THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
The act of murder, widely acknowledged as a scheme of the evil one, was carried out at the divinely appointed moment and rendered Phinehas, its perpetrator, deserving of the priesthood. This act stands as a manifestation of the devil’s work; as the Savior Himself declared, "You want to fulfil the lusts of your father. He was a man-killer from the beginning" (John 8:41, 44). Yet Phinehas, who also took a life, is noted to have had it "accounted to him for righteousness," according to the Scriptures (Ps. 105:31). Therefore, we ought not to merely judge actions on their surface but must delve deeply into the timing, the motive, the identities involved, and all pertinent details; otherwise, we fall short of grasping the truth.
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To gain entry into the kingdom, we need to strive to demonstrate something more profound in relation to the commandments of the Old Testament; failing to do so will prevent us from receiving the blessings of Heaven. If we confine ourselves to the standards set by the Old Testament, we will remain outside the gates of the kingdom. As the Lord stated, "Unless your righteousness surpasses the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20).