2 Corinthians 6

2 Corinthians 6:1

Basil of Caesarea: That man, indeed, is in danger who does not throughout his whole life place before himself the will of God as his goal, so that in health he shows forth the labor of love by his zeal for the works of the Lord and in sickness displays endurance and cheerful patience. The first and greatest peril is that by not doing the will of God, he separates himself from the Lord and cuts himself off from fellowship with his own brothers; secondly, that he ventures, although undeserving, to claim a share in the blessings prepared for those who are worthy. Here also we must remember the words of the apostle: “And we helping do exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain.” And they who are called to be brothers of the Lord should not receive in a wanton spirit so great a divine grace nor fall from so high a dignity through negligence in doing the will of God but rather obey the same apostle, saying: “I, a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called.”4. — THE LONG RULES 34

Caesarius of Arles: What does it mean to receive the grace of God in vain except to be unwilling to perform good works with the help of his grace? — SERMON 126.5

John Chrysostom: For since he said, God beseeches, and we are ambassadors and suppliants unto you, that ye be “reconciled unto God:” lest they should become supine, he hereby again alarms and arouses them, saying: “We intreat that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” ‘For let us not,’ he says, ’therefore be at ease, because He beseeches and hath sent some to be ambassadors; nay, but for this very reason let us make haste to please God and to collect spiritual merchandise;’ as also he said above, “The love of God constraineth us,” that is presseth, driveth, urgeth us, ’that ye may not after so much affectionate care, by being supine and exhibiting no nobleness, miss of such great blessings. Do not therefore because He hath sent some to exhort you, deem that this will always be so. It will be so until His second coming; until then He beseeches, so long as we are here; but after that is judgment and punishment.’ Therefore, he says, “we are constrained.” — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

John Chrysostom: For lest they should think that this of itself is “reconciliation,” believing on Him that calleth; he adds these words, requiting that earnestness which respects the life. For, for one who hath been freed from sins and made a friend to wallow in the former things, is to return again unto enmity, and to “receive the grace in vain,” in respect of the life. For from “the grace” we reap no benefit towards salvation, if we live impurely; nay, we are even harmed, having this greater aggravation even of our sins, in that after such knowledge and such a gift we have gone back to our former vices. — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 6:2

Ambrosiaster: Paul is teaching that God’s grace in Christ was predestined. God decreed that his mercy would be poured out in this way, that help would be lavished on those who called for it in the name of Christ. — COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES

Basil of Caesarea: “Now is the acceptable time,” says the apostle, “now is the day of salvation.” This is the time for repentance; the next life, for reward. Now is the time to endure; then will be the day of consolation. Now God is the helper of such as turn aside from the evil way; then he will be the dread and unerring inquisitor of the thoughts and words and deeds of humankind. Now we enjoy his longanimity; then we shall know his just judgment, when we have risen, some to never-ending punishment, others to life everlasting, and everyone shall receive according to his works. — THE LONG RULES

Fulgentius of Ruspe: For the blessed Paul also knew the distance between the present world and the world to come. He knew that only in the present world could the blessing of salvation be acquired but that only in the world to come could a just reward be given to individuals according to the quality of their works, good or wicked. So, when he had repeated the prophetic testimony which God speaks: “In an acceptable time, I heard you, and on the day of salvation, I helped you,” he immediately followed it up by adding, “Behold now is a very acceptable time, now is the day of salvation.” But concerning the future he says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive recompense according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.” Therefore, eternal life will be given in the future only to the one to whom forgiveness of sins has been given in this world. Only he will receive the forgiveness of sins here who renounces his sins and hastens to the highest and true God with true conversion of heart. For the future will not be a time of forgiveness but of retribution. There mercy will not justify the sinner, but justice will distinguish the just and the sinner. — ON THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS 5.3

Fulgentius of Ruspe: There they will be tortured endlessly, not only with the hellish punishment of soul together with body but also by the very darkness of the will set in evil. Here for such people there will be the evil will itself for a heaping up of punishment, because of which there remains for them torment without end. They now scorn the opportunity offered by the acceptable time and on the day of salvation; they do not seek to be helped by God. God has conveyed this time to us in the words of the prophet, saying, “In an acceptable time, I heard you and on the day of salvation, I helped you.” When the blessed apostle inserted this testimony in his letter, he immediately added, “Behold, now is the very acceptable time; behold now is the day of salvation.” — ON THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS 7.3

John Chrysostom: “The acceptable time.” What is this? That of the Gift, that of the Grace, when it is appointed not that an account should be required of our sins nor penalty exacted; but besides being delivered, that we should also enjoy ten thousand goods, righteousness, sanctification, and all the rest. For how much toil would it have behoved us to undergo in order to obtain this “time!” But, behold, without our toiling at all it hath come, bringing remission of all that was before. Wherefore also He calls it “acceptable,” because He both accepted those that had transgressed in ten thousand things, and not acceded merely, but advanced them to the highest honor; just as when a monarch arrives, it is a time not for judgment, but for grace and pardon. Wherefore also He calleth it acceptable. — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

John Chrysostom: Whilst then we are yet in the lists, whilst we are at work in the vineyard, whilst the eleventh hour is left [us], let us draw nigh and show forth life; for it is also easy. For he that striveth for the mastery at such a time, when so great a gift hath been shed forth, when so great grace, will early obtain the prizes. For in the case of monarchs here below also, at the time of their festivals, and when they appear in the dress of Consuls, he who bringeth a small offering receiveth large gifts; but on the days in which they sit in judgment, much strictness, much sifting is requisite. Let us too therefore strive for the mastery in the time of this gift. It is a day of grace, of grace divine; wherefore with ease even we shall obtain the crown. — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

Maximus of Turin: The holy apostle presents testimony from the prophets when he says: “At an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.” And this follows: “Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Hence I also testify to you that these are the days of redemption, that this is the time, as it were, of heavenly medicine, when we shall be able to heal every stain of our vices and all the wounds of our sins. We shall do so if we faithfully implore the physician of our souls and do not, as people scarcely worthy of the undertaking, despise his precepts. For a person wearied of his illness has found healing when he very carefully observes his doctor’s orders; but if he does one thing when another is ordered, then the transgressor and not the physician is guilty if the sickness is aggravated. — SERMON 35

Sahdona the Syrian: If we go on crying out and do not receive any answer, this is for our advantage: instead of losing heart and growing weary, we should go on brazenly asking God, for it is certain that “at an acceptable time” and at the appropriate hour he will answer us and deliver us. — BOOK OF PERFECTION

Theodoret of Cyrus: Paul backs his exhortation up with this prophetic testimony. — COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 318

2 Corinthians 6:3

Ambrosiaster: By his faith and vigilance, Paul is cutting away everything which might cause the negligent to stumble, out of fear that their sluggishness might present his disciples with a cause for stumbling. Fault would have been found with their ministry if they did not exemplify in their deeds the things they were teaching. — COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES

Clement of Alexandria: For those who strive after perfection, according to the same apostle, must “give no offence in anything, but in everything approve themselves not to men, but to God.” And, as a consequence, also they ought to yield to men; for it is reasonable, on account of abusive calumnies: Here is the specification: “in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, in pureness, in knowledge, in long-suffering, in kindness, in the Holy Ghost, in love unfeigned, in the word of truth, in the power of God,” that we may be the temples of God, purified “from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit.” “And I,” He says, “will receive you; and I will be to you for a Father, and ye shall be to Me for sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” “Let us then,” he says, “perfect holiness in the fear of God.” — The Stromata Book 4

John Chrysostom: “Giving no occasion of stumbling, that our ministration be not blamed.” Persuading them not from considering “the time” only, but also those that had successfully labored with them. And behold with what absence of pride. For he said not, ‘Look at us how we are such and such,’ but, for the present, it is only to do away accusation that he relates his own conduct. And he mentions two chief points of a blameless life, “none” in “any” thing. And he said not ‘accusation,’ but, what was far less, “occasion of stumbling;” that is, giving ground against us to none for censure, for condemnation, “that our ministration be not blamed;” that is, that none may take hold of it. And again, he said not, ’that it be not accused,’ but that it may not have the least fault, nor any one have it in his power to animadvert upon it in any particular. — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

Pseudo-Clement: And if again we chance to come into a place where there is no consecrated brother, but all are married, all those who are there will receive the brother who comes to them, and minister to him, and care for his wants in everything, assiduously, with good-will. And the brother shall be ministered to by them in the way that is suitable. And the brother will say to the married persons who are in that place: We holy men do not eat or drink with women, nor are we waited on by women or by maidens, nor do women wash our feet for us, nor do women anoint us, nor do women prepare our bed for us, nor do we sleep where women sleep, so that we may be without reproach in everything, lest any one should be offended or stumble at us. And, while we observe all these things, “we are without offense to every man.” [2 Corinthians 6:3] As persons, therefore, “who know the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, and to God we are made manifest.” [2 Corinthians 5:11] — Two Epistles on Virginity

2 Corinthians 6:4

Ambrosiaster: Servants of God teach without flattery, so that they might please him whose servants they are, unlike the false apostles, who sought only to please their hearers. — COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES

Gregory of Nyssa: This is the grace of the Holy Spirit, possessing the entire soul and filling the dwelling place with gladness and power, making sweet for the soul the sufferings of the Lord, and taking away the perception of the present pain because of the hope of the things to come. — ON THE CHRISTIAN MODE OF LIFE

Gregory of Nyssa: For this is the grace of the Holy Spirit, possessing the entire soul and filling the dwelling place with gladness and power, making sweet for the soul the sufferings of the Lord and taking away the perception of the present pain because of the hope of the things to come. So, govern yourselves thus as you are about to ascend to the highest power and glory through your co-operation with the Spirit; endure every suffering and trial with joy with a view toward appearing to be worthy of the dwelling of the Spirit within you and worthy of the inheritance of Christ. Never be puffed up or enfeebled by indifference to the point of falling yourselves or being the cause of another’s sin. — ON THE CHRISTIAN MODE OF LIFE

John Chrysostom: “But in every thing commending ourselves as ministers of God.” This is far greater. For it is not the same thing to be free from accusation; and to exhibit such a character as in everything to appear “ministers of God.” For neither is it the same thing to be quit of accusation, and to be covered with praises. And he said not appearing, but “commending,” that is ‘proving.’ Then he mentions also whence they became such. Whence then was it? “In much patience” he says, laying the foundation of those good things. Wherefore he said not barely “patience,” but “much,” and he shows also how great it was. For to bear some one or two things is no great matter. But he addeth even snowstorms of trials in the words, “In afflictions, in necessities.” This is a heightening of affliction, when the evils are unavoidable, and there lies upon one as it were a necessity hardly extricable of misfortune. “In distresses.” Either he means those of hunger and of other necessaries, or else simply those of their trials. — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 6:5

