Discussion Paper

Saint Anthony’s Education:

It was indicated in the tutorial discussion (16^th August) that St. Anthony was an ignorant person. However, at that time the norm was that any person who could not communicate in Greek is regarded as an ignorant person. It is evident that St Anthony knew how to read and write. He knew the Bible, and he was able to link a lot of matters with a biblical statement (Vita S. Antoni, page 206, part 38).

The role of demons:

The demons played a very important role in trying to frighten S. Anthony. S. Anthony left the world and lived in the desert. He was the first monk to live alone in the desert. Thus, that was the main reason for the devil to attack S. Anthony wherever he may be, especially in the desert (Vita S. Antony, page 207, part 41). Thus, S. Anthony opens the door for many others to follow in his foot steps, and live in the desert.

The demons attacked S. Anthony through a number of temptations. They tempted him by Gold, by worrying about his sister, bodily desires such as food, sexual desires, and prestigious life. When all failed they started to frighten him by sounds of wild beasts, and starting fires. Also, they beat him badly almost to the point of death. Nevertheless, they were all defeated by his humility, announcing the name of Christ the Saviour and making the sign of the cross (Vita S. Antoni, page 203, part 28).

Different stages of Anthony’s journey:

Anthony went to church and heard the word “(Mat 19:21 NKJV)  Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."(Vita S. Antoni, page 196, part 2). Anthony left the city and went outside of the village. Then he went to the river bank away from everyone. He moved thereafter to the mountain to live their. That is to live an ascetic life away from everyone and every thing that is worldly related. He went to live for God alone. As he grew spiritually, he moved deeper and deeper into the mountains.

S. Anthony’s movements were to fulfill his goal. His goal was to inherit eternal life.

To achieve this goal one must dissociate completely from the world. He Also knew the

Biblical verse “(Eccl 4:8 NKJV) there is one alone, without companion: He has neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labors, nor is his eye satisfied with riches. But he never asks, "For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?" This also is vanity and a grave misfortune. (Vita S. Antoni, page 200, part 16)

S. Anthony fled to the desert and was able to achieve his goal.