TRV
Oecumenius
Medieval · AD 800–1500
987 passages across 19 books of the Bible · Who was this?
Commentary
20 of 987-
2 Peter 3:11-14
Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless, and consider that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation. "According to his promise." For He promised the faithful, saying: "I will come and take you, etc. (Jn. 14:33) "In my Father's house there are many mansions." (Jn. 14:2) Therefore, Paul also says that, when the angel shall sound the trumpet from heaven, and the dead shall rise immortal (1 Thess. 4:15), they themselves will also meet the Lord in glory, signifying immortality by what he said about glory. But if they are immortal or incorruptible, surely they will also be new. If, however, these are new, it is evi…
Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless, and consider that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation.
"According to his promise." For He promised the faithful, saying: "I will come and take you, etc. (Jn. 14:33) "In my Father's house there are many mansions." (Jn. 14:2) Therefore, Paul also says that, when the angel shall sound the trumpet from heaven, and the dead shall rise immortal (1 Thess. 4:15), they themselves will also meet the Lord in glory, signifying immortality by what he said about glory. But if they are immortal or incorruptible, surely they will also be new. If, however, these are new, it is evident that a new creature has been born to be changed along with the establishment of men: corruptible indeed because of the corruptible downfall of men, but incorruptible because of the renewal of men. Consider, moreover, that both the delay of time until the Lord's coming and the long-suffering expectation itself are said to effect our salvation. -
2 Peter 3:15-16
Just as our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, speaking in almost all his letters about these things: among which are some things hard to understand, which the unlearned and unstable distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. "Just as our beloved brother Paul," And where did Paul say anything of this sort? In these words when he says: "The goodness of God invites you to repentance." (Rom. 2:4) If the patience of God invites to repentance, then repentance is certainly beneficial for us, and the patience of God is for our benefit and salvation. However, he says that the things hard to understand are interpreted by the wicked in a perverse way; for this means to be twisted, and to demonstrate the whole matter from one point, as Paul said, "Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more," (Rom. 5:20) they perverted this to mean that we sin more so that we may be forgiven more abundantly. However, they do this, he says, to their own destruction. Just as those who killed the prophets and apostles are liable to the same…
Just as our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, speaking in almost all his letters about these things: among which are some things hard to understand, which the unlearned and unstable distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
"Just as our beloved brother Paul," And where did Paul say anything of this sort? In these words when he says: "The goodness of God invites you to repentance." (Rom. 2:4) If the patience of God invites to repentance, then repentance is certainly beneficial for us, and the patience of God is for our benefit and salvation.
However, he says that the things hard to understand are interpreted by the wicked in a perverse way; for this means to be twisted, and to demonstrate the whole matter from one point, as Paul said, "Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more," (Rom. 5:20) they perverted this to mean that we sin more so that we may be forgiven more abundantly.
However, they do this, he says, to their own destruction. Just as those who killed the prophets and apostles are liable to the same judgment, so too are those who distort their words: for those killed them so that those who were being taught salvation by them could not be helped by them; and likewise, these distort the words so that no one may work salvation through them. -
2 Peter 3:17-18
Therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, take care that you are not led astray by the error of the wicked and fall from your own commitment, but grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Truly, he calls faith in the Lord its own commitment. And just as he concludes in his other Epistle with prayer, so in this one, he prays for an increase in faith in the Lord for them. -
2 Thessalonians 2:8
The Devil and the Antichrist, together with the kings who march with them, will make war against the Lord and His divine angels, but will be defeated more quickly than a word. Isaiah says, "Let the impious one be done away with, that he may not see the glory of the Lord." (Is. 26:10) What could be quicker than breathing and blowing a breath against His enemies?
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2 Timothy 1:1
HYPOTHESIS ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY Paul sends this from Rome. The pretext of the Epistle is this: Since those who had accompanied Paul on his journey left him, the Apostle, wishing Timothy to come to him, writes the Epistle. And first, he shows that he remembers Timothy's devotion and the faith of his ancestors. Then he states that those from Asia, namely Phygelus and Hermogenes, have turned away from him, seeing his chains. But he bears witness to the greatest zeal only in Onesiphorus, and he received him when he came to Rome and stayed with him. Paul commands Timothy to avoid foolish disputes, because from them arise quarrels. For Hymenaeus and Philetus also turned aside in this way, departing from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened, and they overturn some people; therefore, Paul rather encourages Timothy to pay attention to himself and to the teaching, and to know that in the last times there will be men lovers of themselves, and of pleasures rather than of God, and foreseeing these things, to safeguard the people lest anyone be deceived by them…
HYPOTHESIS ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY
Paul sends this from Rome. The pretext of the Epistle is this: Since those who had accompanied Paul on his journey left him, the Apostle, wishing Timothy to come to him, writes the Epistle. And first, he shows that he remembers Timothy's devotion and the faith of his ancestors. Then he states that those from Asia, namely Phygelus and Hermogenes, have turned away from him, seeing his chains. But he bears witness to the greatest zeal only in Onesiphorus, and he received him when he came to Rome and stayed with him. Paul commands Timothy to avoid foolish disputes, because from them arise quarrels. For Hymenaeus and Philetus also turned aside in this way, departing from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened, and they overturn some people; therefore, Paul rather encourages Timothy to pay attention to himself and to the teaching, and to know that in the last times there will be men lovers of themselves, and of pleasures rather than of God, and foreseeing these things, to safeguard the people lest anyone be deceived by them. And having urged him much concerning morals and the accuracy of the teaching, and indicating that the time of his departure is at hand and that he is about to be offered as a drink offering and to bear witness, he instructed him to come to him quickly, bringing the cloak and the books. Paul warns Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith and to be on guard, as he indicated many things to him, and thus he concludes the Epistle.
What then does the Second Epistle to Timothy say? In the first, Paul said, "I hope to come to you soon." He was not able to go. For he was already held captive by Nero. Therefore, knowing this, instead of his presence, he sent letters, at once comforting him regarding his not coming, and at the same time encouraging Timothy, who was thus entrusted with the care of the Church.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus.
I am an apostle, Paul says, appointed to the promised life which is in Christ Jesus, that is, to be given through Christ Jesus in the future.
according to the promise of life. Paul said, Let us not recall present dangers: let life proceed according to these promises. Therefore, since it is promised, he says, seek it there. From the prologue, he comforts Timothy in his own trials.
— [THEODORET] "The Lord God," Paul says, "appointed me as an apostle, along with Christ, so that I might proclaim to men the promised eternal life." [end of the excerpt by Theodoret] —1 -
2 Timothy 1:2
To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
my beloved child. For Timothy is indeed a child, and certainly beloved. If he were not very virtuous, he would not be both a child, beloved, and especially of Paul.
Grace, mercy. Which even before, he prays these things for himself now as well.
The praise of Timothy's faith, and appeal to patience, according to what grace requires, in which he also says that he himself is led by enduring. -
2 Timothy 1:3-4
I give thanks to God, whom I have served from my ancestors with a pure conscience, that I unceasingly remember you in my prayers day and night, longing to see you, mindful of your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. Do you see the excess of love? Paul says, I thank God that I remember you. This is love, when someone takes pride in loving someone. with a pure conscience. How is it in a pure conscience? Where Paul originally was ignorant of Christ? They show that he was conscious of nothing evil in himself. For even if he persecuted, he persecuted out of zeal, and not according to human reasoning, like many who do so for glory, forming heresy; those who are conscious know great corruption. And he presents himself well, so that he may also show that his love for Timothy is genuine, and not receive the reputation of being unloving, not having gone to him, and promising these things. unceasingly remember you. Not just unceasingly remember you, but "In my prayers." Not in a common way, Paul says, as I remember, but in prayers, both night and day. longing to see you. Therefore, I d…
I give thanks to God, whom I have served from my ancestors with a pure conscience, that I unceasingly remember you in my prayers day and night, longing to see you, mindful of your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.
Do you see the excess of love? Paul says, I thank God that I remember you. This is love, when someone takes pride in loving someone.
with a pure conscience. How is it in a pure conscience? Where Paul originally was ignorant of Christ? They show that he was conscious of nothing evil in himself. For even if he persecuted, he persecuted out of zeal, and not according to human reasoning, like many who do so for glory, forming heresy; those who are conscious know great corruption. And he presents himself well, so that he may also show that his love for Timothy is genuine, and not receive the reputation of being unloving, not having gone to him, and promising these things.
unceasingly remember you. Not just unceasingly remember you, but "In my prayers." Not in a common way, Paul says, as I remember, but in prayers, both night and day.
longing to see you. Therefore, I did not voluntarily deprive myself of such great pleasure. You are truly worthy to be loved, both because of your tears and because of your faith and that of your ancestors. But notice that at the beginning Paul does not want to sadden Timothy as if he were not coming, but rather gives hope of seeing him: near the end, however, he implies that he will no longer see him in the flesh, saying: "For I am already being sacrificed, or offered." (2 Tim. 4:6) But here is the order: I have grace from God because I remember you, desiring to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. Then what is left in the middle: "mindful of your tears." Afterwards, lest it seem rash to love, Paul also adds the reason.
mindful, Paul says, of your tears. For perhaps, being separated from Paul, Timothy was so distressed as even to weep. But the exceeding, "longing to see you so that I may be filled with joy," as if the mere sight alone were sufficient to fill me with joy. -
2 Timothy 1:5
Taking reminder of the sincere faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that it is also in you.
reminder of the sincere faith. I remembered you, Paul says, in my prayers, recalling both your tears and your sincere faith.
first in your grandmother. Another praise: that the lineage on the grandmother's side was not from Greeks, but from Jews who believed in Christ. And his father, being a Greek, was circumcised because of the fear of the Jews.
and your mother. The praises of our ancestors, when we also partake in them, come to our glory: but if we are alienated from them, they condemn us more: however, this one was a partaker.
and I am persuaded that it is also in you. Therefore, you rightly have this as sincere, since it is established from above and cannot be shaken. -
2 Timothy 1:6
For this reason, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.
For this reason. Since I am conscious of these things, Paul says.
you to rekindle the gift of God. Timothy had received the spiritual gift, and Paul urges that it be carried out with readiness of mind, attention, and vigilance more vehemently and effectively. For the opposites of these make it relaxed, as it is said elsewhere: "Do not extinguish the Spirit." (1 Thess. 5:19)
through the laying on of my hands. For as soon as Paul laid his hands on Timothy, appointing him bishop, a gift also came upon Timothy for the working of signs, for teaching, and for presiding over the Church. -
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of discipline.
How then shall I rekindle the gift of God? If I stand honorable against temptations.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear. For there is a spirit or gift of fear, as it is said in the books of the Kings: And the spirit of fear fell upon them, where it was altogether necessary to fear. (2 Chron. 17:10) But to us, Paul says, a gift of power has been given.
but of power. Which is against temptations.
and of love. Which is towards the brethren.
and of discipline. Concerning a proper life. And in all these things, we must also include our own eagerness. -
2 Timothy 1:8
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner; but share in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. Many miserable people, examining the mystery according to human reasoning, say it is a shame to preach the Son of God crucified, not knowing what was accomplished through the cross and the death of the Lord. You, therefore, Paul says, do not be ashamed of the testimony, that is, the cross of Christ, but proclaim it boldly. nor of me His prisoner. Nor should you be ashamed that you have as a teacher one who is bound. For if Christ did not find shame to be crucified, neither do I for the chains. but share in the sufferings. And do not only be unashamed, but also endure hardship with me; that is, if it is necessary for you to suffer such things for the sake of the Gospel, do not have fear. For this is what he also indicated above where Paul says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power." For do you say that you have suffered by your own power? God gave and…
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner; but share in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. Many miserable people, examining the mystery according to human reasoning, say it is a shame to preach the Son of God crucified, not knowing what was accomplished through the cross and the death of the Lord. You, therefore, Paul says, do not be ashamed of the testimony, that is, the cross of Christ, but proclaim it boldly.
nor of me His prisoner. Nor should you be ashamed that you have as a teacher one who is bound. For if Christ did not find shame to be crucified, neither do I for the chains.
but share in the sufferings. And do not only be unashamed, but also endure hardship with me; that is, if it is necessary for you to suffer such things for the sake of the Gospel, do not have fear. For this is what he also indicated above where Paul says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power." For do you say that you have suffered by your own power? God gave and will give such power; you only introduced the willingness. -
2 Timothy 1:9
Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
who has saved us. Then also concerning the cooperation of God and the power, which makes one bravely endure temptations and suffering, Paul states the proofs. He saved us, he says, from the death of sin, and called us with a holy calling, having wandered away, not because we were worthy of the calling, but because God himself did this by his own purpose and grace. Who then, he said (for this is the opinion), while we were enemies, had such feelings towards us, much more so when we have become friends, and wish to be afflicted on that account. God will give the power to become virtuous.
and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus. It shows that the salvation given to us by grace through Christ (this he says in Christ Jesus) was predestined beforehand before the ages. -
2 Timothy 1:10-11
Now revealed through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher of the Gentiles.
Already long ago it was prefigured that we would be saved, but now it has been revealed through the incarnation of our Savior God. For such is the will of God, that the world should be saved through faith, now and not at another time, it has now been revealed.
who abolished death. To the one who forgives sin, and granted resurrection.
life and immortality to light. That is, revealing. The word is worthy of life.
Paul says, through the Gospel. For through it, both eternal life and resurrection have been made clear.
for which I was appointed. First, he says what is, then he also implies this: You must also go to the Gentiles. Moreover, he also makes the statement more credible. -
2 Timothy 1:12
For this reason I suffer as I do, but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
For this reason I suffer as I do. What then is that reason? Because I am a messenger and an Apostle. As if he were saying: I am not being overcome as a criminal and dragged to prison.
but I am not ashamed. For the greatest glory is to suffer something for Christ. Do you see how Paul prepares the disciple for afflictions? You will show that if someone does not fear to be ashamed, the danger itself will be easier with the help of Christ.
that he is able to guard my deposit. He calls the faith a deposit [παραθήκην], which Christ entrusted [παρέθετο] to him to preach. Either Paul means the believers, whom God entrusted to him to teach, or those whom he entrusted to God. "Behold, I entrust you to the Lord." (Acts 20:32) Among those entrusted is also Timothy. Therefore, Paul says: "for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day." -
2 Timothy 1:13-14
Hold to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Hold to the pattern of sound teaching. Like an image, likeness, imitation. "of sound teaching," those concerning faith and life. As I suppose concerning others, they are not sound. that you have heard from me. He did not assign to the disciple only epistles to be made, but also gave instructions orally in his presence. For thus he acted in all things as well. Therefore, let no one think that anything is lacking in the epistles, because they do not discuss everything. in faith and love. For the words and teachings came into being in faith and love given to him through Christ. Guard the good deposit. Paul calls the faith and the care of the Church entrusted to him a deposit. Then he shows that human strength is not enough to guard so much. For there are many obstacles. Therefore, he indicates the way of guarding. "Guard," he says, "through the Holy Spirit." As if he said: Strive to have the Spirit abiding in…
Hold to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
Hold to the pattern of sound teaching. Like an image, likeness, imitation. "of sound teaching," those concerning faith and life. As I suppose concerning others, they are not sound.
that you have heard from me. He did not assign to the disciple only epistles to be made, but also gave instructions orally in his presence. For thus he acted in all things as well. Therefore, let no one think that anything is lacking in the epistles, because they do not discuss everything.
in faith and love. For the words and teachings came into being in faith and love given to him through Christ.
Guard the good deposit. Paul calls the faith and the care of the Church entrusted to him a deposit. Then he shows that human strength is not enough to guard so much. For there are many obstacles. Therefore, he indicates the way of guarding. "Guard," he says, "through the Holy Spirit." As if he said: Strive to have the Spirit abiding in you, and do not cast it away through bad conduct, and you will guard the deposit. "For unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain; unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain." (Psalm 127:1)
Disadvantages of the transmission of divine dogmas. -
2 Timothy 1:15
You know this, that all who are in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
Paul is tested not to be overcome, but to teach endurance in similar trials. For when he was arrested by Nero, his friends in Asia abandoned him. There were many in Rome from Asia who followed Paul or were otherwise faithful. But all of them distanced themselves after his arrest by Nero.
that all who are in Asia. That is, those from Asia. -
2 Timothy 1:16-18
May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus; for he often restored me, and was not ashamed of my chains. But when he was in Rome, he diligently sought me out and found me; (may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day); and you yourself know how many things he ministered to me at Ephesus better than I do. May the Lord grant mercy. Notice Paul's eagerness. He did not curse those who abandoned him, but only recounted what they did against him; but he prays much for the one who helped him, and not only for him alone, but also for his household. Therefore, they were virtuous, and so Onesiphorus educated them. of the household of Onesiphorus. O blessed Onesiphorus! who was deemed worthy to restore Paul, may a part of you be with us also. for he often restored me. Just like an athlete seized by the hardship of the struggle. And he was not ashamed of my chains. Leaving aside the dangers, he put forward the shame, persuading the student to be courageous. As if shame alone arises from the matter, and not danger approaching; although indeed danger was also pre…
May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus; for he often restored me, and was not ashamed of my chains. But when he was in Rome, he diligently sought me out and found me; (may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day); and you yourself know how many things he ministered to me at Ephesus better than I do.
May the Lord grant mercy. Notice Paul's eagerness. He did not curse those who abandoned him, but only recounted what they did against him; but he prays much for the one who helped him, and not only for him alone, but also for his household. Therefore, they were virtuous, and so Onesiphorus educated them.
of the household of Onesiphorus. O blessed Onesiphorus! who was deemed worthy to restore Paul, may a part of you be with us also.
for he often restored me. Just like an athlete seized by the hardship of the struggle. And he was not ashamed of my chains. Leaving aside the dangers, he put forward the shame, persuading the student to be courageous. As if shame alone arises from the matter, and not danger approaching; although indeed danger was also present. For Nero raged against Paul as if one of his own household had instructed him.
he diligently sought me out. Not only, Paul says, did he not avoid my presence, although there was danger and he encountered me after being imprisoned, but he also sought me more earnestly than he owed until he found me. And those who share in the sufferings with the saints will also share in the crowns, as Paul himself says. "Well done, having shared my suffering." (Philip. 4:14)
may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord. Those who hold the opinions of Marcion leap over [ἐπιπηδῶσι]3 the Scripture, as if there were two Lords, but it says the Lord elsewhere. "But for us there is one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things." (1 Cor. 8:6) What then shall we say? This construction is common in the divine Scripture. Just as it is said, Abraham said, "Abraham shall not enter," as if he said, "May the Lord grant him to find mercy with him." And if both the Father and the Son are indicated here, accept it, it is not even inappropriate. For both the Father and the Son are Lord, and the Spirit is Lord, but the one Lord is revealed in the three persons. "The Lord said to my Lord." (Ps. 110:1) That is, it is clarified to say thus the holy substances, as there: "The Lord rained fire and brimstone from the Lord." (Gen. 19:24)
to find mercy. But if Onesiphorus needs mercy in order to be saved, how much more do we?
he ministered to me at Ephesus. He always served, in Ephesus, in Rome. For the earnest man must always be an example in works. -
2 Timothy 2:1
You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Paul indicates great kindness by what is added, "my child." "If you are my child," he says, "imitate your father." For the teacher's rebuke is accustomed to add boldness to the student.
Therefore, Paul says: "be strong." If anything of this kind happens to you, do not fall, but look to the reward.
be strong in the grace. But be strengthened, Paul says, not only by my example, but also through the grace given through Christ. For if he did not justify by his own blood, the grace of the Spirit would not have come. Therefore, he says, have the Spirit as an ally. -
2 Timothy 2:2
And the things you have heard from me among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. and the things you have heard from me among many witnesses. That is, I did not tell you in secret, but openly in the presence of many. This, however, speaks about preaching. to faithful men, Paul says, not to curious investigators, nor to those reasoning by conflict, but to those who do not betray what is entrusted to them. However, he does not say: Speak, but, entrust. For what profit is it if they are indeed faithful, but not suitable to bring forth to others the things entrusted to them? For teachers must be both faithful and competent to teach. — [PHOTIUS] to faithful men. That is, to bishops, elders, whom Timothy was about to ordain. among many witnesses, that is, of the law and the prophets. [end of the excerpt by Photius O f. 249v; Q f. 119v] — — [OECUMENIUS] For indeed, as I think, concerning bishops and elders who are about to be ordained by Paul, these things he commands to him. For he would not have written such things concerning laymen. For h…
And the things you have heard from me among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
and the things you have heard from me among many witnesses. That is, I did not tell you in secret, but openly in the presence of many. This, however, speaks about preaching. to faithful men, Paul says, not to curious investigators, nor to those reasoning by conflict, but to those who do not betray what is entrusted to them. However, he does not say: Speak, but, entrust. For what profit is it if they are indeed faithful, but not suitable to bring forth to others the things entrusted to them? For teachers must be both faithful and competent to teach.
— [PHOTIUS] to faithful men. That is, to bishops, elders, whom Timothy was about to ordain. among many witnesses, that is, of the law and the prophets. [end of the excerpt by Photius O f. 249v; Q f. 119v] —
— [OECUMENIUS] For indeed, as I think, concerning bishops and elders who are about to be ordained by Paul, these things he commands to him. For he would not have written such things concerning laymen. For how would it be, if he did not find anyone faithful and able to teach, that he would not have brought them into the faith, while Paul himself preached the word without deceit to both murderous Jews and Greeks?
among many witnesses. That is, of the law and the prophets. For the Apostle made them witnesses of his own preaching. Thus, Clement in the seventh book of "Hypotyposes." [end of the excerpt by Oecumenius A f. 178r anonym; B f. 215v; G f.304r] —
On living in the present life without anxiety about food that comes without labor. -
2 Timothy 2:3-6
Therefore, endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare gets entangled in the affairs of life, so that he may please the one who joined him. And if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be the first to receive a share of the crops. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! Is it so great a thing to be a soldier of Christ? But the mark of a soldier is to endure hardship. No one engaged in warfare. Paul remembered the soldier, showing that the servant of Christ must be eager and bold; and as an athlete, showing that he needs continuous training. If, therefore, he says, the one serving the earthly king is not entangled in matters that distract him from his weapons, how much more the one who has committed himself to the heavenly king and recruited. unless he competes according to the rules. For it is not enough merely to be anointed, or to enter the place of combat, or to engage in hand-to-hand fighting with the enemy, but it is also necessary to endure and to win: for this…
Therefore, endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare gets entangled in the affairs of life, so that he may please the one who joined him. And if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be the first to receive a share of the crops.
Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! Is it so great a thing to be a soldier of Christ? But the mark of a soldier is to endure hardship.
No one engaged in warfare. Paul remembered the soldier, showing that the servant of Christ must be eager and bold; and as an athlete, showing that he needs continuous training. If, therefore, he says, the one serving the earthly king is not entangled in matters that distract him from his weapons, how much more the one who has committed himself to the heavenly king and recruited.
unless he competes according to the rules. For it is not enough merely to be anointed, or to enter the place of combat, or to engage in hand-to-hand fighting with the enemy, but it is also necessary to endure and to win: for this is the law of combat.
The hardworking farmer. Not careless: but one who works. For indeed, the teacher who also works with the students will receive rewards from God for the benefit and advantage of the students.
— [GREGORY OF NYSSA]1 As teachers must first be perfected in themselves in what they teach. For this is necessary, to partake first of the fruits, which they cultivate in themselves through virtues before others. [end of the excerpt by Gregory of Nyssa] —
The example of the soldier and the wanderer suits the students, but that of the farmer suits only the teachers. For just as, it is said, the farmer takes care of the land and the fruits, so must you take care of the students and your preaching. And see to the return. The benefit, it is said, of the students is first enjoyed by the teacher from God, just as the farmer enjoys the fruits.