Беседа 27

Acts 12:18–19. When the day came, there was great concern among the soldiers about what had happened to Peter. Herod, having searched for him and not finding him, judged the guards and ordered them to be executed. Then he went from Judea to Caesarea and remained there. The meaning of the post. - The harm of voluptuousness. 1. Many are perplexed how God once allowed infants to be killed for Him (Matthew 2:16), and now even soldiers for Peter, although He could have delivered them along with Peter. But if the angel had led out the soldiers along with Peter, it would have been taken for flight. Why, they will say, didn’t He arrange it differently? Now, meanwhile, what evil has happened! If we remember that those who suffered unjustly and in vain do not suffer any evil, then we will not ask such questions. Why don’t you ask about Jacob - why didn’t He deliver him too (Acts 12:2)? Moreover, then it was not yet the time of judgment to give everyone their due. And it was not Peter who betrayed them into the hands of Herod. And he was especially offended by the fact that he was deceived, just as his grandfather was deceived by the Magi; This especially irritated him and made him funny. But you should listen to the words of the writer himself: “When the day came,” he says, “there was great anxiety among the soldiers about what had happened to Peter. Herod, having searched for him and not finding him, judged the guards and ordered them to be executed,” although he heard from them—after all, “he judged the guards and ordered them to be executed”—that the chains were left behind, that (Peter) took the shoes, and that he was with them until that very night. What did they hide? And why didn’t they run away themselves? Truly, this should have surprised him, should have amazed him. After this, their death is revealed to everyone by both the miracle of God and the wickedness of Herod. And look how the writer does not hide this, but narrates a historical event to teach us. He says further: “then he went from Judea to Caesarea and remained there. Herod was annoyed with the Tirians and Sidonians; They, having agreed, came to him and, having won over Vlast, the king’s bedfellow, to their side, they asked for peace, because their region was fed from the royal region. On the appointed day, Herod, dressed in royal clothing, sat on an elevated place and spoke to them; and the people exclaimed: This is the voice of God, and not of man. But suddenly the Angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give glory to God; and he, having been eaten by worms, died. The Word of God grew and spread” (Acts 12:19–24). And this is not unimportant. Punishment immediately befell him, if not for Peter, then for his arrogant speech. But, they will say, if they shouted, then what is he guilty of? Because he accepted such a proclamation, because he considered himself worthy of such flattery. This especially serves to teach the reckless flatterers themselves. And look: both he and he are worthy of punishment, and he is being punished, because now is not the time of judgment, but whoever is more guilty, he (God) punishes so that they will benefit from it. “The Word of God,” says (the writer), “grew and spread,” i.e. when this happened. Do you see the economy of God? “And Barnabas and Saul, having completed their assignment, returned from Jerusalem (to Antioch), taking with them John, who was called Mark. In Antioch, in the church there there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon, who is called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manael, a fellow pupil of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul” (Acts 12:25, 13:1). For now he puts Barnabas in first place, because Paul was not yet glorious, had not yet performed any sign. “As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then they, having fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, sent them away” (Acts 13:2-3). What does “served” mean? When they preached. “Set apart for Me,” he says, “Barnabas and Saul.” What does it mean: “set apart for Me”? To work, to apostolate. Look also by whom they are ordained: Luke of Cyrene and Manael, and especially by the Spirit. The more humble the faces, the more clearly the grace of God is revealed. Thus (Paul) is ordained to the apostleship to preach with authority. How does he himself say: “not by men and not through man” (Gal.1:1)? With the words: “not by men,” he shows that it was not man who called or brought him; but with the words: “not through man” - that he was sent not by anyone else, but by the Spirit. Therefore (the writer) added the following: “these, being sent by the Holy Spirit, came to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus” (Acts 13:4). But let's turn to the above. “When the day came,” he says, “there was great anxiety among the soldiers” because of Peter, “he judged the guards and ordered them to be executed.” He was so insensitive that he even decided to punish unfairly. Here I will say in their defense. There were bonds; the guards were inside; the dungeon was locked; the wall is not undermined anywhere; everyone said the same thing; the prisoner was not kidnapped: why do you condemn them? If they had wanted to release him, they would have either released him first or left with him. Maybe they took the money? But how could one give to them who was unable to give to a beggar? The chains were neither broken nor untied. One could see that this was God’s work, not man’s. Then, when narrating a historical event, (the writer) also gives names, so that it can be seen that he is telling the truth about everything. “Having won over Vlast to their side,” he says, “the king’s bedfellow, they asked for peace.” They do this because there was famine. “On the appointed day,” he says, “Herod sat down on a high place and spoke to them. But suddenly an Angel of the Lord struck him, and he, being eaten