Matthew 4:24Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Likewise, before delivering the law to the Israelites, He demonstrated astounding miracles and then provided the law. Thus, with the intent to impart the ultimate guidelines for living and to reveal truths previously unheard, He reinforced His teachings through miraculous acts. Since the kingdom He declared was not tangible, He employed visible wonders to make the invisible manifest.

Observe the conciseness of the evangelist; he refrains from detailing each individual healed, instead summarizing the multitude of miracles: "they brought unto Him all those who were sick with various diseases, and possessed with passions, and demoniacs, and menstrual, and loosed, and He healed them." Yet one may wonder why Christ did not solicit faith from those He healed at that moment. Why did He refrain from asking them what He later posed as a question: “Do you believe that I can do this?” (Matthew 9:28) This is because He had not yet displayed the evidence of His power. However, their faith was demonstrated by their approach to Him and their efforts to bring the sick to Him. They would not have traveled from afar unless they held a deep conviction in Him.

Let us also strive to follow Christ. Many of us suffer from spiritual afflictions, which He primarily seeks to remedy. This is why He addresses physical ailments, aiming to heal our mental disturbances. Our petitions to Him should not be for earthly concerns, but rather for the forgiveness of our transgressions; if we seek diligently, He provides us with all we require. A report of His deeds spread throughout Syria, and indeed across the entire world. People from various regions gathered to Him upon hearing of His ability to heal those possessed by demons, and in light of the numerous and significant demonstrations of His power you have witnessed, do you not feel inclined to rise and approach Him? They abandoned their homeland, their friends, and their families, and yet you hesitate to leave your own abode to come to Him and receive far greater blessings. However, we do not demand such a sacrifice from you. Simply cast off wicked habits, and you can find salvation without leaving your home.

When faced with a physical illness, we exert every effort to seek relief, yet when plagued by spiritual maladies, we often waver and avoid seeking healing. We neglect to address the very source of evil while attempting to cleanse its effects. The connection between spiritual decay and physical ailments is illustrated by examples like the paralytic who suffered for thirty-eight years, the man lowered through a roof, and even Cain. Numerous instances affirm this truth. Therefore, let us eliminate the root of evils, and, in doing so, all afflictions will commence to dissipate on their own. Not only is physical weakness a form of illness, but so too is sin; and this latter is even graver, given that the soul holds greater value than the body. Consequently, let us approach Christ today and plead with Him to restore our weakened souls, focusing solely on spiritual matters and setting aside worldly distractions. Once we achieve this, we will be equipped to care for other concerns.

Do not hold the delusion that you are secure if you do not mourn your sins; rather, feel a profound sorrow for the absence of remorse for your transgressions. Your sense of calm does not stem from the absence of sin's pangs, but from the numbness of a soul surrendered to sin. Consider how those burdened by their sins are tormented, how desperately they cry out—more intensely than those who experience physical pain! What lengths do they go to, how they suffer deeply, how many tears they shed, and how much lament they produce in seeking relief from their tormented consciences? All of this they would not endure if they did not feel immense anguish within their souls.

The full moon has the innate ability to draw forth bodily liquids through its luminous power, causing disturbances that release foul vapors which can afflict the mind and bring suffering to individuals. Those who endure this condition from the effects of the moon are thus referred to as sleepwalkers. Yet, why does faith not require belief from any of these individuals before their healing, unlike many others afterward? It is because He had not yet demonstrated a clear manifestation of His power at that time. Conversely, the very issue they presented was not the result of casual faith.

As many who worship the sun and moon would be exposed to the miracles of the Lord, he aims to liberate them from their longstanding and misguided beliefs by using relatable imagery and language, as though he were calling out to them, “How can you revere the sun and moon as deities and benefactors when they bring you such suffering, as you yourselves acknowledge, and inflict so much harm upon humanity? You must reject the moon and other entities you deem responsible for your affliction and instead offer pure devotion solely to Him who delivers you from these and countless other troubles, generously bestowing eternal blessings.” Thus, the use of everyday language does not impede the expression of pious thoughts.

Some have suggested that the Evangelist intended a meaning distinct from demonic possession when he used the term sleepwalkers, arguing that if he had meant demoniacs, he would not have specified both terms. They posit that sleepwalkers are not possessed by demons but suffer from a different condition that arises from the corrupt humors in the body, which might intensify during a full moon. This observation is drawn from the fact that various moist creatures, like mollusks, appear to thrive at that time—not due to direct influence from the moon, but because of the wondrous intricacies of creation attributed to the divine Wisdom that governs all. It is believed that the moon’s subtle heat affects our bodies, causing a release of bodily fluids; however, as this heat is less potent than that of the sun, the release does not fully separate. Consequently, when the humors are disturbed, the affliction worsens, impacting the mind and spirit, which leads to confusion and torment. This is why the crowds refer to these individuals as sleepwalkers, a term that is fitting for their situation.

There is another interpretation suggesting that what is generally termed sleepwalkers also encompasses demoniacs. In this view, demons, attempting to defame the Creator's handiwork, eagerly observe the lunar cycle to launch attacks at the full moon, manifesting the affliction in order to convince others that God’s good creations are the source of their distress, thus inciting blasphemy against the Creator. However, this understanding does not clarify why the Apostle used such terminology; it merely explains why demons may intensify their malice at this time. Given the extensive discussion on this matter, and as nothing contradicts pious interpretation, each individual may hold to what resonates with them.

It might also be interpreted that both sections refer to both types of suffering—every affliction of body and soul; thus, by disease we comprehend the soul's weakness stemming from passion, and by infirmity we interpret a lack of faith. For instance, when someone is plagued by the sickness of greed, lust, or pride, they are suffering from a soul's affliction; likewise, one who fails to grasp the mystery of God's calling displays a weakness in faith. Many who possess the capacity to perform good and gain favor with God do not act accordingly, as they are unaware of the divine calling, leading to their own frailty. Additionally, there are those so dominated by physical woes that even with an understanding of God's calling, they neglect to pursue goodness, being overtaken by their ailments. Nevertheless, He healed the afflictions of the flesh by divine might and the malady of the spirit through the teachings of holiness. Just as medical practice aids the ailing body, so too does the word nurture the afflicted soul.

Observe that Matthew did not initiate with the phrase "healing every disease and every infirmity in men" but rather commenced with "teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom," followed by healing. There are two reasons for this structure. First, miraculous deeds uplift souls through pious teachings, hence the more significant element is presented first. Secondly, it is not the teachings of holiness that amplify miraculous deeds, but rather it is the miracles that strengthen the words of truth. People believed in Christ's ability to perform miracles, not merely because He spoke the truth, but they came to trust His words because of His miraculous power. They brought all their infirmities to Him, and He healed them. In certain accounts, it states that "He healed many," and others note that "who touched Him were healed" (Matthew 14:36). Yet here, it simply asserts that "He healed them," suggesting that all were healed. Much like a newly arrived physician eager to demonstrate his skill treats every patient without concern for payment initially, desiring only to gain a good reputation; the Lord, at the start of His ministry, healed all without discrimination. It was only after He gained recognition throughout Judea that He began to consider the appropriate price for healing, declaring to each, "According to your faith be it unto you," limiting His gifts only to those whom He had foreknown and prepared before they approached Him.

Others, paralyzed or completely immobile, were also brought to Him. He healed each of them, not through any human effort or medical intervention, but by His omnipotent Divine authority—by mere touch or a single spoken word. The number of miracles performed was so great that the Evangelist Matthew chose not to recount each one in detail but simply to summarize them. As St. John Chrysostom remarked, Christ surrounded Himself with an unfathomable ocean of miracles.

Within the synagogue were the ark, which housed the sacred scrolls of the law; a pulpit, where the Scriptures and prophets were read; and seating for worshippers. Congregations met on the Sabbath and during festivals, and anyone capable of reading and interpreting the law and prophets could do so. The reader typically stood while proclaiming the Scriptures but would take a seat to offer explanations. The Galileans, accustomed to the lifeless discourse of the Pharisees, were astonished by Jesus’ dynamic teaching. While the scribes merely conveyed the law, Jesus spoke with the authority of one who had direct knowledge from the Father (Mk. 1:22). The Pharisees and scribes often misrepresented the law, lacking genuine understanding, which resulted in their uninspiring words. In contrast, Jesus conveyed His own insights, delivered with convincing authority and passion, profoundly impacting His attentive audience.

Some skeptics, who do not believe in God, argue that healing does not stem from divine intervention but rather from the individual's belief in a supposed power, which they claim influences the body through nervous responses, thus bringing about what they term healing. Notably, Professor Charcot acknowledged that faith in miraculous healing can invoke the spirit's power over the body, enabling healing from ailments resistant to medical treatment. He cites a case of a girl who, bedridden for thirteen years due to paralysis, experienced healing. Charcot attributed this phenomenon not to divine miracle but to the patient’s mental fortitude affecting her frail body, branding it as healing through faith. He posits that a robust belief in the potential for miraculous recovery results in such miracles.

However, if sheer faith were sufficient for healing, then all who strongly believe and pray to God should naturally experience relief. Yet many who possess such faith and seek divine aid do not recover. Therefore, it becomes evident that faith alone does not guarantee healing; an external divine will, which directs healing power, is essential. This extraordinary force is not inherent in the individual praying for recovery or in others surrounding them but is the very power of God Himself, acting at His discretion. Thus, it is crucial that not only does one desire healing and have faith in God's omnipotence, but also that God Himself wishes to heal the afflicted. The interplay of the sick person's faith and God’s will is necessary for healing, as demonstrated by Jesus’ words to the blind man, "According to your faith be it unto you" (Matthew 9:29).

If asked why all who trust in God’s might and pray for healing do not receive it, one might respond that not every believer is deserving, much like not all who call out, "Lord! Lord!" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who carry out the will of the Father (Matt. 7:21).

Following His departure from Capernaum, Jesus traversed Galilee, preaching and performing miracles. His renown spread far beyond Galilee into Syria, drawing the sick and demon-possessed from distant regions, including areas beyond the Jordan, Judea, and even Jerusalem. He healed everyone who came to Him, and many of those liberated from afflictions, as well as their companions, became His followers, attentive to His teachings.

It is clear that this is not merely a nervous condition, as some might suggest, but rather a genuine possession by evil spirits, as indicated by several points: first, Christ and His disciples treated the demon-possessed as individuals afflicted by spirits, engaging with them as such and affirming this view to others; second, those possessed conversed, posed questions, and provided responses as if influenced by the spirits; their speech and actions are distinctly separate from the individuals themselves, indicating it cannot simply be described as a disease (see Mt. 8:28; Lk. 8:28ff.); third, these spirits appear to vacate one individual to enter another (Mt. 8:32); fourth, when Jesus addressed them, He requested their names, issued threats, commanded silence, and expelled them, resulting in the restoration of the afflicted (Mk. 1:25ff.; Mk. 5:8ff.; Mk. 9:25ff.); fifth, the possessed recognized Jesus as the Son of God (Lk. 4:34; Mk. 1:24), a factor that transcends mere illness; sixth, the early Church Fathers viewed these individuals as demon-possessed, adhering to the teachings of the holy Apostles about such occurrences and their understanding of those afflicted; seventh, it remains unproven that Christ did not perceive these persons as possessed by spirits. There seems to be no instance in which He addressed them with less than definitive clarity, acting in distinctly evident and powerful ways when engaging with the demon-possessed. To suggest He merely reflected public opinion would undermine His nature as the ultimate and infallible teacher of truth. Additionally, it is not inconsistent to believe that the possessed were indeed influenced by demons; it is plausible that some spirits, originally good, became evil as demonstrated by human actions; the possibility exists that an alien spirit could dominate a person’s faculties and physical actions, as we witness in interactions among individuals; in numerous cases, it is impossible to establish that a spirit does not take part in observed behaviors, and who might assert that evil does not influence inappropriate involuntary actions? Such manifestations allowed the Lord to display His power over both adversaries and humanity’s foes, as He came to shatter the grip of Satan (Acts 26:18; Rom. 16:20). The term lunatic, derived from the Latin word for moon, describes a certain condition previously believed to fluctuate with the lunar cycle, though this connection remains unsubstantiated. It is referenced here and further in Matthew 17:15, classifying it among various afflictions, some of which exhibit mysterious symptoms. The term dissolution in the New Testament encompasses several illnesses: 1) a stroke impacting the entire body; 2) paralysis affecting a specific limb, such as a withered hand (Matt. 12:13); 3) convulsions, which are prevalent and hazardous in Eastern regions. Jesus healed them through miraculous means. A miracle signifies the divine omnipotence exerting authority over natural laws, contrasting the effects of ordinary powers. When Christ cures ailments deemed unhealable through mere words or gentle touches, He undeniably performs miracles, thus affirming His role as a unique envoy of God.

This throng was drawn by the power and uniqueness of His teachings and the signs He performed, which the Jews sought with particular eagerness (Matthew 12:38-39). In witnessing their Master's example, the disciples whom He had chosen began to grasp what it meant to catch (4:19) the eternal souls of humanity for the Kingdom of Heaven, and this preaching experience provided them with invaluable lessons for their future endeavors.