Беседа 30

Acts 13:42. When they left the Jewish synagogue, the pagans asked them to talk about the same thing on the next Saturday. Praise of humility. – You need to teach more with deeds than with words. – How to treat applause. 1. Do you see the wisdom of Paul? He not only surprised (those who listened to him) then, but also aroused in them a desire to listen to him another time, sowed some seeds, but did not finish or conclude the speech in order to attract and win them over and so as not to tire them with the message to their souls all of a sudden. He said: “For His sake the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you” (Acts 13:38); but how, he did not show. After that (the writer) puts him in first place (Acts 13:43, 50). Do you see what zeal (was aroused in them)? “They followed,” he says, after them (Acts 13:43). Why didn't he baptize them immediately? The time has not yet come. It was necessary to convince them to remain firm. “When the meeting was dissolved, many Jews and worshipers of God, converted from the pagans, followed Paul and Barnabas, who, talking with them, convinced them to abide in the grace of God. The following Saturday, almost the entire city gathered to listen to the word of God. But when the Jews saw the people, they were filled with envy and, contradicting and speaking evil, resisted what Paul was saying” (Acts 13:43–45). See how malice is struck when it wants to strike others. The contradiction of those (Jews) served to increase the glory of these (apostles). And before that they themselves asked them (to speak). "Contradicting and slandering". Oh, shamelessness! What we should have agreed with them on, they contradicted. “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). Do you see how, due to the strife (of the Jews), they extended their preaching further and turned even more to the pagans, justifying themselves and making themselves free from accusations before their fellow tribesmen? And they did not say: you are unworthy; but - “you make yourself unworthy” in order to soften your speech. “We are reaching out to the pagans. For this is what the Lord commanded us: I have made You a light to the Gentiles, that You might be a source of salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:46–47). So that the pagans, hearing this, would not be saddened that if the Jews were ready they would not have received these benefits, he gives the following prophecy: “I have set You as a light to the Gentiles, so that You may be a source of salvation to the ends of the earth.” "The Gentiles Hearing". This made (the apostles) themselves the most zealous, when what the Jews should have used while listening was used by the pagans, and the Jews were more upset. “When the Gentiles heard this,” says (the writer), “they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were ordained to eternal life believed,” that is, they were pre-elected by God (Acts 13:48). Look how quickly, according to him, this brought benefit: “and the word of the Lord spread throughout the whole country” (Acts 13:49), i.e. spread; as if he said this: they did not limit themselves to jealousy alone, but also added deeds. Look again how, being persecuted, they commit other great deeds out of jealousy; they began to act more decisively and turned to the pagans; and listen to how “then Paul and Barnabas said boldly: the word of God should have been preached to you first, but since you reject it and make yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the pagans.” Thus they intended to go to the pagans. But look, even in this determination the measure was observed, as it should be. If Peter made excuses, then even more so did they need an excuse, because no one invited them there. In a word: “first” he expressed that they should (preach); and with the word “ought” he showed that it was necessary for them too. “But as you reject him,” he did not say: woe to you, or: you will be punished, but: “we turn to the pagans.” Do you see what great meekness this determination is filled with? “But the Jews, inciting the pious and honorable women and the leading people in the city, raised a persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their borders” (Acts 13:50). Do you see what those who opposed the sermons did, to what shamelessness they (the women) were reduced? “They shook off the dust of their feet and went to Iconium” (Acts 13:51). Here they finally fulfilled that formidable commandment that Christ gave: “If anyone does not receive you and listen to your words, then, when you leave that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet” (Matthew 10:14). However, they did not do this suddenly, but when they had already been expelled by them. But this did not harm the students; on the contrary, they were even more confirmed in the word (of God), which (the writer) shows by adding: “and the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52). The teacher's suffering does not stop the student's zeal, but makes him even more zealous. “At Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great multitude of Jews and Greeks believed” (Acts 14:1). They enter the synagogues again. See how they did not become more fearful after they said: “We are turning to the pagans.” The mere fact that there was a great multitude (of believers) here deprives them of justification. “A great multitude of Jews and Greeks believed,” says (the writer), “. They probably also preached to the Hellenes. “But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and provoked the hearts of the Gentiles against the brothers” (Acts 14:2). They also aroused the pagans together, as if they alone were dissatisfied. Why didn’t (the apostles) come out from there? Because they were not