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Monday, June 29, 2009
Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles (Solemnity)
| Acts 12: 1 - 11 |
| 1 | About that time Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. |
St. John Chrysostom
At that time, of course meaning the time immediately following: for this is the custom of Scripture. And he well says that Herod the king (did this): this was not he of Christ's time. Lo, a different sort of trial— and mark what I said in the beginning, how things are blended, how rest and trouble alternate in the whole texture of the history— not now the Jews, nor the Sanhedrin, but the king.
| 2 | He killed James the brother of John with the sword; |
cross reference: Mat 4:21 Mat 20:23
Eusebius
And concerning this James, Clement, in the seventh book of his Hypotyposes,relates a story which is worthy of mention; telling it as he received it from those who had lived before him. He says that the one who led James to the judgment-seat, when he saw him bearing his testimony, was moved, and confessed that he was himself also a Christian. They were both therefore, he says, led away together; and on the way he begged James to forgive him. And he, after considering a little, said, “Peace be with you,” and kissed him. And thus they were both beheaded at the same time.
Primasius
The first title to victory is for him who has fallen at the hands of the Gentiles confessing the Lord; the second step to glory is to make a cautious withdrawal and then to keep himself for God. The one is public confession; the other private. The former conquers the judge of the world; the latter satisfied with God as his judge guards a conscience pure by integrity of heart. But this point is also very clearly demonstrated in the 2 sons of Zebedee. James, who was killed by Herod, is accounted a martyr because of his public confession, while his brother John the Evangelist, is crowned because of his secret witness as one who was with Jesus. Moreover, it is clear that earlier the Lord had said to both, ‘You will drink my cup. (Matt. 20:23)’ That is, one would give witness by way of deed, the other by way of his manner and practice.
| 3 | and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. |
cross reference: Exo 12:15 Exo 23:15
St. John Chrysostom
For their (Jews) own part, they now in consequence of Gamaliel's advice, abstained from bloodshedding: and besides, did not even invent accusations; but by means of others they compassed the same results.
| 4 | And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. |
cross reference: 4 Joh 21:18
St. John Chrysostom
the stricter the custody, the more wondrous the display.
| 5 | So Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. |
St. John Chrysostom
It was the prayer of brotherly affection: it was for a father they asked, a father mild. There was, it says, earnest prayer. Hear how they were affected to their teachers. No rebellions, no agitation: but they betook them to prayer, to that alliance which is indeed invincible, to this they betook them for refuge.
| 6 | The very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison; |
St. John Chrysostom
See Peter sleeping, and not in distress or fear! That same night, after which he was to be brought forth, he slept, having cast all upon God.
| 7 | and behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. |
cross reference: Act 5:19
Arator
by touching Peter's side he struck that part in which the church has its head; since the messenger knew that this was where the church had taken its origin, this was where he lifted him up. Noah fashioned holy doors in the side of his ark when shutting in the animals; through this came their salvation as the flood laid everything waste. Eve was brought forth from her husband as he slept, an offspring born from his side, bearing the name of life and to remain thus even longer had she not committed her crime. Afterwards Christ, the mystic Adam, deigning to give up his limbs to the cross and in the destruction of the flesh to be oppressed in death so that life could return, sanctified the new gifts of liquid through their passage from his side. Now the angel summons Peter through that part of his body, so that every mind might believe that the glory of the church exists within him and hold fast to his Faith with his heavenly champion;
| 8 | And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your mantle around you and follow me." |
Arator
on the angel's instructions these feet once more deserved their sandals, feet which the right hand of the Master touched, which washed him in his entirety in the waters.
| 9 | And he went out and followed him; he did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. |
cross reference: Psa 126:1 Act 10:3 Act 10:17 Act 11:5
St. Augustine
To perceive in the body, but think we perceive in the spirit (such a mistake as the Apostle Peter made.
| 10 | When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened to them of its own accord, and they went out and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel left him. |
cross reference: Act 5:19 Act 16:26
St. John Chrysostom
and yet the things that had happened within (the prison) were more marvellous: but this was now more after the manner of man.
| 11 | And Peter came to himself, and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." |
cross reference: Psa 34:7 Job 5:19
St. John Chrysostom
When there was no hindrance, then the Angel departed. For Peter would not have gone along (προἥλθεν), there being so many hindrances. And when he came to himself: for in very truth, it was indeed an amazement (ἔ κπληξις). Now, says he, I know— now, not then, when I was in the prison,
JohnLitteral |
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