Apostolic Constitutions: We command that a bishop, or presbyter, or deacon who receives the baptism, or the sacrifice of heretics, be deprived: “For what agreement is there between Christ and Belial? or what part hath a believer with an infidel? " — CONSTITUTIONS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES

John Chrysostom: “In stripes, in imprisonments, in tossings to and fro.” Yet every one of these by itself was intolerable, the being scourged only, and being bound only, and being unable through persecution to remain fixed any where, (for this is “in tossings to and fro,”) but when both all, and all at once, assail, consider what a soul they need. Then along with the things from without, he mentions those imposed by himself. “In labors, in watchings, in fastings; in pureness.” But by “pureness” here, he means either chasteness again, or general purity, or incorruptness, or even his preaching the Gospel freely. — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

Shepherd of Hermas: Be on your guard against every evil word, and every evil desire, and purify your heart from all the vanities of this world. If you guard against these things, your fasting will be perfect. And you will do also as follows. Having fulfilled what is written, on that day on which you fast you will taste nothing but bread and water; and from your meats, which you would have eaten, you will calculate the amount of that day’s expenditure, which you would have incurred, and will give it to a widow, or an orphan, or to one in want, and thus you will exhibit humility of mind, so that he who has received benefit from your humility may fill his own soul, and pray for you to the Lord. — Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5

2 Corinthians 6:6

John Chrysostom: “In knowledge.” What is “in knowledge?” In wisdom such as is given from God; that which is truly knowledge; not as those that seem to be wise and boast of their acquaintance with the heathen discipline, but are deficient in this. “In long-suffering, in kindness” For this also is a great note of a noble soul, though exasperated and goaded on every side, to bear all with long-suffering. Then to show whence he became such, he added; “In the Holy Ghost.” ‘For in Him,’ he saith, ‘we do all these good works.’ But observe when it is that he has mentioned the aid of the Holy Ghost. After he had set forth what was from himself. Moreover, he seems to me to say another thing herein. What then is this? Namely, ‘we have both been filled with abundance of the Spirit and hereby also give a proof of our Apostleship in that we have been counted worthy of spiritual gifts.’ For if this be grace also, yet still he himself was the cause who by his good works and his toils attracted that grace. “In love unfeigned.” This was the cause of all those good things; this made him what he was; this caused the Spirit also to abide with him, by Whose aid also all things were rightly done of him. — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 6:7

Ambrosiaster: The word of truth was in Paul’s teaching, because he conveyed no message other than the one which he had received from the Lord. — COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES

Clement of Alexandria: For he who merely abstains from evil conduct is not just, unless he also attain besides beneficence and knowledge; and for this reason some things are to be abstained from, others are to be done. “By the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left” — The Stromata Book 6

Didymus the Blind: The man who rightly seeks righteousness according to human understandings is equipped with the arms of righteousness for the left hand. The man who does the same according to the teachings of the truth and who has been sought out for this task by the Son of righteousness bears the weapons of the right hand. — PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH

Gregory of Nyssa: But to one who is elevated in thought, all things appear to be of equal honor, and none is preferred to another, because the course of life is run equally by opposites, and there is present in the destiny of each person the power to live well or badly, “with the armor on the right hand and on the left,” as the apostle says, “in honor and dishonor.” Accordingly, the one who has purified his mind and rightly examined the truth of reality will go on his way in the time assigned to him from birth to death, not spoiled by pleasures or cast down by austerity, but, in accordance with the custom of travelers, he will be little affected by what he encounters. For it is customary for travelers to hasten on to the end of their journey whether they go through meadows and fertile fields or through deserts and rough terrain; pleasure does not delay them, nor does the unpleasant impede them. So he himself will also hurry on without distraction to the goal before him, turning off into none of the byways. He will pass through life looking only to heaven, just like some good captain who guides his ship to its lofty destination. — On Virginity 4

John Chrysostom: “In the word of truth.” A thing he says in many places, that ‘we continued neither to handle the word of God deceitfully nor to adulterate it.’ “In the power of God.” That which he always does ascribing nothing to himself but the whole to God, and imputing whatsoever he hath done aright to Him, this he hath done here also. For since he uttered great things, and affirmed that he had manifested in all things an irreproachable life and exalted wisdom, he ascribes this to the Spirit and to God. For neither were those commonplace things which he had said. For if it be a difficult thing even for one who lives in quiet to do aright and be irreproachable, consider him who was harassed by so great temptations, and yet shone forth through all, what a spirit he was of! “By the armor of righteousness on the right and the left.” Seest thou his self-possession of soul and well-strung spirit? For he shows that afflictions are arms not only which strike not down, but do even fortify and make stronger. And he calls those things ’left,’ which seem to be painful; for such those are which bring with them the reward. Wherefore then doth he call them thus? Either in conformity with the conception of the generality, or because God commanded us to pray that we enter not into temptation. — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

Tertullian: For although the Scripture says, “Shall the clay say to the potter? " that is, Shall man contend with God? although the apostle speaks of “earthen vessels” he refers to man, who was originally clay. — On the Resurrection of the Flesh

Theodoret of Cyrus: The weapons of righteousness on the right hand are those which are pleasing to the mind; those on the left hand are those which are not. — COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 320

2 Corinthians 6:8

Ambrosiaster: Paul is saying that he was recognized as a sincere and faithful preacher by those who believed that the gospel was the glory of God. Even to those who thought that the gospel was vile, he presented himself as a faithful servant of God and was not afraid to say things which they would have been scandalized to hear. — COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES

Jerome: Do not angle for compliments, lest while you win the popular applause, you dishonor God. “If I yet pleased men,” says the apostle, “I should not be the servant of Christ.” He ceased to please men when he became Christ’s servant. Christ’s soldier marches on through good report and evil report, the one on the right hand and the other on the left. No praise elates him, no reproaches crush him. He is not puffed up by riches nor depressed by poverty. Joy and sorrow he alike despises. The sun will not burn him by day nor the moon by night. — Letter 52

John Chrysostom: “By glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report.” What sayest thou? That thou enjoyest honor, and setting down this as a great thing? ‘Yes,’ he saith. Why, forsooth? For to bear dishonor indeed is a great thing, but to partake of honor requires not a vigorous soul. Nay, it needs a vigorous and exceeding great soul, that he who enjoys it may not be thrown and break his neck. Wherefore he glories in this as well as in that, for he shone equally in both. But how is it a weapon of righteousness? Because that the teachers are held in honor induceth many unto godliness. And besides, this is a proof of good works, and this glorifieth God. And this is, further, an instance of the wise contrivance of God, that by things which are opposite He brings in the Preaching. — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

John Chrysostom: “By evil report and good report.” For not only did he bear those things nobly which happen to the body, the ‘afflictions, and whatever he enumerated, but those also which touch the soul; for neither are these wont to disturb slightly. Jeremiah at least having borne many temptations, gave in upon these, and when he was reproached, said, “I will not prophesy, neither will I name the Name of the Lord.” And David too in many places complains of reproach. Isaiah also, after many things, exhorteth concerning this, saying, “Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye overcome by their reviling.” And again, Christ also to His disciples; “When they shall speak all manner of evil against you falsely, rejoice and be exceeding glad,” He saith, “for great is your reward in heaven.” Elsewhere too He says, “And leap for joy.” But He would not have made the reward so great, had not the pain been great. Many at any rate have fallen by these alone, and have lost their own souls. And to Job also the reproaches of his friends appeared more grievous than the worms and the sores. For there is nothing, there is nothing more intolerable to those in affliction than a word capable of stinging the soul. — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

John Chrysostom: “As deceivers, and yet true.” This is, “by evil report and good report.” — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

Origen of Alexandria: If we have lived a life deserving “good repute” and have been spoken well of, now let us also bear up under “ill repute” from the ungodly. Still more, if we have been admired as “true” by those who love truth, now let us laugh at being called “imposters.” During the many dangers from which we have been delivered many said that we were “well known” by God; now let the one who wishes call us “unknown,” when we are probably better known. Thus, in bearing what has happened to us we are “punished” and yet “not killed,” and though “rejoicing,” we resemble those who are “sorrowful.” — AN EXHORTATION TO MARTYRDOM 43

2 Corinthians 6:9

Ambrosiaster: Those who hated the apostles thought that they were dying every day of their lives as the price for their wickedness. But because the apostles were preaching with God’s approval, they kept being rescued from death by the help of Christ. — COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES

John Chrysostom: “As unknown, and yet well known.” This is, “by glory and dishonor.” For by some they were well known and much sought after, whilst others designed not to know them at all. “As dying, and behold, we live.” As under sentence of death and condemned; which was itself also matter of dishonor. But this he said, to show both the unspeakable power of God and their own patience. For so far as those who plotted against us were concerned, we died; and this is what all suppose; but by God’s aid we escaped the dangers. Then to manifest also on what account God permits these things, he added, “As chastened, and not killed.” Showing that the gain accruing to them from their temptations, even before the rewards, was great, and that their enemies against their will did them service. — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

Pelagius: Paul and his companions were unknown to the wicked and reprobate but well known to the faithful and just. — COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 6

2 Corinthians 6:10

Augustine of Hippo: It could happen that some public official would say to a Christian: “Either you will stop being a Christian, or, if you persist in being one, you shall have no house or property.” That will be the time when those rich men, who had decided to keep their riches in order to win merit with God by using them for good works, will choose to give them up for Christ’s sake rather than Christ for their sake.… Thus they become as men “having nothing, yet possessing all things”— and everlasting life in the world to come, lest by giving up Christ for the sake of riches they be cast into everlasting death. — LETTER 157, TO HILARIUS

Clement of Alexandria: On him who by Divine Providence meets in with it, it confers the very highest advantages,-the beginning of faith, readiness for adopting a right mode of life, the impulse towards the truth, a movement of inquiry, a trace of knowledge; in a word, it gives the means of salvation. And those who have been rightly reared in the words of truth, and received provision for eternal life, wing their way to heaven. Most admirably, therefore, the apostle says, “In everything approving ourselves as the servants of God; as poor, and yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing all things. Our mouth is opened to you.” — The Stromata Book 1

John Chrysostom: “As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing.” For by those that are without, indeed, we are suspected of being in despair; but we give no heed to them; yea, we have our pleasure at the full. And he said not “rejoicing” only, but added also its perpetuity, for he says, “alway rejoicing.” What then can come up to this life? wherein, although dangers so great assault, the joy becometh greater. “As poor, yet making many rich.” Some indeed affirm that the spiritual riches are spoken of here; but I would say that the carnal are so too; for they were rich in these also, having, after a new kind of manner, the houses of all opened to them. — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

John Chrysostom: “As having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” And how can this be? Yea rather, how can the opposite be? For he that possesseth many things hath nothing; and he that hath nothing possesseth the goods of all. And not here only, but also in the other points, contraries were to have all things, let us bring forth this man himself into the midst, who commanded the world and was lord not only of their substance, but of their very eyes even. “If possible,” he says, “ye would have plucked out your eyes, and have given them to me.” — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

John Chrysostom: Now these things he says, to instruct us not to be disturbed at the opinions of the many, though they call us deceivers, though they know us not, though they count us condemned, and appointed unto death, to be in sorrow, to be in poverty, to have nothing, to be (us, who are in cheerfulness) desponding: because that the sun even is not clear to the blind, nor the pleasure of the sane intelligible to the mad. For the faithful only are right judges of these matters, and are not pleased and pained at the same things as other people. For if any one who knew nothing of the games were to see a boxer, having wounds upon him and wearing a crown; he would think him in pain on account of the wounds, not understanding the pleasure the crown would give him. And these therefore, because they know what we suffer but do not know for what we suffer them, naturally suspect that there is nought besides these; for they see indeed the wrestling and the dangers, but not the prizes and the crowns and the subject of the contest. — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

John Chrysostom: What then were the “all things” which Paul possessed, when he said, “As having nothing, and yet possessing all things?” Things temporal, things spiritual. For he whom the cities received as an angel, for whom they would have plucked out their own eyes and have given them to him, he for whom they laid down their own necks, how had he not all things that were theirs? But if thou desirest to see the spiritual also, thou wilt find him in these things also especially rich. For he that was so dear to the King of all as even to share in unspeakable things with the Lord of the angels, how was not he more opulent than all men, and had all things? Devils had not else been so subject to him, suffering and disease had not so fled away. — Homily 12 on 2 Corinthians

Pelagius: The person who has only the bare necessities lacks nothing. — COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 6

Shepherd of Hermas: Cleanse yourself from this wicked grief, and you will live to God; and all will live to God who drive away grief from them, and put on all cheerfulness. — Shepherd of Hermas, Commandment 10

2 Corinthians 6:11

Ambrosiaster: Paul is saying this because of the freedom he enjoyed in a pure conscience. A mind with a bad conscience is afraid to speak, loses its train of thought and makes verbal slips. People whose heart is enlarged are happy with themselves because they are confident that they have behaved well. — COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES

John Chrysostom: “Our mouth is open unto you, O ye Corinthians.” And what kind of sign of love is this? or what meaning even have the words at all? ‘We cannot endured’ he says, ’to be silent towards you, but are always desiring and longing to speak to and converse with you;’ which is the wont of those who love. For what grasping of the hands is to the body, that is interchange of language to the soul. And along with this he implies another thing also. Of what kind then is this? That ‘we discourse unto nothing.’ For since afterwards he proposes to rebuke, he asks forgiveness, using the rebuking them with freedom as itself a proof of his loving them exceedingly. Moreover the addition of their name is a mark of great love and warmth and affection; for we are accustomed to be repeating continually the bare names of those we love.

“Our heart is enlarged.” For as that which warmeth is wont to dilate; so also to enlarge is the work of love. For virtue is warm and fervent. This both opened the mouth of Paul and enlarged his heart. For, ’neither do I love with the mouth only,’ saith he, ‘but I have also a heart in union. Therefore I speak with openness, with my whole mouth, with my whole mind.’ For nothing is wider than was Paul’s heart which loved all the faithful with all the vehemence that one might bear towards the object of his affection; this his love not being full entireness with each. — Homily 13 on 2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 6:12

John Chrysostom: “Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own affections.” And this reproof, see it administered with forbearance, as is the wont of such as love exceedingly. He did not say, ‘ye do not love us,’ but, ’not in the same measure,’ for he does not wish to touch them too sensibly. ‘You receive one,’ he says, ‘but I a whole city, and so great a population.’ And he said not, ‘ye do not receive us,’ but, ‘ye are straitened;’ implying indeed the same thing but with forbearance and without touching them too deeply. — Homily 13 on 2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 6:13

John Chrysostom: “Now for a recompense in like kind (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.”

And yet it is not an equal return, first to be loved, afterwards to love. For even if one were to contribute that which is equal in amount, he is inferior in that he comes to it second. ‘But nevertheless I am not going to reckon strictly,’ saith he, ‘and if ye after having received the first advances from me do but show forth the same amount, I am well-pleased and contented.’ Then to show that to do this was even a debt, and that what he said was void of flattery, he saith, “I speak as unto my children.” What meaneth, “as unto my children?” ‘I ask no great thing, if being your father I wish to be loved by you.’ And see wisdom and moderation of mind. He mentions not here his dangers on their behalf, and his labors, and his deaths, although he had many to tell of: (so free from pride is he!) but his love: and on this account he claims to be loved; ‘because,’ saith he, ‘I was your father, because I exceedingly burn for you,’ [for] it is often especially offensive to the person beloved when a man sets forth his benefits to him; for he seems to reproach. Wherefore Paul doth not this; but, ’like children, love your father,’ saith he, which rather proceeds from instinct; and is the due of every father. — Homily 13 on 2 Corinthians

Theodoret of Cyrus: Paul blunts the force of his accusations by calling the Corinthians his children. — COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 321

2 Corinthians 6:14

Alexander of Alexandria: E can the truth itself and God the Word receive? In what respect can the life and the true light be made better? And if this be so, how much more unnatural is it that wisdom should ever be capable of folly; that the power of God should be con-joined with infirmity; that reason should be obscured by unreason; or that darkness should be mixed up with the true light? And the apostle says, on this place, “What communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? “. But they will not prevail; for the truth prevails, and there is no communion betwixt light and darkness, no concord between Christ and Belial.

Apostolic Constitutions: Let not one of the godly pray with an heretic, no, not in the house. For “what fellowship hath light with darkness? " — CONSTITUTIONS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES

Augustine of Hippo: Now, I speak to the true Christians. If you believe, hope and love otherwise [than the pagans do], then live otherwise and gain approval for your distinctive faith, hope and charity by distinctive actions. Pay attention to the apostle when, in earnest admonition, he says: “Do not bear the yoke with unbelievers. For what has justice in common with iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?… Or what part has the believer with the unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?” — NEW YEAR’S DAY 198.3

Aurelius Prudentius Clemens: Shall we stoop to say of mammon who have been reborn in Christ? Formed to God’s eternal image, shall we serve the fleeting world? God forbid that celestial flame should be mingled with earth’s mire.

Basil of Caesarea: These words clearly indicate an act which is absolutely forbidden and is displeasing to God and perilous for the one who would venture to commit it. — CONCERNING BAPTISM 2.7

Callistus I of Rome: Whence the apostle says: “What part hath he that believeth with an infidel? or what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? "

Clement of Alexandria: “What is there in common between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship between light and darkness? Or what harmony between Christ and Belial? What community is there between a believer and an unbeliever? What agreement between the temple of God and idols? Having then these promises let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” — The Stromata Book 3

Cyprian: That marriage is not to be contracted with Gentiles. In Tobias: “Take a wife from the seed of thy parents, and take not a strange woman who is not of the tribe of thy parents.” Also in Genesis, Abraham sends his servant to take from his seed Rebecca, for his son Isaac. Also in Esdras, it was not sufficient for God when the Jews were laid waste, unless they forsook their foreign wives, with the children also whom they had begotten of them. Also in the first Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: “The woman is bound so long as her husband liveth; but if he die, she is freed to marry whom she will, only in the Lord. But she will be happier if she abide thus.” And again: “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? Far be it from me. Or know ye not that he who is joined together with an harlot is one body? for two shall be in one flesh. But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.” Also in the second to the Corinthians: “Be not joined together with unbelievers. For what participation is there between righteousness and unrighteousness? or what communication hath light with darkness? " Also concerning Solomon in the third book of Kings: “And foreign wives turned away his heart after their gods.” — Treatise XII Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews

Cyprian: But if we consider what the apostles thought about heretics, we shall find that they, in all their epistles, execrated and detested the sacrilegious wickedness of heretics. For when they say that “their word creeps as a canker,” how is such a word as that able to give remission of sins, which creeps like a canker to the ears of the hearers? And when they say that there can be no fellowship between righteousness and un-righteousness, no communion between light and darkness, how can either darkness illuminate, or unrighteousness justify? And when they say that “they are not of God, but are of the spirit of Antichrist,” how can they transact spiritual and divine matters, who are the enemies of God, and whose hearts the spirit of Antichrist has possessed? Wherefore, if, laying aside the errors of human dispute, we return with a sincere and religious faith to the evangelical authority and to the apostolical tradition, we shall perceive that they may do nothing towards conferring the ecclesiastical and saving grace, who, scattering and attacking the Church of Christ, are called adversaries by Christ Himself, but by His apostles, Antichrists. — Epistle LXXII, TO JUBAIAN 15

Gregory of Nyssa: For, says the apostle: “What fellowship has light with darkness?” Since there is a distinct and irreconcilable contradiction between light and darkness, the person partaking of both has a share in neither, because of the opposition of the parts drawn up against each other at the same time in his mixed life. His faith provides the lighted part, but his dark habits put out the lamp of reason. Since it is impossible and inconsistent for light and darkness to exist in fellowship, the person containing each of the opposites becomes an enemy to himself, being divided in two ways between virtue and evil. He sets up an antagonistic battle line within himself. And just as it is not possible, when there are two enemies, for both to be victors over each other (for the victory of the one causes the death of his adversary), so also in this civil war brought about by the confusion in his life, it is not possible for the stronger element to win without the other becoming completely destroyed. For how will the army of reverence be stronger than evil, when the wicked phalanx of the opponents attacks it? If the stronger is going to win, the enemy must be completely slaughtered. And thus virtue will have the victory over evil only when the entire enemy gives way to it through an alliance of the reasonable elements against the unsound ones.… For it is not possible for the good to exist in me, unless it is made to live through the death of my enemy. As long as we keep grasping opposites with each of our hands, it is impossible for there to be participation in both elements in the same being. For, if we are holding evil, we lose the power to take hold of virtue. — ON PERFECTION

Ignatius of Antioch: In like manner, every one that has received from God the power of distinguishing, and yet follows an unskilful shepherd, and receives a false opinion for the truth, shall be punished. “What communion hath light with darkness? or Christ with Belial? Or what portion hath he that believeth with an infidel? or the temple of God with idols?” And in like manner say I, what communion hath truth with falsehood? or righteousness with unrighteousness? or true doctrine with that which is false? — Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians

Jerome: There cannot be two contradictory loves in one man. Just as there is no harmony between Christ and Belial, between justice and iniquity, so it is impossible for one soul to love both good and evil. You who love the Lord, hate evil, the devil; in every deed, there is love of one and hatred of the other. “He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me.” … You who love the things that are good, hate the things that are bad. You cannot love good unless you hate evil. — HOMILY 73 ON PSALMS

John Chrysostom: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.”

He said not, ‘Intermix not with unbelievers,’ but rather dealing sharply with them, as transgressing what was right, ‘Suffer not yourselves to turn aside,’ saith he, “For what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity?” Here in what follows he institutes a comparison, not between his own love and theirs who corrupt them, but between their nobleness and the others’ dishonor. For thus his discourse became more dignified and more beseeming himself, and would the rather win them. Just as if one should say to a son that despised his parents, and gave himself up to vicious persons, ‘What art thou doing, child? Dost thou despise thy father and prefer impure men filled with ten thousand vices? Knowest thou not how much better and more respectable thou art than they?’ For so he detaches him more [readily] from their society than if he should express admiration of his father.

But not this only is the point to be admired in him that thus he prosecuted his comparison, but that he imagined another thing also still greater and more astounding; in the first place, prosecuting his speech in the form of interrogation, which is proper to things that are clear and admitted, and then dilating it by the quick succession and multitude of his terms. For he employs not one or two or three only, but several. Add to this that instead of the persons he employs the names of the things, and he delineates here high virtue and there extreme vice; and shows the difference between them to be great and infinite so as not even to need demonstration. “For what fellowship,” saith he, “have righteousness and iniquity?” — Homily 13 on 2 Corinthians

Philoxenus of Mabbug: It is the same now with us who are baptized: neither the wetness of the water in which we are baptized nor the oiliness of the oil with which we are anointed remain with us after our death. But the Holy Spirit, who is mingled in our souls and bodies through the oil and the water, does remain with us, both in this life and after our death. — ON THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Prudentius: Shall we stoop to say of mammon who have been reborn in Christ? Formed to God’s eternal image, shall we serve the fleeting world? God forbid that celestial flame should be mingled with earth’s mire. — HYMNS 1.58-60

Tertullian: But, for these purposes, “There is nought of communion between light and darkness,” between life and death or else we rescind what is written, “The world shall rejoice, but ye shall grieve. — On Idolatry

Tertullian: His Christ, therefore, in order to avoid all such deceits and fallacies, and the imputation, if possible, of belonging to the Creator, was not what he appeared to be, and reigned himself to be what he was not-incarnate without being flesh, human without being man, and likewise a divine Christ without being God! But why should he not have propagated also the phantom of God? Can I believe him on the subject of the internal nature, who was all wrong touching the external substance? How will it be possible to believe him true on a mystery, when he has been found so false on a plain fact? How, moreover, when he confounds the truth of the spirit with the error of the flesh, could he combine within himself that communion of light and darkness, or truth and error, which the apostle says cannot co-exist? Since however, Christ’s being flesh is now discovered to be a lie, it follows that all things which were done by the flesh of Christ were done untruly, -every act of intercourse, of contact, of eating or drinking, yea, His very miracles. — Against Marcion Book III

Tertullian: What business, then, have their things with their judges? What commerce have they who are to condemn with them who are to be condemned? The same, I take it, as Christ has with Belial. With what consistency do we mount that (future) judgment-seat to pronounce sentence against those whose gifts we (now) seek after? For you too, (women as you are, ) have the self-same angelic nature promised as your reward, the self-same sex as men: the self-same advancement to the dignity of judging, does (the Lord) promise you. — On the Apparel of Women Book I

2 Corinthians 6:15

John Chrysostom: “And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Beliar? Or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever?”

Seest thou how he uses the bare names, and how adequately to his purpose of dissuasion. For he did not say, ’neglect of righteousness,’ [but] what was stronger [iniquity]; nor did he say those who are of the light, and those who are of the darkness; but he uses opposites themselves which can not admit of their opposites, ’light and darkness.’ Nor said he those who are of Christ, with those who are of the devil; but, which was far wider apart, Christ and Beliar, so calling that apostate one, in the Hebrew tongue. “Or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever?” Here, at length, that he may not seem simply to be going through a censure of vice and an encomium of virtue, he mentions persons also without particularizing. And he said not, ‘communion,’ but spoke of the rewards, using the term “portion.” — Homily 13 on 2 Corinthians

Philoxenus of Mabbug: The Holy Spirit is our true baptism, and for this reason we remain always baptized, for he is in us always, and nothing can deprive us of our baptism apart from the denial of God and consorting with demons. In such cases the Holy Spirit really does depart, because he cannot agree to remain in a place where Satan dwells. “For what fellowship does Christ have with Satan or the believer with the unbeliever, or God’s temple with that of demons?” — ON THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