expelled, but only oppressed. “However, they stayed here quite a time, working boldly in the Lord, who, as a testimony to the word of His grace, did signs and wonders with their hands” (Acts 14:3). This gave them boldness, or better yet, their zeal gave them boldness. That is why they did not perform signs anywhere for a long time. The fact that those who listened believed was one of the signs. Their boldness also contributed to this. “Meanwhile, the people in the city were divided: and some were on the side of the Jews, and others on the side of the Apostles” (Acts 14:4). This very division serves no little to condemn those. What happened here was what Christ said: “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). “When the pagans and Jews with their leaders rushed against them to shame and stone them, they, having learned about this, withdrew to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and their surroundings, and preached the gospel there” (Acts 14:5-7). 2. Again, as if deliberately wanting to spread the sermon, when it received success, then they expel them (the apostles). Look: everywhere persecution produces great benefits, and the persecutors remain defeated, and the persecuted are glorious. Arriving at Lystra, (Paul) performs a great miracle, raising up a lame man and, moreover, with a loud voice; but how, listen. “In Lystra, a certain man,” says (the writer), “who could not use his legs, sat lame from his mother’s womb, and never walked. He listened to Paul speak, who, looking at him and seeing that he had faith to receive healing, said in a loud voice: I say to you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ: stand upright on your feet. And he immediately jumped up and began to walk” (Acts 14:8-10). Why in a loud voice? In order for the people to believe. And look with what zeal he listened to the words of Paul; this is precisely what is meant by the word: “listened.” Do you see his wisdom? The lameness did not in the least hinder his diligence - to listen. “Looking at him and seeing that he had faith to receive healing.” He has already converted internally; Meanwhile, the opposite happened to others. Their bodies were healed first, and then their souls were healed; This one is not like that. It seems to me that Paul penetrated his very soul. “He jumped up,” he says, “and began to walk.” The sign of complete healing was that he jumped up. “When the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian: The gods have come down to us in human form. And they called Barnabas Zeus, and Paul Hermias, because he was the ruler of the word. The priest of the idol of Zeus, who was in front of their city, brought oxen to the gates and brought wreaths, and wanted to make a sacrifice together with the people” (Acts 14:11-13). But this could not have been known until now, because they spoke in their own dialect: “the gods have come to us in human form.” Therefore (the apostles) did not say anything to them; but when they saw the crowns, they rushed and tore their clothes. “But the Apostles Barnabas and Paul, hearing about this, tore their clothes and rushed into the people, loudly saying: men! what are you doing? And we are men like you” (Acts 14:14–15). Look how they always shunned fame, and not only did not seek it, but rejected it even when it was offered to them. So Peter also said: “Why are you astonished at this, or why do you look at us as if we, through our own strength or piety, had done that he walks?” ( Acts 3:12 ) They also say the same. Joseph spoke of dreams: “Are not interpretations from God?” (Gen.40:8) Similarly, Daniel: “This mystery was revealed to me, not because I was wiser than all the living” (Dan.2:30). And Paul always said the same thing, for example: “Who is able to do this?” (2 Cor. 2:16); and again: “not because we ourselves are able to think anything of ourselves, as if from ourselves, but our ability is from God” (2 Cor. 3:5). But let's turn to the above. The people not only followed the apostles, but how? - asked them to preach about the same thing again, and showed their zeal in practice. And they, look, constantly admonished, and did not just accept and did not flatter. That is why (the writer) said: “conversing with them, we convinced them to remain in the grace of God.” And why (the Jews) did not contradict before? Because the preachers were silent until then. Do you see how they were always driven by passion? And they not only contradicted, but also slandered: so malice never knows limits! But look also at the determination (of the apostles). “You,” it is said, “should have been the first to preach the word of God, but how you reject it.” Nothing offensive (not said). The Jews did the same with the prophets: “I did not agree to obey,” they said, “we do not listen from you” (1 Sam. 8:19; Jer. 44:16). “But how do you reject him,” it is said, not us, because your insult does not apply to us. And so that no one thinks that out of reverence they “make themselves unworthy,” for this (Paul) said in advance: “You reject him,” and then: “We turn to the pagans.” These words are filled with great meekness. He did not say: we are leaving you, to show that it was possible to return here again: and this (removal) is not done as a result of your insult, but this is what we are commanded to do. The pagans must hear (the word of God), but it depends not on us, but on you, that they will have to (hear) before you. “For this is what the Lord commanded us: I have set You as a light to the Gentiles, that You might be a source of salvation,” i.e. into the knowledge of salvation, and not just for the “pagans,” but for everyone; This is precisely what the words mean: “were ordained to eternal life.” And this serves as a sign that they were accepted by the will of God. He said: “provided” to show that he was not under duress. “Those whom He foreknew,” he says, “he also predestined” (Rom. 8:29). And not only in the city they preached, but throughout the country. The pagans, having heard about this, soon began to come themselves. “But the Jews,” says (the writer), “inciting pious women, initiated persecution.” Look: they were also the culprits of what the wives did. “And they drove them out,” he says, “from their borders,” not only from the city, but from the whole country. Then he says something even more terrible: “and the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” The teachers were persecuted, but they rejoiced. Do you see the property of the gospel preaching, what great power it has? “They stirred up and irritated,” he says, “the hearts of the pagans against their brothers,” i.e. they slandered the apostles, accused them of many things, and portrayed them, the simple-hearted, as treacherous. 3. And look how (the writer) always attributes everything to God. “However, they stayed here quite a time,” he says, “boldly acting in the Lord, who, as a testimony to the word of His grace.” Do not think that this serves to humiliate them. When they preached, just as (about Christ the apostle) says: “he testified before Pontius Pilate” (1 Tim. 6:13), then their boldness was expressed; here he speaks in relation to the people. Then, seeing the attack, they did not hesitate: “they withdrew to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and their surroundings,” where the rage (of the Jews) could no longer act, and walked not only through the cities, but also through the surrounding countries. Look at the simplicity of the pagans and the wickedness of the Jews. Those deeds showed that they were worthy to listen (to the apostles); They gave them such honor only for signs. Those revered them as gods, and these drove them out as harmful people; They not only did not interfere with the preaching, but also said: “The gods in human form have come to us.” And the Jews were tempted. “And they called,” says (the writer), “Barnabas Zeus, and Paul Hermias.” It seems to me that Barnabas also looked venerable. This temptation from excessive zeal was no small thing; but the apostles showed their virtue here too. And look how they always refer everything to God. Let us also imitate them; Let us not consider anything ours, since faith itself is not our property. And that it belongs not to us, but more to God, listen to Paul, who says: “and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8). Therefore, let us not become arrogant and arrogant, we - people, earth and ashes, smoke and shadow. Tell me, really, what are you proud of? Is it because you gave alms and distributed property? But what of this? Think what would have happened if God had not wanted to make you rich; think about the poor, or better yet, remember how many have sacrificed their very bodies and many other things, and having sacrificed they considered themselves to have done nothing. You gave for yourself, and Christ (gave Himself) for you; you paid your due, but Christ did not owe you. Remember the uncertainty of the future and do not become arrogant, but be afraid; do not degrade virtue with pride. Do you really want to do something great? Never consider your good deeds to be great. But are you a virgin? And they were virgins (Matthew 25:3), but did not receive any benefit from virginity due to their cruelty and inhumanity. There is nothing equal to humility: it is the source, root, nourisher, foundation and union of all good things; without it we are miserable, filthy and unclean. Imagine, if you want, that someone raises the dead, heals the lame, cleanses lepers, but with pride: nothing can be worse, more wicked and more guilty than him. Don't consider anything yours. Do you have the word and the gift of teaching? Do not think that through this you have anything more than others. Therefore, in particular, you must humble yourself because you have been awarded great gifts. The one who is “forgiven” more must “love” more (Luke 7:47). That’s why you should humble yourself because God, bypassing others, looked upon you. Therefore, be afraid, since this often leads to your destruction if you are not attentive. What are you proud of? Is it because you teach through words? But it is easy to philosophize in words; teach me with your life - this is the best way of teaching. You say that you need to be moderate, you make a long speech about it and flaunt, ranting uncontrollably. But he is much better than you, everyone will say, who teaches me this through deeds. Usually, instructions are not so much introduced into the soul by words as by deeds: and if you have no deeds, then by talking you not only do not bring any benefit, but even more cause harm; It would be better to remain silent. Why? Because you are offering me an impossible task. If you, who talk so much, I reason, do not do this, then all the more worthy of an apology am I, who say nothing. That is why the prophet said: “God said to the sinner: “Why do you preach My statutes”” (Ps. 49:16)? Much more harm comes when someone, teaching well with words, refutes his teaching with deeds. This has become the cause of many evils in the churches. Therefore, forgive me, I ask you, if our speech dwells longer on this passion. Many do a lot to stand in the middle and speak at length; if they receive applause from the people, then the same thing happens to them, as if they had received the kingdom; if the end of their speech is accompanied by silence, then this silent despondency is more painful for them than Gehenna itself. This has so degraded the churches that you, too, seek to hear a word that is not accusatory, but can delight you both in pronunciation and composition of speech, as if you were listening to singers and musicians, and we, in a cold and pitiful way, try to please your desires, which should have been rejected. 