# Epigraph explained — Resurrection

> Chapter companion for Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

The chapter presents biblical epigraphs from the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John, emphasizing themes of forgiveness, self-examination, and moral humility.

## Themes in this chapter

### Moral Awakening and Redemption

The epigraphs call for limitless forgiveness and self-reflection, setting the stage for a moral awakening.

### Hypocrisy of Religion and Morality

The verses challenge the reader to examine their own faults before judging others, highlighting religious hypocrisy.

## Key lines

> Then came Peter, and said to Him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Peter asks Jesus how many times he must forgive someone who sins against him, and Jesus replies that forgiveness should be limitless.

_This epigraph introduces the theme of boundless forgiveness._

> And why beholdest thou the mote in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Why do you notice a small fault in someone else but ignore your own much larger fault?

_This verse emphasizes self-examination before judging others._

> He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

Only those who are sinless have the right to punish someone else's sin.

_This epigraph underscores the hypocrisy of moral condemnation._

> The disciple is not above his master: but everyone when he is perfected shall be as his master.

A student is not greater than their teacher, but when fully trained, they will be like their teacher.

_This verse suggests that moral growth leads to becoming like the ideal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/resurrection_se/chapters/epigraph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/resurrection_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/resurrection_se/chapters