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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"But thou, O man of God." This is a title of great dignity. For we are all men of God, but the righteous peculiarly so, not by right of creation only, but by that of appropriation. If then thou art a "man of God," seek not superfluous things, which lead thee not to God, but "Flee these things, and follow after righteousness." Both expressions are emphatic; he does not say turn from one, and approach the other, but "flee these things, pursue righteousness," so as not to be covetous. "Godliness," that is, soundness in doctrines. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Great is this dignity! True, all people are God's, but especially the righteous — not only because they are God's creatures, but also because of their closeness to God. If you are a man of God, then do not seek that which turns you away from God, but what? Do both with intense diligence. He did not say withdraw and approach, but: "flee these things and pursue righteousness," so as not to rob anyone, as those who wish to become rich do. He means the dogmas. Which does not admit of investigation. …
Oecumenius
But you, O man of God, flee these things; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. But you, O man of God. Great is the dignity. For all men are servants of God, especially the righteous, not only according to the reason of creation, but also according to that of adoption. flee these things. Both with emphasis; for Paul did not say, "Avoid this one, but approach that one," but rather, "Flee and pursue." pursue righteousness. To have no more than is sufficient for life. godliness. In doctrines. faith. …
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
"As for you, man of God, flee from these things." You see, he didn't just say, "Leave and forsake," but "Flee from," as from an enemy. You were trying to flee with gold; flee from gold instead. Let your heart flee from it, and your use of it need have no worries. Do without greed; don't do without concern for others. There's something you can do with gold, if you're its master, not its slave. If you're the master of gold, you can do good with it; if you're its slave, it can do evil with you.
Thomas Aquinas
Then when he says, but you, O man of God, he warns him to follow sound doctrine and to flee from evil: first, he describes the road he should follow; second, he binds him to it with a command, at I charge you. In regard to the first he does two things: first, he urges him to avoid the sins already mentioned; second, he points out what he should do, at pursue justice. Because a servant should imitate his master, for it is said: as the judge of the people is himself, so also are his ministers (Sir 10:2); he says, O man of God. …
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