First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

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First Christian Voices

of produce and flourishing with various fruits. For in this place the tree of knowledge and the tree of life have been planted, but it is not the tree of knowledge that destroys—it is disobedience that proves destructive. For truly those words which were written are not without significance. From the beginning God planted the tree of life in the midst of paradise, revealing through knowledge the way to life. Then, when those who were first formed did not use it properly, they were stripped naked because of the deception of the serpent. For life can neither exist without knowledge, nor is knowledge secure without life. As a result, both were planted close together. The Apostle, understanding this importance, blamed knowledge that was without the true commandment which effects life. He declares, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Cor 8:1). For he who thinks he knows anything without true knowledge, and such as is witnessed to by life, knows nothing. Rather, he is deceived by the serpent as not loving life. But he who combines knowledge with fear and seeks after life, plants in hope while looking for fruit. Make room in your heart for knowledge and let your life be true reason. Bearing this tree and displaying its fruit, you will always harvest those things which God desires. The serpent cannot reach this fruit and deception does not defile it. Nor is Eve then corrupted, but is trusted as a virgin. Moreover, salvation is revealed, and the apostles are filled with understanding, and the Passover of the Lord advances, and the choirs are gathered together and united with the universe, and the Word rejoices in teaching the saints—through whom the Father is glorified. To Him be glory forever. Amen.