by worms, died.” 2. Josephus (Flavius) also says that he fell into a long illness 24. The people did not know this, but the apostle tells about it. However, ignorance itself was useful, because what happened to Herod was attributed to him for the murder of the apostle and the killing of the soldiers. Look: when he killed the apostle, he did nothing of the kind, and when he (killed these) he did not say anything. Thus, as if perplexed and ashamed, he set out from Judea for Caesarea. It seems to me that he, wanting to attract those (Tyrians and Sidonians), came to defend these (Jews): he was angry with those, while he pleased them so much. Look how vain this man was. Intending to grant them (peace), he spoke. Joseph tells us that he was dressed in shining clothes made of silver. Look how flattering they were, and how wise the apostles were. Whomever the whole people pleased, they regarded him as nothing. But now they received great relief, and many benefits came from his punishment. If he was subjected to such punishment when he listened to the words: “This is the voice of God, and not of man,” although he himself did not say anything like that, then much more would Christ, if He were not God, (have been subjected to) for the fact that He constantly said: “The words that I speak to you, I speak not from Myself” (John 14:10), and also: “My servants would struggle” (John 18:36), and the like. Meanwhile, he ended his life in a shameful and pitiful manner, and he is no longer there. And note that he is being persuaded to peace by Power: so easily this pitiful man indulged in anger and again calmed down, being always a slave of the people and having nothing independent in himself! Notice also the power of the Holy Spirit. “When they served the Lord,” says (the writer), “and fasted, the Holy Spirit said: Separate for Me Barnabas and Saul.” Who would dare, without the power to do so, to say this? And this is done so that they do not stay together. He knew that they had great perfections and could be useful to many. How did He tell them? Probably through the prophets. That is why (the writer) first noticed that the prophets were there and were in fasting and service, so that you would understand that great vigilance was needed. He was ordained (Paul) in Antioch, where he preached. Why did not (the Spirit) say: separate for the Lord, but: “To me”? By this He shows that He has one (with God) authority and power. Do you see how great a thing fasting is? It was observed that the Spirit did all things; but fasting is a great blessing. It is not limited by a limit (of time); when it was necessary to ordain, then they fasted: “and they fasted, the Holy Spirit said.” Fasting consists not only of abstaining from food, but also abstaining from voluptuousness is a type of fasting. This is what I especially command: abstain not from food, but from lust. We need food, not corruption; We need food, not the cause of illness, disease, both mental and physical; We need food that brings sweetness, and not voluptuousness filled with bitterness; this is useful, and this is harmful; this is pleasant, and this is unpleasant; this is natural, and this is unnatural. Tell me: if someone gave you poison to drink, wouldn’t it be unnatural? If someone (provided) wood and stones, would you not turn away? Of course, because it is unnatural. Such is voluptuousness. Just as in a besieged city there is great anxiety and confusion when enemies invade it, so it happens in the soul when drunkenness and voluptuousness attack it. “Who's howling? who's moaning? who has quarrels? Who's in grief? who has wounds for no reason? who has purple eyes? Those who sit for a long time drinking wine, who come looking for seasoned wine” (Prov. 23:29-30). But, no matter what we say, we will not restrain people devoted to voluptuousness unless we rebel against another passion. And first of all, I will address my words to the wives. There is nothing more shameful than a voluptuous wife, there is nothing more disgusting than a wife devoted to drunkenness; her complexion fades, the clarity and meekness of her eyes darken, as if from a cloud blocking the rays of the sun. This is a deed characteristic not of a free person, but of a slave, and is extremely ignoble. How unpleasant a woman is, breathing stinking and spoiled wine, belching the fumes of rotten meat, weighed down so much that she cannot stand up, flushed beyond her bounds, constantly yawning and dozing! This is not a woman who abstains from voluptuousness: she is respectable, chaste and comely, since a good disposition of the soul gives a lot of beauty to the body. Do not think that beauty depends only on physical appearance. Imagine a pretty girl, but immodest, talkative, grumpy, prone to drunkenness and wastefulness: isn’t she uglier than any ugly girl? If she is modest, silent and bashful, if she gets used to speaking decently and observing fasting, then her beauty will be greater, her good looks will be greater, her face will be more attractive, full of chastity and charm. Do you want me to talk about husbands now? What's more disgusting than a drunk? He is ridiculous for slaves, ridiculous for enemies, pitiful for friends, worthy of all condemnation, more of a beast than a man, since it is common for a tiger, a lion or a bear to be fed up. This is characteristic of them because they do not have a rational soul. However, when they are filled with more than what is proper and more than the measure assigned to them by nature, they upset their whole body: aren’t we even more so? This is why God gave us a small stomach, this is why he prescribed us a small amount of food, to teach us to take care of our souls. 