Matthew 10:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Furthermore, He reassures His disciples: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27), since love itself is rooted in peace. The Primate does not merely say, “Peace be with you,” but “Peace be with all.” What benefit is it to possess peace with one person while being in conflict with another? What advantage do we gain? Just as a body cannot be well when some parts function harmoniously while others oppose, so everything must be in order, unity, and peace; without comprehensive peace, everything will drift beyond its rightful place and become corrupted. Similarly, in our hearts and minds, without tranquil thoughts, there can be no peace. Peace is such a profound blessing that those who foster and uphold it are called the children of God. Indeed, the Son of God came into the world to reconcile heaven and earth. If peacemakers are the children of God, then those who sow discord are the children of the devil. What do you imply? Do you truly incite conflict and strife? Is there truly anyone so unfortunate? Many take pleasure in wrongdoing, tormenting the body of Christ with more ferocity than the soldiers who pierced it or the Jews who nailed Him. That harm is lesser; those members of the body, when injured, may be restored, but those who disconnect in spirit, if not restored here, will forever remain apart from the Church. When tempted to quarrel with a brother, remember that you disrespect the members of Christ and temper your wrath. What does it matter if the person is intolerable or lowly? “It is not,” He states, “the Father's will that one of these little ones should perish” (Matthew 18:14); and again, “Their angels in heaven do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven.” Even one deemed unworthy was subject to great grace and sacrifice; would you then disregard him? In doing so, you stand in opposition to God by raising your voice against His own. The Primate, as soon as he arrives, proclaims, “Peace be with all”; when initiating conversation, he says, “Peace be with all”; when offering a blessing, he states, “Peace be with all”; while commanding mutual affection, he says, “Peace be to all”; during the offering of sacrifices, “Peace be to all”; and even during those actions, “Grace to you and peace” (Col. 1:3). How foolish it is, then, for us to hear this multitude of appeals for peace among ourselves and yet harbor enmity toward each other, rebelling against the very one who bestows peace while we receive and proclaim it to others. You respond, “And to your spirit,” then exit the church only to slander a brother? Alas, what is meant to be most cherished in the Church has become a mere outward show rather than heartfelt truth! Regrettably, these profound symbols have been reduced to empty words! Therefore, you fail to grasp the purpose of saying, “Peace be with all.” Yet heed what Christ also says: “Into whatsoever city or village ye enter, visit whosoever is worthy therein, and there remain until ye go out: and entering into a house, greet it, saying, ‘Peace be unto this house’; and if the house be worthy, your peace shall come upon it: but if it be not worthy, your peace shall return unto you” (Matt. 10:11-13). This lack of understanding arises from viewing these words merely as figurative expressions, neglecting their true significance. It is not I who bestow peace, but Christ speaks through us. Even when we were previously estranged from grace, we are no longer strangers for your benefit. Just as the grace of God worked through unusual means to assist the Israelites, so too can it operate through us. Let no one say that I am imperfect or inconsequential; let all listen attentively. I, too, am a vessel through which God's grace flows. God is present among such people, doing good for many. Know that He chose to speak to Cain for Abel’s sake, to the devil for Job’s sake, to Pharaoh for Joseph’s sake, to Nebuchadnezzar for Daniel’s sake, and to Belshazzar for His own purpose. Even the Magi received revelations, and Caiaphas prophesied, despite being a murderer of Christ and unworthy of such honor. It is noted that Aaron was spared leprosy for the same reasons. In fact, consider this: Why was it only she (Aaron's sister) who faced punishment, even though both opposed Moses? Do not marvel; if it occurs among secular leaders that one accused of countless offenses is not urgently brought to judgment, especially if holding authority may further offend, how much more so with spiritual governance, where the grace of God constantly operates; otherwise, all would face demise. When a person relinquishes such grace, the gravest repercussions await, either in this life or immediately thereafter. Do not think I speak from my own authority. The grace of God operates through the unworthy not for our sake but for yours.

In the Gospel of Matthew, the apostles are directed to select the households they enter, ensuring that they do not change their residence in a manner that undermines the spirit of hospitality. However, the host is not bound by such selection; otherwise, the essence of hospitality would be compromised.

While the literal understanding of this sacred obligation of hospitality is commendable, its spiritual interpretation possesses a profound sacramental beauty. When one selects a home, the quality of the host is crucial. It may imply that the Church and Christ are to be prioritized. What dwelling is more deserving of the apostles’ visit than the holy Church? And who deserves precedence above all? It is Christ, who washes the feet of His guests and ensures that none enter His home with unclean feet. Though they may be marked by their past, He graciously cleanses them for the life to come. He alone should never be forsaken or replaced with another. To Him, we should direct our cries, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have come to believe” (John 6:68-69). Take note of Peter, who embodies the fulfillment of divine commandments and readily accepted hospitality, thus earning a place in the heavenly sanctification.

Thus, we must first evaluate the faith of the Church: if Christ resides within, it is surely the appropriate choice! However, if the people lack belief or if a heretical teacher disgraces the dwelling, one must separate from heretics and flee from such an assembly. Dust must be shaken from the feet, lest the soul’s journey becomes tarnished by the desolation of barren disbelief. The messenger of the gospel must bear the physical weaknesses of the faithful and cleanse his own feet from their empty actions, as it is stated, “Who is weak, and I am not weak?” (2 Corinthians 11:29). If a church exists that rejects the faith and has no reliance on apostolic teaching, it should be forsaken, lest it infect others with disbelief. The Apostle instructs, “After the first and second admonition, reject a divisive person” (Titus 3:10).

They should not seek elsewhere if they find a deserving home and just host. Many Jews were so devoted to the law that, even after believing in Christ due to his miraculous deeds, they continued adhering to the law. Others, driven by curiosity, wanted to experience the freedom found in Christ, merely pretending to move from the law to the truth of the gospel, while some led themselves into heresy by misunderstanding. As individuals of this kind mislead their listeners by falsely claiming to possess universal truth, Christ instructs the apostles to search for a worthy individual to stay with. Should they, misled by deceptive words, unknowingly associate with such a host, they must carefully select a house deemed worthy, which refers to the Church recognized as universal. Christ commands that every household be greeted with peace, but this greeting should be understood as a verbal expression rather than a literal offering. He teaches them to say, “Peace to this house.” Thus, the greeting of peace is conveyed through words and must be demonstrated through active love. Furthermore, Jesus indicates that authentic peace, which embodies compassion, should not descend upon an unworthy abode; if the household turns out to be unworthy, the essence of divine peace should remain alive in one's thoughts.

In Christ, God reconciles the world to Himself, as the holy Apostle captures the essence of our faith. The transgression of our forefathers seemed minor, yet its repercussions were dire, impacting not only them but all generations to follow, necessitating an incalculable sacrifice to rectify their wrongdoing; this required the death of God's only Son on the Cross. Having achieved reconciliation with God at such an extraordinary cost, let us, dear brethren, strive wholeheartedly to maintain the renewed peace that has been granted to us, avoiding any deviation from God's will that could renew our enmity with Him. To do otherwise would insult the boundless love of God the Father, who withheld not His only Son for our salvation, and it would repay that profound love with utter ingratitude. It would undervalue the esteemed sacrifice of the Son of God, who descended from heaven for our sake, who humbled Himself, experiencing humiliation, affliction, and, ultimately, the disgrace of crucifixion, and would disregard His blood poured out for our renewal and salvation. It would also offend the Spirit of grace, who seals us for our regeneration and sanctification, bestowing upon us divine empowerment for living in godliness.

Thus, as we pray to Christ, let us strive to maintain our peace with God, avoiding willful sins and the entanglement of habitual wrongdoing. Should we, due to human weakness or the accusations of the adversary, fall into sin, let us not hesitate to seek the divine means of restoration. For if we confess our sins, the Lord is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, as the beloved disciple assures us. Maintain peace with the holy Church, secured by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which provides the essential resources for our justification, sanctification, and salvation. Faithfully adhere to its guidelines, rules, and ordinances, as dutiful children.

The grave experiences of our spiritual and earthly brethren, who have strayed from communion with the holy Church, wandering in the shadows of superstition and prejudice, reveal the dire consequences of disregarding its decrees. Cultivate peace with your conscience, for nothing is more vital than this. Regardless of the magnitude of worldly gains, be they in success or achievements, no joy or comfort can touch the soul if accomplished at the expense of conscience, which serves as God's voice within us, either condemning or validating our actions. "There is no joy for the wicked even in this life," the prophet declares, "much less in the life to come."

Be at peace with the governing authorities; honor their instructions and rules with reverence, contributing within the bounds of your lawful power to fulfill their noble intentions for the glory and welfare of our homeland. This is our sacred obligation, as ordained by our holy faith. "Fear God, honor the King,” commands the holy Apostle. Why? "Because this is the will of God," he asserts. “I urge, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority," another holy Apostle instructs us. Why? "Because this is good and pleases God our Savior." The well-being of our homeland and of every citizen within it hinges upon this.

History attests that the true greatness, glory, prosperity, and happiness of nations can only flourish through unwavering obedience and devoted reverence for the supreme authority. "O Lord, save the Tsar," should ever be the prayer from our lips and hearts, especially amidst the current tumult and instability of fundamental concepts. Cultivate peace with your shepherds, whom the Holy Spirit has appointed to guide the Church of our Lord and God; obey their teachings, as commanded by the holy Apostle, and submit to their direction. When you witness a shepherd at prayer in the temple, join him, not merely by repeating his words, but by stirring a genuine prayerful spirit within yourself, carrying this spirit into your home, which should be a church for Christian families.

If you witness a shepherd offering the holy sacrifice to God, grasp the spirit and meaning of this sacred act in your heart and learn to present yourself as a living, holy, and acceptable sacrifice to God. When you hear a shepherd share divine instruction, receive it not merely as human counsel but as the true word of God; for God-appointed shepherds do not speak of their own accord but share God's truth. Do not allow the shepherd's voice proclaiming salvation to become something mere and curious for your ears; rather, embrace the truth within it, allowing it to transform you into spirit and life.

Whether a shepherd's directives personally affect you or merely reach your ears, do not dismiss them out of hand or engage in disputes over them, scrutinizing every detail for faults or sinister intentions. Even if some directive seems misaligned with the present circumstances, cover over your shepherd's shortcomings in love, remembering that "we all stumble in many ways." Pray for your shepherd's wisdom, and if you can, with humility and love, bring forth your concerns, so that together we may bear one another's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ.

Shepherds, too, should cultivate peace with their flock, not from greed but with sincere intent, not as though they possess the parish, but representing the flock's image. Establish peace in your families through the faithful and steadfast fulfillment of the duties assigned to each family member by both nature and divine law. Husbands, love your wives, according to the command of the Apostle, and with honor, recognizing their fragility; wives, submit to your husbands, steering clear of the destructive doctrine of equality or superiority, given that in the order of creation, the husband was called to lead and the wife created to support him. Parents, do not provoke your children to anger, but rear them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, providing them with a living example of godliness; children, obey your parents in all things, honoring them, for the blessing of the father establishes the homes of the children, while a mother’s curse brings them low.

King David testified to his peace even with those who hated him. Therefore, as far as it depends on you, strive to make peace with those who harbor animosity toward you, insult you, or speak ill of you. "But if you love those who love you," asks the Lord, "what reward will you get? Even sinners love those who love them." And if you do good only to those who do good to you, "what credit is that to you? Sinners do that too." We are called to love our enemies, do good to those who despise us, and pray for those who persecute us. St. Apostle has shown us the surest path to peace: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink."

Live in harmony with all, abiding by the command of the holy Apostle: "Render to all what is owed to them; if taxes, then taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." By honoring one another, we elevate each other.

The residents of Sodom and Gomorrah defied the natural law, inscribed by the Creator in their hearts and minds, and for this, they faced severe consequences. However, those who reject the revealed law and the message of Christ will be held to an even stricter account and endure greater punishment at God's judgment, for His will has been made evident to them with greater clarity and completeness.