Letter 106

Isidore of PelusiumTimothy Reader|isidore pelusium
property economics

On the saying, “Do not make my Father’s house a house of trade”. You will need to reply to the searching enquirer. For he speaks, it is said, to the ears of those who hear. Also “He who has ears to hear, let him hear”. Our Lord said, “Do not make my Father’s house a house of trade” to the sellers of doves, but with the priests who sell off the gifts of the Holy Spirit in mind. Since the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove, this is an insult to those who trade in God. As for ‘’Take these away from here”, he means that there is no longer any need for blood (sacrifices); for I grant bloodless forgiveness of sins; from now on I wish the Spirit alone to make propitiation. The law of flesh is fulfilled, let the law of the Spirit prevail, and that of salvation commence.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.

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