THE WORKS OF OUR HOLY FATHER JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, ARCHBISHOP OF CONSTANTINOPLE

Volume VII

Book 1

COMMENTARY ON ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST

FIRST CONVERSATION. For what purpose was given the Holy Scriptures. Writing. - When and how the old law and the new covenant were given. - Why Matthew called his work the gospel. - Why the Gospel was written by four. - Slight discrepancies in the accounts of the evangelists serve as proof of their truth. - In the main and essential things the Gospels are in full agreement. - The difference in the purpose of writing the four Gospels. - The agreement of the evangelists is confirmed by the affinity of each part of their writings with the whole, as well as by the acceptance of their preaching by the whole universe. - The Truth of the Evang. preaching is proved by its superiority over the teaching of philosophers and its acceptability for people of all ranks and ages. - Erroneous opinion about the simplicity and ease of explaining the Gospel of Matthew. - An indication of the perplexities presented at the very beginning of the Gospel. - An exhortation to the hearers to be attentive to the explanation, to diligently attend the temple instead of spectacles, to study the things pertaining to the heavenly life, and to observe the silence and silence in the temple.

SECOND CONVERSATION. Explanation 1:1. Repetition of the admonition given at the end of the previous conversation. - Description of the heavenly city. - The inexplicability of the birth of the Son of God, both heavenly and earthly. - The greatness of the incarnation. - The Son of God became incarnate in order to make man the son of God. - Christ united the old covenant with the new. - The meaning of the name "Jesus"; His Old Testament prototype. - Why did Matthew call his Gospel "the book of the kinship of Jesus Christ?" - Why does he put David before Abraham? - Proofs of the descent of Joseph and the Virgin from David. - Why is the genealogy of Joseph given, and not of Mary? - Exhortation to engage in spiritual teaching. - Reading of the Holy Scriptures. The Scriptures are necessary especially for those who live in the world, as a cure for idle talk and foul language. - The effect of the word of God on man. "And just hearing the Scriptures is useful.

THIRD CONVERSATION. Another reason why the genealogy of Joseph is given, and not of Mary. - Why the Evangelist does not mention Esau. - The mention of vicious ancestors serves to glorify the Incarnate One more, teaches us not to be ashamed of the wickedness of our ancestors, if we are virtuous, destroys the pride of the Jews, who boasted of being descended from Abraham, and shows the necessity of the coming of Christ. - Phares and Zarah serve as an image of the Jewish people and the Church of Christ. - Rahab and Ruth also serve as an image of the latter. - One should not boast not only of one's ancestors, but also of one's own merits. - The virtue of each person is insignificant in comparison with his sins. - Forgetting good deeds is their safest storehouse. - Confession of sins is the best way to propitiate and thank God. - Humility is the beginning of all wisdom and the mother of all good. - David can serve as an example of humility.

CONVERSATION FOUR. Explanation 1:17-21. Why is the genealogy divided into three parts? - Why is the genealogy omitted in Mark, but in Luke - Why does Matthew count the number of generations before Christ? - Why conception did not take place before betrothal - The incomprehensibility of birth. - Christ was indeed born of a Virgin and has the same flesh as us. - The Virtue and Wisdom of Joseph. - Why does the angel announce to him the conception not from the very beginning, as he did to the Virgin? - How does the Angel assure him of the truth of conception by the Holy Spirit? - The greatness of Christ's gift of remission motivates believers to live worthy of that gift. - A believer must differ from an unbeliever in his good life, as well as in all his outward behavior. - The ugliness of the soul can be seen as in a mirror, studying the lives of holy men. - A man who gives free rein to his passions is worse than a beast. - Whoever seeks external glory dishonors himself. - Piety gives true glory. - The example of the three youths teaches us to prefer poverty to the charms of wealth. - Exhortation to do almsgiving.

CONVERSATION FIVE. Explanation 1:22-25. Listening to a sermon is beneficial when what is heard is remembered and discussed at home. - The meaning of the expression: this is all to be. - Why the angel reminds Joseph of the prophecy of Isaiah. - Why Christ is called Emmanuel. - The objection of the Jews to the virginity of Mary is refuted by the translation of the 70, just as it has no support in other translations. - Mary remained a virgin even after her birth. - The example of Christ's brothers in the flesh shows that kinship with a righteous person is not useful if there is no virtue of one's own. - The prayers of the righteous cannot save those who do not care about salvation themselves. - Alms, given even from unrighteously acquired property, propitiates God. - Crime and the harm of usury.

SIXTH DISCOURSE. Explanation 2:1-3. The star that appeared at the birth of Christ does not serve as a justification for the teaching of astrologers. - She was an invisible force that took the form of a star; - four proofs of this. - The purpose of the appearance of the star and the coming of the Magi. - God in the dispensation of the economy is applied to the state and ordinary views of people. - Why does the Evangelist indicate the time and place of birth? - Who prompted the Magi to travel. - God does not violate free will. - Why were the Jews troubled when they heard about the birth of Christ? - Exhortation to listeners to cultivate in themselves love for spiritual things and contrition for sins. - Tears of repentance cleanse the soul in the same way as baptism. - Laughter is condemned by the Scriptures; it comes from the suggestion of the devil, as well as from the spectacle. - Great harm caused by spectacles.

SEVENTH DISCOURSE. Explanation 2:4-10. By the appearance of the Magi and other events that accompanied the birth of Christ, the Jews could know the truth. - Why the dignity of Christ is not so clearly revealed at His birth as afterwards. - Herod's malice and madness. - Why did the star disappear and reappear? - The adoration of the Magi refutes the teaching of Marcion and Paul of Samosata. - It signified the calling of the Gentiles. - Exhortation to imitate the Magi through the service of Christ. - Rebuke of those who leave Christ for the sake of shameful spectacles. - Chastity is the duty of every Christian.

CONVERSATION EIGHT. Explanation 2:11-15. What prompted the Magi to worship the Child. - Why do they go to Persia? - In order to achieve His goals, God sometimes allows His enemies to fall into error. - Why Christ is sent to Egypt. - The prophecy of Hosea 11:1 is properly fulfilled in Christ. - The change that has taken place in Egypt shows the power of Christ. - Wilderness life in Egypt. - Glory of the great Anthony. - Life in the world cannot serve as an obstacle to imitation by monastics.

DISCOURSE NINE. Explanation 2:16-23. Why did God allow the slaughter of the innocents? - Sufferings and calamities endured unjustly either atone for our sins or serve to obtain great rewards in heaven. - In human life, everything is done by the action of God. Fishing. - As a proof of His power, God fulfills His purposes by means contrary. - Why Joseph comes to Nazareth. - The prophetic writings are not all preserved by the Jews. - One should not be proud of one's fatherland, or ancestors, or wealth, or other external advantages. - Wealth does not bring security and leads to the destruction of the soul.