Cyril of Alexandria: Fragments on Matthew · §74

Matthew 7:11

He calls “good gifts” the spiritual gifts. Luke said “Holy Spirit” instead of “goods,” and there is no difference: the Holy Spirit is what is good by nature. That is why he also gives goods to those who share in him.

But for those who are very wicked, because they sin without yielding, badness becomes in a way a nature for them — as with Satan and the demons. One may even call these bad by nature, though they were not created bad by nature, but hardened from self-chosen badness.

Greek

Χρὴ τοίνυν μὴ στυγνὸν φαίνεσθαι μηδ' ἔχοντά τι τῆς. φιλο δοξίας ἔγκλημα, ἀλλ' ὥσπερ ῥύπον ὄντα τῆς ψυχῆς ἀπονίπτεσθαι.

About this text

Catena fragments on Matthew (CPG 5206). Contents follow Matthew chapter and verse. Edition fragment numbers stay in About this text and under each passage.

English follows the named copy-text (Aegean/khazarzar Migne PG 72 extract). Other prints were checked as noted; no silent merge of recensions.

Witnesses

English is newly prepared for study from the stated edition. Open Greek on each section for the source text. This is not a complete critical edition.