated his house with many coverings, and sat inside it naked, what would be the benefit? This happens with wives too. The house of the soul, i.e. the body is dressed with a lot of jewelry; and the lady of the house sits inside naked. Please open your spiritual eyes, and I will show you spiritual nakedness. What is the clothing of the soul? It is clear that it is a virtue. What about nudity? Vice. Just as if you expose one of the free people, he is ashamed, embarrassed and runs away, so the soul that does not have this clothing, when we want to look at it, is ashamed. And now, do you think, aren’t many people ashamed and withdrawing into the very depths, as if looking for some kind of veil and curtain, so as not to hear these words? And others, not realizing anything about themselves, have fun, rejoice, are comforted and admire what is said. Listen to blessed Thekla. She gave her gold in order to see Paul; but you don’t give even an obol to see Christ; you are surprised at her actions, but do not imitate her. Do you not hear how the word (of God) pleases the merciful? “Blessed are the merciful,” he says, “for they will obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). What is the use of precious clothes? How long will we be partial to this decoration? Let us be clothed with the glory of Christ, let us be clothed with that beauty, so that we may receive praise here and be worthy of eternal blessings there, through the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom to the Father, with the Holy Spirit, be glory, power, honor, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. These conversations were delivered by the saint in Constantinople in 400 or 401. The paragraphs in the text were arranged by us – Editorial staff of “ABC of Faith” You might be interested in: