The Holy Priest-Martyr Therapontus (254-59)
Read
Acts 23:1-11; John 16:15-23
In today’s reading, Paul gives us an interesting balance in his virtuous response to those who wrong him. Surrounded by his persecutors on all sides he is bold when it is needed, but also gentle and meek. He follows Christ’s example of boldness in revealing the truth that a sinful and hypocritical lifestyle leads to a destructive end. For he says, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall!” In other words, St. Paul is prophesying that those who live a life of hypocrisy will be brought down. He is not cursing his opponents, but simply proclaiming truth as did our Lord Jesus Christ when confronted by the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders. He continues onwards with great gentleness by acknowledging that he did not know with whom he was speaking and acknowledging that God instructs us to respect our leaders. What we have here as St. John Chrysostom says, is “boldness without audacity and gentleness without cowardice.” (Acts of the Apostles 48); in other words, speaking Truth in love.