Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles — Homily 44

St. John Chrysostom

1. 0. Greeting

Acts XX. 17-21

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the Church. And when they had come to him, he said to them, You know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

See him, hasting to sail by, and yet not overlooking them, but taking order for all. Having sent for the rulers, through those he discourses to them (the Ephesians): but it is worthy of admiration, how finding himself under a necessity of saying certain great things about himself, he tries to make the least he can of it ( πειρἅτα μετριάζειν ). You know. For just as Samuel, when about to deliver up the government to Saul says in their presence, Have I taken anything of your hands? You are witnesses, and God also [[1 Samuel 12.3]]-5; (so Paul here). David also, when disbelieved, says, I was with the flock keeping my father's sheep: and when the bear came, I scared her away with my hands [[1 Samuel 17.34]]-35: and Paul himself too says to the Corinthians, I have become a fool; you have compelled me. [[2 Corinthians 12.11]] Nay, God Himself also does the same, not speaking of himself upon any and every occasion, but only when He is disbelieved, then He brings up His benefits. Accordingly, see what Paul does here: first he adduces their own testimony: that you may not imagine his words to be mere boasting, he calls the hearers themselves as witnesses of the things he says, since he was not likely to speak lies in their presence. This is the excellence of a teacher, to have for witnesses of his merits those who are his disciples. And what is wonderful, Not for one day nor for two, says he, have I continued doing this. He wishes to cheer them for the future, that they may bravely bear all things, both the parting from him, and the trials about to take place — just as it was in the case of Moses and Joshua. And see how he begins: How I have been with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility of mind. Observe, what most becomes rulers: hating pride [[Exodus 18.21]], Septuagint, says ( Moses ): which (qualification) is especially in point for rulers, because to them there is (almost) a necessity of becoming arrogant. This (humility) is the groundwork of all that is good, as in fact Christ says, Blessed are the poor in spirit. [[Matthew 5.3]] And (here) not simply, with humility of mind, but, with all humility. For there are many kinds of humility, in word and in action, towards rulers, and toward the ruled. Will you that I mention to you some kinds of humility? There are some who are lowly towards those who are lowly, and high t