Irenaeus Against Heresies Book III Wherefore Mark also says: "The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; as it is written in the prophets."[274] Origen Against Celsus Book II Nay, even one of the evangelists-Mark-says: "The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as it is written in the prophet Isaiah, Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, who shall prepare Thy way before Thee,"[13] Origen Commentary on John Book I In addition to what we have said, there is also this to be considered about the Gospel, that in the first instance it is that of Christ Jesus, the head of the whole body of the saved; as Mark says,[67] Tertullian An Answer to the Jews alled him an "angel," on account of the magnitude of the mighty deeds which he was to achieve (which mighty deeds Joshua the son of Nun did, and you yourselves read), and on account of his office of prophet announcing (to wit) the divine will; just as withal the Spirit, speaking in the person of the Father, calls the forerunner of Christ, John, a future "angel," through the prophet: "Behold, I send mine angel before Thy"-that is, Christ's-"face, who shall prepare Thy way before Thee."[173] Origen Commentary on John Book II "The messenger of the Lord, I am with you, saith the Lord Almighty," and as it is written of John the Baptist,[62] Pseudo-Gregory Thaumaturgus Fourth Homily I cannot keep silence while Thou art present, for I am a voice; yea, I am the voice, as it is said, of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord.[9] Victorinus Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John Mark, therefore, as an evangelist thus beginning, "The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet; "[24] Tertullian On Repentance John holds not his peace, saying, "Enter upon repentance, for now shall salvation approach the nations"[9] Tertullian On Baptism the remission of sins,"[109] Gospel of Nicodemus II The Descent of Christ into Hell and proclaimed to the people repentance for the remission of sins.[4] Clement of Alexandria The Instructor Book II The blessed John, despising the locks of sheep as savouring of luxury, chose "camel's hair," and was clad in it, making himself an example of frugality and simplicity of life. For he also "ate locusts and wild honey,"[238] Origen Commentary on John Book VI " This agrees with the words in John, in which the Baptist declares himself to those sent by the Pharisees, on the subject of his baptizing with water. Mark, again, says,[102] Clement of Alexandria The Instructor Book II As a witness for simplicity in shoes let John suffice, who avowed that "he was not worthy to unloose the latchet of the Lord's shoes."[252] Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book V while he, though speaking more perspicuously as no longer prophesying, but pointing out as now present, Him, who was proclaimed symbolically from the beginning, nevertheless said, "I am not worthy to loose the latchet of the Lord's shoe."[107] Pseudo-Tertullian Against All Heresies came down on Jesus;[66] Pseudo-Gregory Thaumaturgus Fourth Homily ture the Father of the Only-begotten, He who alone knoweth perfectly Him whom He alone in passionless fashion begat, to correct the erroneous imaginations of the Jews, opened the gates of the heavens, and sent down the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, lighting upon the head of Jesus, pointing out thereby the new Noah, yea the maker of Noah, and the good pilot of the nature which is in shipwreck. And He Himself calls with clear voice out of heaven, and says: "This is my beloved Son,"[22] Origen Commentary on John Book I None of these testimonies, however, sets forth distinctly the Saviour's exalted birth; but when the words are addressed to Him, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee,"[147] Clementine Homily XIX Wherefore I allow that the evil one exists, because my Teacher, who spoke the truth in all things, has frequent]y asserted that he exists. For instance, then, he acknowledges that he conversed with Him, and tempted Him for forty days.[3] The Teaching of Simon Cephas In the City of Rome Moreover, because we were catchers of fish,[8] Origen Commentary on John Book X and him who is seen by Jesus when walking by the sea of Galilee,[23] Tertullian On Idolatry and handicrafts, and trades, are to be quite left behind for the Lord's sake; while James and John, called by the Lord, do leave quite behind both father and ship;[88] Methodius Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna Hence the aged Simeon, putting off the weakness of the flesh, and putting on the strength of hope, in the face of the law hastened to receive the Minister of the law, the Teacher[47] Syriac Second Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians Henceforward all things were moved together, and the destruction of death was devised, and there was the commencement of that which was perfected in God.[14] Irenaeus Against Heresies Book IV Yea, even the demons exclaimed, on beholding the Son: "We know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God."[65] Tertullian Against Praxeas ."[370] Tertullian On Monogamy Such eye-witnesses the Lord in infancy found; no different ones had He in adult age. Peter alone do I find-through (the mention of) his "mother-in-law"[64] Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book II Therefore volition takes the precedence of all; for the intellectual powers are ministers of the Will. "Will," it is said, "and thou shalt be able."[181] Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book VI Which law is so very holy and righteous, that even our Saviour, when on a certain time He healed one leper, and afterwards nine, said to the first, "Go, show thyself to the high priest, and offer the gift which Moses commanded for a testimony unto them; "[106] Tertullian On Baptism and, "Thy sins shall be remitted thee,"[131] Tertullian On Modesty Who, moreover, was able to forgive sins? This is His alone prerogative: for "who remitteth sins but God alone? "[267] Tertullian Against Marcion Book IV of our heretic. Now, that the very Lord Himself of all might, the Word and Spirit of the Father,[671] Tertullian On Baptism But if repentance is a thing human, its baptism must necessarily be of the same nature: else, if it had been celestial, it would have given both the Holy Spirit and remission of sins. But none either pardons sins or freely grants the Spirit save God only.[102] Hippolytus Dogmatical and Historical Fragments but just the Word? And what is it that is begotten of Him, but just the Spirit,[276] Tertullian On Modesty For thus it was that the Lord Jesus Christ showed His power: "Why think ye evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say to the paralytic, Thy sins are remitted thee; or, Rise and walk? Therefore, that ye may know the Son of man to have the power upon earth of remitting sins, I say to thee, paralytic, Rise, and walk."[295] Methodius Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna and it has seemed good to Thee, by means of our Lord and Creator, to fashion us again unto immortality; and Thou hast graciously given unto us a return to Paradise by means of Him who separated us from the joys of Paradise; and by means of Him who hath power to forgive sins Thou hast[68] Clement of Alexandria The Instructor Book I " But the good Instructor, the Wisdom, the Word of the Father, who made man, cares for the whole nature of His creature; the all-sufficient Physician of humanity, the Saviour, heals both body and soul. "Rise up," He said to the paralytic; "take the bed on which thou liest, and go away home; "[7] Archelaus Acts of the Disputation with the Heresiarch Manes as in fact was done to that person who, yet being ignorant, had gathered a bundle of sticks on the Sabbath-day; whereas Jesus cured a cripple on the Sabbath, and ordered him then also to take up his bed.[427] Tertullian On Idolatry while Matthew is roused up from the toll-booth;[89] Tertullian On Modesty name,-a (name) of such as put up the pathways of the very sky, and earth, and sea, for sale. Moreover, when (the writer) adjoins "sinners" to "publicans,"[101] Epistle of Barnabas But when He chose His own apostles who where to preach His Gospel, [He did so from among those] who were sinners above all sin, that He might show He came "not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."[41] Fragments of the Lost Work of Justin on the Resurrection And if it is the flesh that is the sinner, then on its account alone did the Saviour come, as He says, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."[17] Tertullian On Fasting At all events, in the Gospel they think that those days were definitely appointed for fasts in which "the Bridegroom was taken away; "[5] Archelaus Acts of the Disputation with the Heresiarch Manes And the Lord Jesus Christ Himself gave His testimony to what we affirm, when He said with His heavenly voice, "Can ye make the children of the bride-chamber fast so long as the bridegroom is with them? "[477] Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book V Do ye who are able fast the day of the preparation and the Sabbath-day entirely, tasting nothing till the cock-crowing of the night; but if any one is not able to join them both together, at least let him observe the Sabbath-day; for the Lord says somewhere, speaking of Himself: "When the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, in those days shall they fast."[147] Tertullian On Prayer -has determined for us, the disciples of the New Testament, a new form of prayer; for in this particular also it was needful that new wine should be laid up in new skins, and a new breadth be sewn to a new garment.[3] Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book V and healed him that had the withered hand,[58] Acts of Saint Philip the Apostle When He Went to Upper Hellas And when the high priest saw him, he says to him: 0 Philip, sorcerer and magician, for I know thee, that in Jerusalem thy master the deceiver called thee Son of Thunder.[10] Origen Commentary on Matthew Book XII And of this honour some of those who stand by Jesus are deemed worthy if they be either a Peter against whom the gates of Hades do not prevail, or the sons of thunder,[211] Origen Against Celsus Book I also, who was a follower of Jesus, may have been a tax-gatherer; but he was not of the number of the apostles, except according to a statement in one of the copies of Mark's Gospel.[116] Archelaus Acts of the Disputation with the Heresiarch Manes then without doubt you give the proof that he comes of a good nature. And if, again, all these are also evil, how can Satan then cast out Satan?[142] Irenaeus Against Heresies Book V For when Satan is bound, man is set free; since "none can enter a strong man's house and spoil his goods, unless he first bind the strong man himself."[191] Archelaus Acts of the Disputation with the Heresiarch Manes For what says the divine word? "Who can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he be stronger than he? "[144] Cyprian Epistle IX And again He has said, "All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies; but he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost shall not have forgiveness, but is guilty of eternal sin."[4] Cyprian Treatise XII Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews Also according to Mark: "All sins shall be forgiven, and blasphemies, to the sons of men; but whoever shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, but he shall be guilty of eternal sin."[556] Didache ye shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven.[108] Hippolytus Refutation of All Heresies Book V And some fell by the wayside, and was trodden down; and some on the rocky places, and sprang up," he says, "and on account of its having no depth (of soil), it withered and died; and some," he says, "fell on fair and good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty fold. Who hath ears," he says, "to hear, let him hear."[101] Hippolytus Refutation of All Heresies Book VIII And these (heretics) suppose that this is what is spoken by the Saviour: "A sower went forth to sow; and that which fell on the fair and good ground produced, some a hundred-fold, and some sixty-fold, and some thirty-fold."[10] Recognitions of Clement III Then Peter said: "If I were asked to speak of these things only on your account, who come only for the purpose of contradicting, you should never hear a single discourse from me; but seeing it is necessary that the husbandman, wishing to sow good ground, should sow some seeds, either in stony places, or places that are to be trodden of men, or in places filled with brambles and briers (as our Master also set forth, indicating by these the diversities of the purposes of several souls),[6] Recognitions of Clement IV Be this therefore the first step to you of three; which step brings forth thirty commands, and the second sixty, and the third a hundred,[32] Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book V These things the Saviour Himself seals when He says: "To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven."[148] Origen de Principiis Book III His words are: "That seeing they may not see; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest they should be converted, and their sins be forgiven them."[66] His words are: "That seeing they might not see; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest they should be converted, and their sins be forgiven them."[72] There is next brought before us that declaration uttered by the Saviour in the Gospel: "That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest they should happen to be converted, and their sins be forgiven them."[158] There was after this the passage from the Gospel, where the Saviour said, that for this reason did He speak to those without in parables, that "seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand; lest they should be converted, and their sins be forgiven them."[159] Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book I "No one lighteth a candle, and putteth it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may give light to those who are regarded worthy of the feast."[28] Tertullian On the Apparel of Women Book II if we do not shine in (the midst of) darkness, and stand eminent amid them who are sunk down? If you hide your lamp beneath a bushel,[133] Cyprian Treatise XII Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews Also in the same place: "In what measure ye mete, in that shall it be measured to you again."[539] Irenaeus Against Heresies Book IV and the cup His blood, if they do not call Himself the Son of the Creator of the world, that is, His Word, through whom the wood fructifies, and the fountains gush forth, and the earth gives "first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear."[253] Tertullian On the Veiling of Virgins First comes the grain, and from the grain arises the shoot, and from the shoot struggles out the shrub: thereafter boughs and leaves gather strength, and the whole that we call a tree expands: then follows the swelling of the germen, and from the germen bursts the flower, and from the flower the fruit opens: that fruit itself, rude for a while, and unshapely, little by little, keeping the straight course of its development, is trained to the mellowness of its flavour.[7] Origen Commentary on Matthew Book X Some one will then say, If they are not really parables, what are they? Shall we then say in keeping with the diction of the Scripture that they are similitudes (comparisons)? Now a similitude differs from a parable; for it is written in Mark, "To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or in what parable shall we set it forth? "[23] Hippolytus Refutation of All Heresies Book V That which is, he says, nothing, and which consists of nothing, inasmuch as it is indivisible-(I mean) a point-will become through its own reflective power a certain incomprehensible magnitude. This, he says, is the kingdom of heaven, the grain of mustard seed,[124] Tertullian The Prescription Against Heretics soever He is the Son, of what substance soever He is man and God, of what faith soever He is the, teacher, of what reward soever He is the Promiser, did, whilst He lived on earth, Himself declare what He was, what He had been, what the Father's will was which He was administering, what the duty of man was which He was prescribing; either openly to the people, or privately to His disciples, of whom He had chosen the twelve chief ones to be at His side,[202] keeping them, as He did, inseparable (from Himself) in their attendance, in their discipleship, in their society, to whom, "when they were alone, He used to expound" all things[223] Clementine Homily XIX And Peter said: "We remember that our Lord and Teacher, commanding us, said, `Keep the mysteries for me and the sons of my house.' Wherefore also He explained to His disciples privately the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.[57] Tertullian On Baptism ;[91] Victorinus On the Creation of the World I have also set forth His humanity to the Jews in these manners: since He is hungry, is thirsty; since He gave food and drink; since He walks, and retired; since He slept upon a pillow;[44] Origen Commentary on John Book VI The transaction about the swine, which were driven down a steep place by the demons and drowned in the sea, is said to have taken place in the country of the Gerasenes.[118] Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book VIII And after they are gone out, let him say: Ye energumens, afflicted with unclean spirits, pray, and let us all earnestly, pray for them, that God, the lover of mankind, will by Christ rebuke the unclean and wicked spirits, and deliver His supplicants from the dominion of the adversary. May He that rebuked the legion of demons, and the devil, the prince of wickedness,[57] Tertullian On Modesty he handed himself over to the prince of this age. He set him over "swine," to feed that flock familiar to demons,[111] Tertullian De Fuga in Persecutione For this is what follows, "But deliver us from the wicked one," that is, do not lead us into temptation by giving us up to the wicked one, for then are we delivered from the power of the devil, when we are not handed over to him to be tempted. Nor would the devil's legion have had power over the herd of swine[9] The Teaching of Addaeus the Apostle And all those who believed in Christ did Addaeus receive, and baptized them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. And those who used to worship stones and stocks sat at his feet, recovered from the madness[53] Irenaeus Against Heresies Book V Let our opponents-that is, they who speak against their own salvation-inform us [as to this point]: The deceased daughter of the high priest;[95] Irenaeus Against Heresies Book I For after she had been thus afflicted during twelve years, she was healed by the advent of the Saviour, when she had touched the border of His garment; and on this account the Saviour said, "Who touched me? "[38] Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book IV Righteousness is peace of life and a well-conditioned state, to which the Lord dismissed her when He said, "Depart into peace."[240] Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book VI And this is to be taken in a magnanimous and worthy acceptation, along with also the recompense and accompaniment of works. So that when we hear, "Thy faith hath saved thee,[202] Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book II For by thee does our Saviour say to him who is discouraged under the sense of his sins, "Thy sins are forgiven thee: thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace."[112] Tertullian A Treatise on the Soul and of a legion in number, as in the Gadarene.