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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"This is a faithful saying," he says. But why is it to be believed? This appears both from what precedes and from what follows. Observe how he prepares us for this assertion, and how he then dwells upon it. For he hath previously declared that He showed mercy to me "a blasphemer and a persecutor"; this was in the way of preparation. And not only did He show mercy, but "He accounted me faithful." So far should we be he means, from disbelieving that He showed mercy. …
Athanasius of Alexandria
What the apostles received, they passed on without change, so that the doctrine of the mysteries (the sacraments) and Christ would remain correct. The divine Word—the Son of God—wants us to be their (the apostles') disciples. It is appropriate for them to be our teachers, and it is necessary for us to submit to their teaching alone. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Having said above that He had mercy on me, a persecutor, he continues: do not marvel and do not doubt the greatness of the gift. For He came into the world for this very reason, to save all sinners. And so the word is faithful and worthy of acceptance. Because it is impossible not to trust what has been granted; on the contrary, since the goodness of the Giver is infinite, it deserves trust and acceptance. This is also directed against the Jews who were devoted to the law, to show them that without faith it is impossible to be saved. …
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
"For all have sinned," either in Adam or by themselves, "and are deprived of the glory of God." Consequently, the whole human mass ought to be punished, and if the deserved punishment of damnation were rendered to all, beyond all doubt it would be justly rendered. This is why those who are liberated from it by grace are not called vessels of their own merits but "vessels of mercy." But whose mercy was it but him who sent Jesus Christ into this world to save sinners, whom he foreknew, predestined, called, justified and glorified? …
On Nature and Grace 1.4.4-1.5.5
Jerome
They may choose to read, "It is a man's saying, and worthy of all acceptation." We are content to err with the Greeks, that is to say, with the apostle himself, who spoke Greek. Our version, therefore, is, "it is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation."
Leo the Great
That which was fore-known in respect of the Jews' malice is far different, indeed quite contrary to what was ordained in respect of Christ's Passion. Their desire to slay Him did not proceed from the same source as His to die: nor were their atrocious crime and the Redeemer's endurance the offspring of One Spirit. …
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