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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"Having therefore these promises, beloved." What promises? That we should be temples of God, sons and daughters, have Him indwelling, and walking in us, be His people, have Him for our God and Father. "Let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit." Let us neither touch unclean things, for this is cleansing of the flesh; nor things which defile the soul, for this is cleansing of the spirit. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
What promises? That is, that we are temples of God, that God Himself and the Father dwells and walks in us. Let us cleanse ourselves from impure deeds — for this is what "defilement of the flesh" means — and from impure and passionate thoughts — for this is what "defilement of the spirit" means, that is, of the soul. It is not enough, he says, to abstain from impurity, but one must also do something good — "holiness," that is, purity, chastity. …
Clement of Alexandria
Hence Paul speaks against people who are like those I have mentioned, saying: "You have then these promises, beloved; let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." "For I am jealous for you with a divine jealousy, for I betrothed you to one husband to present a pure virgin to Christ." The Church cannot marry another, having obtained a bridegroom; but each of us individually has the right to marry the woman he wishes according to the law; I mean here first marriage. …
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
Having informed the Corinthians how to behave in the future, the Apostle now commends them on the good they have accomplished in the past. But in order to connect the past with the future, he first concludes his admonition; secondly, he commends them (v. 4). In regard to the first he does three things. First, he gives the admonition; secondly, he gives himself as an example to have the admonition obeyed (v. 2); thirdly, he states his intention in admonishing them (v. 3). In regard to the first he does three things. …
Bonaventure
The perfection of the fear of God consists in three things, namely in perfect sanctification and cleansing of conscience, in perfect promptitude of obedience, and in perfect firmness of confidence. First, the perfection of the fear of God consists in perfect sanctification or cleansing of conscience. Hence the Apostle to the Corinthians: "Let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting sanctification in the fear of God." And how shall we perfect sanctification? …
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