[196] Origen Against Celsus Book VI Now who is there that is capable of giving even moderate attention to affairs-not merely among the believers on Jesus, but among the rest of mankind-that would not laugh at Celsus, on hearing that Jesus, who was born and brought up among the Jews, and was supposed to be the son of Joseph the carpenter, and who had not studied literature-not merely that of the Greeks, but not even that of the Hebrews-as the truth-loving Scriptures testify regarding Him,[91] Tertullian An Answer to the Jews I wait to hear what you understand thereby; for fear you may perhaps think some carpenter-king[220] Origen Against Celsus Book VI is Jesus Himself ever described as being a carpenter.[192] Acts of Andrew and Matthias were going with our Lord into a temple of the Gentiles, that He might make known to us the ignorance of the devil, that the chief priests, having beheld us following Jesus, said to us, O wretches, why do you walk with him who says, I am the Son of God? Do you mean to say that God has a son? Which of you has ever at any time seen God associating with a woman? Is not this the son of Joseph the carpenter, and his mother is Mary, and his brothers James and Simon?[11] Origen Commentary on Matthew Book X And Matthew and Mark, wishing to set forth the excellency of the divine power, that it has power even in unbelief, but not so great power as it has in the faith of those who are being benefited, seem to me to have said with accuracy, not that He did not "any" mighty works because of their unbelief, but that He did not "many" there.[134] And Mark also does not say, that He could not do any mighty work there, and stop at that point, but added, "Save that He laid His hands upon a few sick folk and healed them,"[135] Acts of Saint Philip the Apostle When He Went to Upper Hellas For they thought that Philip was a philosopher, since he was travelling in the dress of a recluse; and they did not know that he was an apostle of Christ. For the dress which Jesus gave to His disciples was a mantle only, and a linen cloth.[1] Acts of Andrew and Matthias For He chose for Himself us twelve, and gave us such a commandment, saying, When you go to preach, do not carry money in the journey, nor bread, nor bag, nor shoes, nor staff, nor two coats.[6] Clementine Homily III an infallible Prophet of that which is supremely profitable, gave us in charge, by way of salutation before our words of instruction, to announce to you, in order that if there be any son of peace among you, peace may take hold of him through our teaching; but if any of you will not receive it, then we, shaking off for a testimony the road-dust of our feet, which we have borne through our toils, and brought to you that you may be saved, will go to the abodes and the cities of others.[20] Cyprian Epistle LXIX But he cannot sanctify the creature of oil,[13] Origen Commentary on Matthew Book X In Mark[140] Origen Commentary on Matthew Book X But the opinion of those who said that Jesus was "a prophet even as one of the prophets,"[147] Origen Commentary on John Book VI So the disciples told the Lord when He was in the parts of Caesarea Philippi, and questioned them on that subject. And Herod, too, said,[46] Acts of Andrew and Matthias and they were filled: and they took up what was over to them twelve baskets of fragments.[10] Origen Commentary on Matthew Book XI Such is the contribution we have been able to give to the exposition of the word about the five loaves and the two fishes; and probably those, who are better able than we to gather together the five loaves and the two fishes among themselves, would be able to give a fuller and better interpretation of their meaning. It must be observed, however, that while in Matthew, Mark, and Luke,[13] Origen Commentary on Matthew Book XI Then since there are different orders of those who need the food which Jesus supplies and all are not nourished by equal words, on this account I think that Mark has written, "And He commanded them that they should all sit down by companies upon the green grass; and they sat down in ranks by hundreds and by fifties; "[26] and Mark says, "He commanded them all to sit down; "[204] Irenaeus Against Heresies Book II (love), too, consists of five letters; and our Lord, after[187] Origen Commentary on Matthew Book XI Again, there, the three Evangelists say in the very same words that "He took the five loaves and the two fishes and looking up to heaven He blessed; "[206] Origen Commentary on Matthew Book XI ined by the Word, and goes unwillingly, as it were, when the Saviour wishes to train by exercise the disciples in this boat which is distressed by the waves and the contrary wind? But since Mark has made a slight change in the reading, and for "Straightway He constrained the disciples to enter lute the boat and to go before Him to the other side," has written, "And straightway He constrained His disciples to enter into the boat and to go before Him unto the other side unto Bethsaida,"[47]