The Seed and the Harvest
Therefore, this refuse is ever most useful for the seed to be produced. For just as from a seed comes a root and a reed and an ear of grain, so too from the faith of Abraham—just as from a seed come those under the law, and the reed of the prophets, and the ear of grain already foretelling Christ in secret (Matt 3:12).
But the harvest of these and the thresher at the first presence of the Savior, who gathers the chaff in his hand and cleanses the threshing floor (Matt 3:12). When, therefore, the reed of the law ceased, it was separated like refuse: circumcision, the keeping of Sabbaths, and the others; but the one of faith is clean.
Greek
τοῦτο ουν τὰ σκύβαλον ποτὲ χρησιμώτατον εἰς τὸ τεχθῆναι τὸν σπόρον. ωσπερ γὰρ ἀπὸ σπόρου ῥίζα καὶ καλάμη καὶ στάχυς, ουτως ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως τοῦ ̓Αβραὰμ ὡσπερεὶ ἀπὸ σπόρου ἡ ἀπὸ τῶν ἐν νόμῳ, καὶ ἡ καλάμη τῶν προφητῶν καὶ ὁ στάχυς ηδη τὸν Χριστὸν ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ προκαταγγέλλων. ὁ δὲ τούτων θερισμὸς καὶ ὁ ἁλοητὸς ἐν τῇ πρώτῃ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ σωτῆρος, ου τὸ πτύον ἐν τῇ χειρὶ καὶ διακαθαριεῖ τὴν αλωνα. οτε λοιπὸν ἐπαύσατο μὲν ἡ καλάμη τοῦ νόμου, ωσπερ δὲ σκύβαλον ἐχωρίσθη περιτομή, σαββάτων τήρησις καὶ τῶν αλλων, καὶ καθαρὸς ὁ τῆς πίστεως
About this text
A theological reflection on humility and faith, offering insight into early Christian leadership and spiritual growth.
Original English Translation of Severianus of Gabala’s Fragmenta in epistulam ad Philippenses — new OET from PG 65 Greek.
Catalogue & scope
Khazarzar scan
Witnesses
- Copy-text PG 65 (Khazarzar) (Greek)
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. Open Greek on each section for the source text. This is not a complete critical edition.