Luke 8:50Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

However, one might argue, “It is clear that the rituals mandated by the law stand in stark contrast to faith in Christ: the law requires bloody sacrifices, whereas faith dismisses these and establishes a worship that must be rendered in spirit and truth.” For Christ affirms this by quoting the psalmist when addressing God the Father: “Sacrifices and offerings Thou didst not desire; burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hadst no pleasure in; but a body didst Thou prepare for Me. Then said I, Behold, I come; for it is written of Me in the volume of the book, I delight to do Thy will, O God!” Thus, bloody sacrifices are ineffective, while the fragrant offering of spiritual worship is exceedingly pleasing to God. No one can present such offerings without first embodying the faith that comes from Christ. The Apostle Paul confirms, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Consequently, we must elucidate what we mean when we assert that the law was given due to faith. Blessed Abraham was justified by both obedience and faith, as it is written, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” God promised him that he would be the father of many nations and that all nations would be blessed through him, following the example of his faith. Thus, we observe that grace through faith precedes the ceremonial law, as Abraham received it while still uncircumcised. Later, through Moses, the law was introduced. Did Abraham abandon the justification that comes by faith—the very promise God intended for those who walk in the footsteps of our father Abraham's faith, despite still being uncircumcised? This cannot be true. The Apostle Paul states, “Therefore, I say that the covenant established by God long ago, which the law came four hundred and thirty years later, does not nullify the promise made to the patriarchs.” Furthermore, “Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not.” The same holy Paul further explains why the law was given through the ministry of angels and how it affirms faith in Christ, indicating that it was introduced prior to the incarnation of the only begotten. He mentions, “the law was added that transgressions might increase,” and again, “the Scripture confined everything under sin,” and “the law was added because of transgressions.” Would you like to understand how the Scripture confined all under sin? If so, I will clarify this as best as I can. The Gentiles, lacking God and hope, existed in this world as if imprisoned by the snares of sin, trapped without hope of salvation. Meanwhile, the Israelites possessed the law as a guide, yet no one could attain justification through its burdens. For there is no advantage for those ensnared in sin through a blood sacrifice. Paul affirms, “For the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins.” The law reveals the frailty of humanity, which is why Paul refers to it as “the ministry of condemnation.” Through the law, sin proliferated—not because it caused anyone to sin, but because it condemned those subjected to offenses. Given this reality, the necessity for the justification provided by Christ became apparent, as no one could achieve a sinless life. Thus, the law was instituted to highlight the guilt of those afflicted by weaknesses and to declare that they were sinners, directing them toward purification by faith in Christ. This is why the blessed Paul reiterates, “The law was our tutor until Christ came. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under the law.” For we are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Faith is fundamentally the source of life, as it conquers sin, serving as the source and caretaker of life. Therefore, Christ said beautifully to the ruler of the synagogue when his daughter passed away, “Fear not: only believe, and she shall live.” As stated, Christ brings life to those who approach Him in faith, for He embodies life—“for in Him we live and move and have our being”—and He will resurrect the dead “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet,” as it is written. Having this hope in Him, we shall arrive at the heavenly city and reign as kings with Him; by Him and with Him, praise and dominion be to God the Father, with the Holy Spirit, forever and ever, Amen.

Just as a doctor inquires whether a patient desires healing before proceeding, so too does the Lord question those under His care and bestows grace upon believers, so they may retain it, for faith reflects the will of the soul. Therefore, He assures us: Simply believe, and you shall be saved.

These private, momentary incidents clarify why the Lord sometimes revealed Himself openly and at other times concealed His identity; in this instance, He instructed silence, while at other moments, such as healing the woman with the issue of blood or casting out demons across the Lake of Gennesaret, He actively encouraged public proclamation about His works.

Additionally, when the Savior remarks, “I felt the power go out,” this expression is not meant to suggest that His healing ability left Him unknowingly to cure the woman, but rather to highlight her act of faith for the benefit of all and to serve as an inspiration for others.

'He does not seek faith because He is in need of human assistance, for He is the Sovereign and the Source of belief; rather, He desires to illustrate that He does not respond to requests insincerely, but only acknowledges those who possess faith' (St. Athanasius of Alexandria). Upon His arrival at the home, He found the atmosphere filled with chaos; there were mourners and professional lamenters, and He heard the cries of weeping and wailing. Why do you weep? - The death of the young girl was universally accepted, and 'no one could claim that she merely suffered a severe seizure or had fainted' (Blessed Theophylact), leading those present to mock the Lord's words. He then instructed them to leave, retaining as witnesses of the miracle three of His closest disciples, later granted a special bond with Him (Matthew 17:1; 26, 37) - Peter, James, and John, along with the girl's parents. Upon entering the room where the lifeless girl lay, He took her by the hand and declared, 'Talitha, kumi,' meaning maiden, arise! The girl sprang back to life, stood up, and began to walk. To confirm that her resurrection was truly a reality and not a figment of imagination, He instructed her to be given something to eat. This remarkable miracle left both her parents and the disciples astonished. However, the Lord instructed them not to reveal this miracle, just as He had previously advised (Matt. 8:4), out of humility and to shield God's work from speculation and gossip, as well as to prevent inciting further animosity from His adversaries and fostering unrealistic hopes regarding the kingdom of the Messiah. Despite this stern directive to keep the event secret, news of the miracle circulated throughout the region.