SFA: The protestant’s favorite Saint
And which protestant would that be? :)
Saint Augustine sees things the same way as what you’re saying as well
Actually SFA, the part you emphasized ("his disciples came unto him") was simply the quote from St. Matthew's Gospel, so it doesn't really say anything about +Augustine's view. Here is +Augustine from the same book you cited, preceding the quote you provided:
Since, therefore, He has not simply said, "Whosoever hears my words," but has made an addition, saying, "Whosoever hears these words of mine," He has sufficiently indicated, as I think, that these sayings which He uttered on the mount so perfectly guide the life of those who may be willing to live according to them, that they may justly be compared to one building upon a rock.
Also, here's what +John Chrysostom had to say in his Homily XV on the Gospel of St. Matthew:
But when thou hearest that He taught them, do not think of Him as discoursing with His disciples only, but rather with all through them.
For since the multitude was such as a multitude ever is, and consisted moreover of such as creep on the ground, He withdraws the choir of His disciples, and makes His discourse unto them: in His conversation with them providing that the rest also, who were yet very far from the level of His sayings, might find His lesson of self-denial no longer grievous unto them. Of which indeed both Luke gave intimation, when he said, that He directed His words unto them: and Matthew too, clearly declaring the same, wrote, “His disciples came unto Him, and He taught them.” For thus the others also were sure to be more eagerly attentive to Him, than they would have been, had He addressed Himself unto all.
Whence then doth He begin? and what kind of foundations of His new polity doth He lay for us?
Let us hearken with strict attention unto what is said. For though it was spoken unto them, it was written for the sake also of all men afterwards. And accordingly on this account, though He had His disciples in His mind in His public preaching, yet unto them He limits not His sayings, but applies all His words of blessing without restriction. Thus He said not, “Blessed are ye, if ye become poor,” but “Blessed are the poor.” And I may add that even if He had spoken of them, the advice would still be common to all. For so, when He saith, “Lo! I am with you always, even unto the end of the world,” He is discoursing not with them only, but also, through them, with all the world. And in pronouncing them blessed, who are persecuted, and chased, and suffer all intolerable things; not for them only, but also for all who arrive at the same excellency, He weaves His crown.
Yes, Christ was addressing his disciples. But he did so that all might hear, including the attending multitudes, and even those of us who read His words to this very day.
Amen. Great catch from Augustine and John Chrysostom.
We've learned to put into context these snippets from the church fathers who more often than not would disagree with today's church in Rome...and Kosta, who is a church of one.
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word" -- John 17:9;20 "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine...
Thankfully, most Jews are not so naive. They know an "anti-religious movement" when they see it. They also know they've already given up more than 15 grams of carbon dioxide for those candles.
That is to expect to be persecuted in this world for your faith. The pluralistic society in which we live in today would label Christ and the apostles psychotic nuts.
People in modern society only want a Christ that fits their own lifestyle.
This is the false Christ,and in a sense the anti-Christ!
I suggest you read this thread I started.
One does not address the crowds sitting down. Common sense.
***Yes, Christ was addressing his disciples. But he did so that all might hear, including the attending multitudes, and even those of us who read His words to this very day.***
When I spoke my wedding vows, I spoke to my betrothed, but I did so that all might hear. It most certainly did not mean that I meant that I was speaking to all. I did not offer to marry everyone in attendance.
It is the same with this example. Yes, Jesus wanted everyone to hear, but his words were directed to the disciples.