THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. Since our explanations have become quite clear, and given that the intent of the law is to ensure that the pure, rather than the impure, partake of the sacred and life-giving nourishment, he distinguishes clearly between the various generations, identifying who is deserving of the blessing and capable of receiving it. He also makes it known who is to be barred from sharing in the holy offerings, stating, ‘No stranger shall eat of the holy things; neither shall he that dwells with the priest, nor a hired servant eat of the holy things: but if the priest buys a man for silver, that man may eat of them: neither may his household eat of his bread’ (Lev. 22:10-11).
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The law excludes the foreigner and the outsider as impure and not yet cleansed, referring to those who have not yet come to faith and recognized the true God. For how can those who lack a spiritual and mental connection to Christ, the ultimate and genuine High Priest, partake in His bread? We shall not give what is holy to the dogs, nor should anyone cast pearls before swine, as the Savior Himself stated (Matt. 7:6). Thus, the outsider is entirely put aside. Along with him, the acolyte and the hired servant are also included. It appears to me that the parishioners represent those who are entrenched in worldly matters, treating the earth as their true homeland, focusing solely on fleshly desires. Though they possess a semblance of faith in Christ, it is a cold faith that lacks warmth. Their words may seem useful and honorable, yet in practice and behavior, they fall short of exhibiting true reverence. Those classified as hirelings do not embrace faith out of genuine respect for the truth; rather, they seek the approval of others, attempting to gain reward for projecting a Christian facade. They turn genuine devotion into a means for gain (cf. 1 Tim. 6:5), disguising their covetousness with pious language. Therefore, in accordance with the law, the squatters and hirelings should be grouped with the foreigners and kept at a distance from the saints, deserving of equal judgment. However, the law permits the household to partake in the sacred offerings, for it is stated, ‘Let the households of the priests and those whom they purchase be allowed to eat’—the law considers as purchased one who is united in faith, as well as those who are domestic in spirit and bought at a price, in accordance with the words of the blessed Paul (1 Cor. 7:23; 6:20); ‘Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, becoming a curse for us,’ as it is written (Gal. 3:13).