3. Let's look at the very structure of our body, and we will see that only a small part of us has such a purpose (for nutrition). Our lips and tongue are appointed for singing, our larynx is for uttering a voice. Therefore, natural necessity forces us to involuntarily refrain from satiety. If voluptuousness were not accompanied by troubles, illnesses and diseases, then it would not be disgusting; but now, by nature, limits have been assigned to you so that you cannot, even if you want to, transgress them. Are you not looking for pleasure, beloved? You will find them in a life of abstinence. Isn't it good health? And it's here. Isn't it calm? And it's here. Isn't it freedom? Is it not the strength and harmony of the body? Is it not the vigor and activity of the soul? All these benefits are here; but in that (satiation), on the contrary, there is trouble, ill health, illness, embarrassment, unnecessary costs. Why, they will say, do we all surrender to it? Due to illness. Tell me: why does the patient desire what is harmful? Isn't this a sign of illness? Why doesn't a lame man walk upright? And all this is due to negligence and the fact that they do not want to come to the doctor. Of the things, some give temporary pleasure and eternal torment; others, on the contrary, are temporary suffering and eternal bliss. Because anyone who is so voluptuous and careless that he does not despise present pleasures in order to achieve future ones, is soon deceived. Tell me: why was Esau deceived, why did he prefer present pleasure to future honor? Through lust and intemperance (Gen. 25:34). And this same thing, they will say, where does it come from? From ourselves, as can be seen from the following: when we want, we restrain ourselves and are patient; if any need arises, and often even just out of competition, we choose what is useful. So, when voluptuousness is aroused, then imagine the short duration of this pleasure, the harm - and it is truly harmful to make such expenses to one’s own destruction - illnesses, illnesses, and reject voluptuousness. Do you want me to list for you how many people have suffered grievously from lust? Noah “drank wine and became drunk, and lay naked,” and remember how much evil came from that (Gen. 9:21–29). Esau, through intemperance, sold his primacy and decided to commit fratricide (Gen. 25:31–34). The Israelites sat down “to eat and drink, and then rose up to play” (Ex. 32:6). That is why it was said to them: “Beware lest your heart be deceived and you forget the Lord” (Deut. 6:12). Those who indulge in voluptuousness are on a slippery slope. “The widow,” says (Scripture), “the lustful one died alive” (1 Tim. 5:5–6); and again: “he became fat, fat and fat” (Deut. 32:15): the apostle also says: “Do not turn care for the flesh into lusts” (Rom. 13:14). I no longer prescribe fasting - no one would listen to this - but I forbid intemperance, I forbid sensuality, for your own benefit. Lust, like a stormy stream, destroys everything; no obstacle holds him back; it excommunicates from the kingdom. What else? Do you want pleasure? Give to the poor, call on Christ (in their person), and you will enjoy even after the meal is over. Now you cannot do this for the very reason that real goods are impermanent; and then you can. Do you want pleasure? Feed your soul, offer it the food that is typical for it, do not torment it with hunger. Now is the time of struggle, the time of exploits: are you sitting and getting fed up? Don’t you know that the sceptron bearers themselves live meagerly on campaigns during war? “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Eph. 6:12), but are you fattening yourself up in preparation for battle? The adversary stands gnashing his teeth (1 Peter 5:8), and you indulge in bliss and eat your meal? I know that I say this in vain, but not for everyone. “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 8:8). Christ is exhausted from hunger, and you are bursting from satiety: sheer immoderation! And what evil does voluptuousness not produce? It contains a contradiction in itself; I don’t even know why it got that name; Perhaps, just as (earthly) glory, which is dishonor, and (earthly) wealth, which is poverty, received their names, so did voluptuousness, although it in itself is bitterness. Are we not preparing to be sacrificed by fattening ourselves in this way? Why are you preparing a sumptuous meal for the worms? Why are you increasing the amount of fat? Why do you multiply the sources of sweat and stench? Why are you making yourself unfit for anything? Do you want your eye to be healthy? Make your whole body comfortable. Of the strings, the one that is fat and not cleaned is unable to produce pleasant sounds, but the one that is completely cleaned is harmonious and euphonious. Why are you burying your soul? Why are you making the fence thicker? Why do you (point at it) great smoke and cloud, when vapors, like some kind of darkness, rise from everywhere? If no one else, then at least let the wrestlers teach you that a less fat body is stronger. Likewise, a wise soul becomes more comfortable, just as it happens with a charioteer and a horse. It is necessary to see how inactive are people who are devoted to voluptuousness and have made their bodies fat, just as the fat horses are immobile, causing so much trouble to the driver. Anyone who has an obedient and fast horse can easily receive a victorious reward; and when the driver is forced to drag him, constantly falling, and cannot even lift him with blows, then even if he is a very experienced person, he will not win. Let us not neglect our soul, suppressed by the body, but let us make its gaze brighter, its wings lighter, its bonds more bearable; Let us feed her with conversations, with abstinent life, so that the body is only healthy and strong, so that she rejoices and does not grieve, so that, having thus arranged ourselves, we can achieve the highest degree of virtue and be worthy of eternal blessings, 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 to 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” Jewish Antiquities, book 19, ch. 8 You might be interested in: