Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down, and shall be cast into the fire.
παν δενδρον μη ποιουν καρπον καλον εκκοπτεται και εις πυρ βαλλεται
9 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Moreover, while the Savior did not instruct that false prophets should face punishment, but rather urged caution against them, He nonetheless established their punishment to provide solace to those hurt by them and to instill fear in others, motivating them towards repentance. He proclaims: Every tree that does not bear good fruit shall be cut down and thrown into the fire.
In this context, we must be cautious of the misconception held by some who interpret the two trees (cf. Matt. 7:17-18) as representative of two natures: one divine and the other not originating from God. This misunderstanding has been previously addressed in other writings, and if necessary, will be revisited later; it is essential to demonstrate that these two trees do not lend themselves to such an interpretation. Firstly, it is clear that the discussion revolves around humanity, which should lead any reader to marvel at their lack of insight when considering the surrounding verses.
Additionally, they emphasize the statement, “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit” (Matthew 7:18), leading them to conclude that a wicked soul cannot improve, nor can a righteous soul deteriorate, as if it had been stated that “a good tree cannot become bad, nor a bad tree become good.” However, the text indeed states that “a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.” Here, the tree symbolizes the soul, that is, the individual, while the fruit represents the actions of that individual. Consequently, it is impossible for an evil person to produce good deeds or for a good person to commit evil acts.
He has not instructed them to face punishment, but rather to be cautious of their actions. However, for those individuals, He warns of the most severe atonement in this life and the torment of unquenchable flames, providing reassurance to those who feel wronged by them while simultaneously instilling fear in others.
Teachers of truth should not be discerned by the sharpness of their intellect, the flow of their speech, or their superficial display of humility, but rather by the sanctity of their conduct and the alignment of their actions with the Gospel's commandments. Just as the value of a tree is seen not in its leaves or bark, but in the fruit it bears, so too is the nature of a person revealed through their deeds. Grapes are not harvested from thornbushes, nor figs from thistles. A genuine minister must embody piety and virtue, for a good individual draws from the good treasure within his heart to produce righteous words and actions, just as a healthy tree yields good fruit.
Conversely, a wicked person, from the evil treasure in his heart, produces harmful actions and perilous words, regardless of his eloquence; just as a corrupt tree bears bad fruit. These false teachers, despite garnering the accolades of worldly wisdom and deceptive philosophies through their writings, do so not in accordance with Christ. Yet, sooner or later, they will face the judgement of the Lord, the one true and eternal Judge of heaven and earth. Every tree that does not yield good fruit will be uprooted and cast into the fire. Who would be so foolish as to follow their deceptions, risking a similarly tragic fate in eternity? Holy brethren, who partake in the heavenly calling! By the unfathomable mercy of our heavenly Father, we have been engrafted into the waters of baptism, connected to the life-giving vine, His only begotten Son, our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ. We can only produce good fruit for our salvation when we remain steadfastly rooted in Him by faithfully adhering to His commandments. Nothing can separate us from this life-giving vine as long as we hold on to it with sincere faith, hope, and love. The trials and tribulations that the heavenly Father allows on our journey to eternal life are manifestations of His paternal care, purifying our souls from sin, just like a gardener prunes the vine to encourage greater fruitfulness. With all our faith, hope, love, and heart, let us cling to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ until the end of our days, so that we may produce the fruit of good works leading to eternal life. Amen.
In conclusion, to reassure those who were troubled by these deceivers and instill fear in them, the Lord declares a judgment: Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and cast into the fire, signifying its use for the furnace. Therefore, all such false prophets will face everlasting punishment. The Savior recollects the decree that the Jews had previously heard from the lips of His precursor, John.
In summary, the Lord instructed that in every situation, we should consistently turn to God through prayer and maintain an attitude toward our neighbors that reflects a love for them equal to our love for ourselves. We are to continually learn to navigate the narrow path, remain cautious of false prophets, and carry out the teachings we have received. By establishing these principles for His followers, the Lord delineated the critical differences between their righteousness and that of the Pharisees, laying a strong groundwork for the spiritual development of His chosen community.
These guidelines were not only meant for a specific time or group of individuals; they were intended as a timeless law and pathway for all His followers, rooted in the eternal truths of Divine holiness and the fundamental moral laws implanted by the Creator within human nature.
The chosen ones had not previously studied under any formal teaching, aside from a few who had spent time as disciples of John, such as Andrew and John. The Lord selected those who demonstrated genuine love and trust in Him, pure as children, untouched by misguided notions of enlightenment. He took it upon Himself to educate them, imparting knowledge both through words and actions, whether in solitude or among the masses, in homes and on the roads, on land and at sea. He clarified what was obscure to others, allowing them to witness His life and works firsthand. Gradually, He removed the misunderstandings ingrained in Jewish teachings, using their mistakes as teachable moments. He encouraged them to engage in discussions about familiar topics while making them aware that He comprehended not only their dialogue but also the hidden thoughts of humanity. He adjusted their inner emotions, aligning them with their responsibilities. In essence, He purified and enlightened their minds and hearts, preparing them for the comprehensive outpouring of the Spirit of truth and sanctification. Initially, they related to the Lord as students; by the culmination of His ministry, He referred to them as His friends (Jn. 15:14-15), having disclosed everything to them, and ultimately, as brothers.
The path to God's kingdom may be obstructed by the presence of false prophets, who can emerge as deceptive individuals among the faithful. In light of this, Christ advises believers to be vigilant, highlighting a definitive criterion to distinguish genuine messengers of God from impostors: “by their fruits ye shall know them.” This means that one can assess them by their actions and way of life, which should align with their teachings, as well as by the direction they lead their followers.
Deceivers can be identified by the outcomes of their actions and the way they conduct their lives. St. Luke highlights this belief by stating that a good person, drawing from the abundance of goodness in their heart, produces commendable actions, while a wicked individual, relying on the malice in their heart, yields sinful behaviors. This illustrates why false teachers can be discerned through their actions. A keeper of truth internally finds that it guides them toward sound judgments and virtuous acts, whereas someone who harbors deceit generates flattering remarks and negative actions. The contents of one’s heart are revealed through their words and behavior.
Subsequently, the Lord turned His attention to the Jews, conveying a message similar to that of Saint John the Baptist when addressing the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 3:10). He declared the impending severe judgment from God and the eternal consequences of deceit and temptation: Every tree that fails to bear good fruit will be cut down and cast into the flames. In this parable, Jesus Christ articulated the essential nature of righteous living for anyone genuinely following the Gospel, stating: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven."
Passages read together with this verse.
Greek text, 11 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS