The excerpt names a focus on the verses that Arians use to attack the divinity of Christ, specifying two textual examples: “All authority has been given to me” and “All things have been delivered to me.” The date noted appears to be December 13, 1994 as the time of the lecture or note.

Understanding the opponent’s intent

The speaker points out that Arians cite phrases like “All authority has been given to me” and “All things have been delivered to me” to suggest a meaning where the Son is subordinated or inferior to the Father in essence, turning biblical texts into evidence for ontological subordination instead of their correct meaning.

Necessary theological distinction

The Orthodox interpretation explained by the lecturer emphasizes the distinction between the economic relationship (what the Father entrusted to the Son in the history of salvation — offices and revealed authority) and the eternal ontological relation between Father and Son (the Son’s eternal begetting and consubstantiality). The cited verses refer to a historical commission or manifestation, not to the origin of the Son.

Brief illustrative points

It is noted that “All authority has been given to me” is to be understood in the context of a historical authority manifested after the Resurrection (authority for salvation and mission), and that “All things have been delivered to me” indicates the Father’s handing over in deed and the human recognition that follows revelation and the Resurrection, not that the Father created the Son or that the Son became divine later.

Spiritual and educational implications

The lecture urges listeners to take texts together and not isolate a single verse from the whole Scripture, to consult the Fathers and theological literature to correct mistaken interpretations, safeguarding the Church’s faith that the Son is God with the Father in essence while, in his humanity, he received functions and a mission for the salvation of people.

Conclusion and call to action

Finally the lecturer directs listeners to study the connected verses as a whole and to refer to the Fathers’ statements and theological writings when facing Arian attacks, encouraging the distinction between an announced historical commission and the Son’s eternal divine being.

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