Matthew 7:18 — Community Reflections

MATTHEW 7:18 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”

A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. The impossibility is stated in both directions: good tree cannot produce bad fruit, diseased tree cannot produce good fruit. The consistency of the principle makes the diagnostic reliable over time: temporary performance cannot maintain itself against the tree's actual nature. Galatians 5:22–23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, and Galatians 5:19–21 lists the works of the flesh — the two fruit-lists are diagnostic of two types of internal reality. The diagnostic takes time and attention: the fruit must be examined consistently, not in isolated moments.

Church Fathers on Matthew 7:18

The Lord had before commanded His Apostles, that they should not do their alms, prayers, and fastings before men, as the hypocrites; and that they might know that all these things may be done in hypocrisy, He speaks saying, 'Take heed of false prophets.'
Pseudo-Chrysostom · 5th century

When the Lord had said that there were few that find the strait gate and narrow way, that heretics, who often commend themselves because of the smallness of their numbers, might not here intrude themselves, He straightway subjoins, 'Take heed of false prophets.'
Augustine · 4th century · Serm. in Mont., ii, 23

Having taught that the gate is strait, because there are many that pervert the way that leads to it, He proceeds, 'Take heed of false prophets.' In the which that they might be the more careful, He reminds them of the things that were done among their fathers, calling them 'false prophets;' for even in that day the like things fell out.
Chrysostom · 4th century

Read all 21 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

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