2 Corinthians 6:16

Ambrosiaster: It is obvious that the things Paul lists are opposites and that we are to flee from the ones and cling to the others. No one can serve two masters. Christ has proclaimed that we should go away from the devil, who wants to represent himself falsely as God. He has promised us eternal life, so we should be strangers to the treachery and wrong-headedness of unbelievers. He has forbidden the worship of idols because they are incompatible with the temple of God. We are temples of the living God. There is nothing more damaging to us than idols, because they tempt us to depart from our faith in the one true God. — COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES

Apostolic Constitutions: Es in His law day and night; strengthen them in piety, unite them to and number them with His holy flock; vouchsafe them the layer of regeneration, and the garment of in corruption, which is the true life; and deliver them from all ungodliness, and give no place to the adversary against them; “and cleanse them from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and dwell in them, and walk in them, by His Christ; bless their goings out and their comings in, and order their affairs for their good.” — CONSTITUTIONS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES

Gregory of Nyssa: The Dignity For Which We Are Made

“Know to what extent the Creator has honoured you [the human being] above all the rest of creation. The sky is not an image of God, nor is the moon, nor the sun, nor the beauty of the stars, nor anything of what can be seen in creation. You alone have been made the image of the Reality that transcends all understanding, the likeness of imperishable beauty, the imprint of true Divinity, the recipient of beatitude, the seal of the true light. When you turn to Him you become that which He is Himself… There is nothing so great among beings that it can be compared with your greatness. God is able to measure the whole Heaven with His span. The earth and sea are enclosed in the hollow of His hand. And although He is so great and holds all creation in the palm of His hand, you are able to hold Him, He dwells in you and moves within you without constraint, for He has said, ‘I will live and move among them’ (2 Corinthians 6:16).” - “Second Homily on the Song of Songs (PG 44,765)”

Tertullian: In Platonic phrase, indeed, the body is a prison, but in the apostle’s it is “the temple of God,” because it is in Christ. — A Treatise on the Soul

Tertullian: For He saith, That I will dwell in you, and will walk in (you), and will be their God, and they shall be to Me a people. Wherefore depart from the midst of them, be separate, and touch not the unclean.’ This (thread of discourse) also you spin out, O apostle, when at the very moment you yourself are offering your hand to so huge a whirlpool of impurities; nay, you superadd yet further, ‘Having therefore this promise, beloved, cleanse we ourselves out from every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting chastity in God’s fear. — On Modesty

2 Corinthians 6:17

Apostolic Constitutions: And again: “Depart from the midst of them, and separate yourselves, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you.” — Apostolic Constitutions (Book VI)

Clement of Alexandria: “Wherefore also go forth from the midst of them, and be separated, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be to you for a Father, and ye shall be my sons and daughters.” — The Stromata Book 5

John Chrysostom: “Wherefore come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch no unclean thing; and I will receive you, saith the Lord.”

And He said not, ‘Do not unclean things’; but, requiring greater strictness, ‘do not even touch,’ saith he, ’nor go near them.’ But what is filthiness of the flesh? Adultery, fornication, lasciviousness of every kind. And what of the soul? Unclean thoughts, as gazing with unchaste eyes, malice, deceits, and whatsoever such things there be. He wishes then that they should be clean in both. Seest thou how great the prize? To be delivered from what is evil, to be made one with God. — Homily 13 on 2 Corinthians

Tertullian: Again, “Go ye out from the midst of them; touch not the unclean thing; separate yourselves, ye that bear the vessels of the Lord.” (The apostle says further: ) “Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess,” -a precept which is suggested by the passage (of the prophet), where the seducers of the consecrated (Nazarites) to drunkenness are rebuked: “Ye gave wine to my holy ones to drink. — Against Marcion Book V

Tertullian: If you think this said about a heathen, at all events about believers you have already heard (it said) through Isaiah: “Go out from the midst of them, and be separate, and touch not the impure.” You have at the very outset of the Psalms, “Blessed the man who hath not gone astray in the counsel of the impious, nor stood in the way of sinners, and sat in the state-chair of pestilence; " whose voice, withal, (is heard) subsequently: “I have not sat with the conclave of vanity; and with them who act iniquitously will I not enter”-this (has to do with “the church” of such as act ill-“and with the impious will I not sit; " and, “I will wash with the innocent mine hands, and Thine altar will I surround, Lord” -as being” a host in himself”-inasmuch as indeed “With an holy (man), holy Thou wilt be; and with an innocent man, innocent Thou wilt be; and with an elect, elect Thou wilt be; and with a perverse, perverse Thou wilt be. — On Modesty

2 Corinthians 6:18

Ambrosiaster: God wants us to be set apart from all contamination so that he can receive us as his children. By this testimony Paul exhorts us to a pure life. He shows that Jesus Christ was already our Lord in ancient times and was predestined to receive us in the fondness of his love. — COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES

Clement of Alexandria: Paul is prophetic in telling us to put up a barrier, not between ourselves and the married but between ourselves and the Gentiles who are still living immorally, and also from those heresies which believe neither in chastity nor in God. — The Stromata Book 3

John Chrysostom: “And I will be to you a Father, and ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord.”

Seest thou how from the beginning the Prophet fore-announceth our present high birth, the Regeneration by grace? — Homily 13 on 2 Corinthians