4. And it also happens as if some father gave his too tender and, moreover, sick son cake, refreshments and everything that just delights, but did not offer anything useful, and then, in response to the doctors’ comments, began to say in his own defense: “What should I do? I can't see my son crying." Unhappy, pathetic, traitor! - after all, I will not call such a father - wouldn’t it be much better, by causing short-term grief, to restore him to perfect health, rather than making temporary pleasure the cause of constant grief? The same thing happens to us when we care about the beauty of expressions, about the composition and euphony of speech, in order to give pleasure, and not to benefit, to arouse surprise, and not to teach, to delight, and not to reprove, to receive applause and walk away with praise, and not to correct morals. Believe me, I say it not without reason, when my words are accompanied by applause, at that time I feel something human (why not tell the truth?), I rejoice and delight; but when, returning home, I think that those who applauded did not receive any benefit, and if they should have used anything, they lost it from applause and praise, then I grieve, regret and cry, I think that I spoke in vain, and I say to myself: what is the use of my labors when the listeners do not want to receive any benefit from my words? More than once I thought of making a rule prohibiting applause and inviting you to listen in silence and with due decorum. Refrain, I ask you, listen to me and, if you wish, let us now establish a rule that none of the listeners is allowed to applaud during the continuation of someone’s speech; if anyone wants to be surprised, then let him be surprised in silence; no one is preventing this; but let all your attention and effort be directed to understanding what is said. But why are you applauding? I lay down a rule against this; but you don’t have the patience to listen. It will be the source of many blessings and a school of wisdom. When external (pagan) philosophers spoke, no one ever applauded them; When the apostles preached, it never happened that in the middle of their speech their listeners interrupted the speaker with applause. It will bring us great benefit. So, let us decide the following: let everyone listen in silence so that we can finish everything. After all, if after applause we walk away, holding on to what we have heard, then even then this praise is completely useless (but I will not strictly analyze it, lest someone reproach me for impoliteness); if there is no benefit in this, but is still harmful, then let’s remove the obstacle, stop admiration, leave spiritual delights. Christ preached on the mountain; but no one said anything until He finished speaking (Matthew 5:1, 7:28). I do not deprive those who want it of the opportunity to applaud; but I support their delight even more. It is much better, having listened in silence and remembering (what was said), to applaud at all times, both at home and in the square, than, having lost everything, to return home with nothing, without even having something to applaud. Will the listener not be worthy of ridicule, will he not be considered a flatterer and a mocker if he says that the teacher spoke well, but cannot say what exactly he said? This is characteristic of flattery. Anyone who listened to musicians and singers would be forgiven if he could not convey what he heard like them; and here it is not music or singing, but the power of judgment and philosophy, which is easy for anyone to retell and convey: how can one not recognize someone worthy of condemnation who cannot explain why he praises the speaker? Silence and orderliness are most appropriate for the Church. Noise is appropriate at spectacles, in baths, at celebrations and squares; and where such dogmas are taught, there should be calm, silence, wisdom and perfect haven. Know this, everyone, I ask and implore you. I am looking for all the ways in which I could do something beneficial for your souls. It seems to me that this method is not unimportant; it can benefit not only you, but also us. He will not allow one to be arrogant and seek praise and glory, to say pleasant things instead of useful things, to be constantly occupied with the composition and beauty of expressions instead of the power of thoughts. Enter a painter's studio and you will find great silence there. So (let it be) here too. And here we paint images of royalty, and not of ordinary people, with the colors of virtue. What is this? Are you applauding again? The matter does not seem easy; but this is not due to its nature, but because, due to strong habit, you have not yet learned to fulfill it. Our brush here is the tongue, and the artist is the Holy Spirit. Tell me, when the sacraments are performed, is there any noise, is there confusion? When we perform baptism or anything like that, is not silence and silence encompassing everything? This decoration is scattered across the sky. This is why the Greeks condemn us because we do everything as if for show and out of ambition. But when this stops, then the passion for the front places will also fade. And whoever loves praise, it is enough for him to receive it after listening, when he begins to collect the fruits. Yes, I ask you, let us establish this rule, so that by doing everything as it pleases God, we may be made worthy of His love for mankind, the grace and mercies of His Only Begotten, 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” You might be interested in: