Matthew 7:22 — Community Reflections

MATTHEW 7:22 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”

On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? The dramatic power of the passage: the many who are excluded cite extraordinary religious achievements — prophecy, exorcism, miracles — all done in Jesus' name. The name of Jesus was invoked; the works were impressive; the religious résumé was substantial. And yet: Jesus does not recognize them. The works were not evidently fraudulent — prophecy, exorcism, and miracles are not easily faked. The issue is not the works themselves but the relationship (or lack thereof) that underlies them. 1 Corinthians 13:1–3 says that without love, even prophecy and faith that moves mountains is nothing.

Church Fathers on Matthew 7:22

As He had said above that those who have the robe of a good life are yet not to be received because of the impiety of their doctrines; so now on the other hand, He forbids us to participate the faith with those who while they are strong in sound doctrine, destroy it with evil works. For it behoves the servants of God that both their work should be approved by their teaching and their teaching by their works.
Jerome · 4th century

Wherein He seems to touch the Jews chiefly who placed every thing in dogmas; as Paul accuses them, 'If thou art called a Jew, and restest in the Law.'
Chrysostom · 4th century · Hom., xxiv. Rom. 2, 17

Otherwise; Having taught that the false prophets and the true are to be discerned by their fruits, He now goes on to teach more plainly what are the fruits by which we are to discern the godly from the ungodly teachers.
Pseudo-Chrysostom · 5th century

Read all 26 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

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