“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!”
Philippians 1:21-22
“Mom! Where are my clothes?” Origen was frustrated with his mother. It was AD 202, and he was a young boy living in Alexandria, Egypt. His mother had hidden his clothes to keep him away from the officials who had martyred his father. Origen’s mother was still mourning her husband’s death; she just couldn’t face losing her son, though he was ready to die for Jesus. So she took drastic measures.
It’s a curious story in the midst of tragedy. Thanks to Origen’s mother, his great mind was saved to serve the church another day. He eventually studied under Clement, one of the greatest Christian scholars of his day. But Origen would eclipse his mentor by writing more books, including commentaries for most of the Bible and new translations of the Old Testament into Greek.
Origen taught that Jesus was fully both God and man. His work would be used in the next century when Arianism swept the Christian world. Though Origen did hold to a few unorthodox views, we’re thankful that the Lord used his mother to preserve his life many years ago.
It’s a curious story in the midst of tragedy. Thanks to Origen’s mother, his great mind was saved to serve the church another day. He eventually studied under Clement, one of the greatest Christian scholars of his day. But Origen would eclipse his mentor by writing more books, including commentaries for most of the Bible and new translations of the Old Testament into Greek.
Origen taught that Jesus was fully both God and man. His work would be used in the next century when Arianism swept the Christian world. Though Origen did hold to a few unorthodox views, we’re thankful that the Lord used his mother to preserve his life many years ago.
Scripture Focus
Philippians 1:20-26
Insight
“Christ reigns in order to save.” (Origen, Homilies on Luke, c. AD 234 or 240)
Bible In A Year
- 2 Kings 9-10
- Proverbs 15
- 1 Peter 2-3
