When he had made a collection man by man to the sum of two thousand drachmas of silver, he sent to Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice for sin, doing very well and honorably in this, in that he took thought for the resurrection.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 43. Twelve. Greek “two.” Syr. “three.” S. Prosper. reads “12,000 talents.” Sacrifices for the dead were not enjoined, but the practice was then established, and this author take every opportunity of proving the resurrection against the Sadducees, who then began to appear. The Church of Christ has adopted the same practice. See Bellarm. Serar. and so forth Our adversaries confess that such was the opinion of the Jews, and of the ancient doctors of the Church. But they declare it superstitious, and deny the authority of these books, which has been sufficiently established. Could such holy personages authorize superstition? Would Christ and his apostles have tolerated it? Saint Paul prayed for Onesiphorus after his decease. 2 Timothy 1:16. See Matthew 12:33. Lu. 16:9 and 1 Corinthians 3:13 and 15:29. Eus. Vita Const. iv. S. Epip. hær. lxxv. S. Cyp. i. ep. 9. Tert. and so forth Calmet.