THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. Thus, the law rightly decrees death for individuals who commit such acts, resembling the fate of wild beasts. This is clearly expressed in Exodus: ‘Whoever steals a man ... and sells him, or finds him in his possession, he shall be put to death’ (Exodus 21:16), and similarly in Deuteronomy: “If any man is found who has stolen any of his brethren, the children of Israel, and has enslaved him or sold him, that thief shall be put to death” (Deuteronomy 24:7). It is intolerable for a race honored in Christ to be subjected to plunder and taken captive unexpectedly by those accustomed to such acts.
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Just as those who deceive children lead them away from their homes and rob them of their inherent dignity, forcing them into slavery, so too are those who, through deceitful reasoning, mislead individuals who seek to think rightly and live honorably charged with the theft of souls; and their just punishment is death. To the such, ‘do not receive into the house and do not welcome’ (2 John 1:10), instructs the disciple of the Savior, reminding us that it is unnatural for a lamb to be friendly with a wolf, as those of differing beliefs do not unite; ‘for what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness?’ (2 Cor. 6:15). Additionally, the Apostle Paul reminds us not to associate with those who engage in immorality in this age (1 Cor. 5:9-10). Therefore, to prevent anyone from being led away from their true Father’s house—the Church of God—into the assemblies of wicked individuals, as if selling their understanding through turning to evil, since ‘bad company corrupts good character’ (1 Cor. 15:33), the law prescribes the death penalty for those so depraved that they would commit such actions.