Fathers

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What the Fathers say

2 Corinthians 7:4

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Great is my boldness of speech towards you." 'Therefore I venture upon such things,' he says, 'not to condemn you by what I say, but out of my great boldness of speech,' which also farther signifying, he said, "Great is my glorying on your behalf." 'For think not indeed,' he saith, 'that because I thus speak, I speak as though I had condemned you altogether; (for I am exceedingly proud of, and glory in, you;) but both out of tender concern and a desire that you should make greater increase unto virtue.' And so he said to the Hebrews …

Homily 14 on 2 Corinthians ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

It would seem that he offended them by saying "you are restricted in your own hearts" and "make room for us." Therefore now he both justifies himself and heals them, saying: I said this not in order to condemn you, but out of my great boldness toward you and out of a desire to urge you to virtue. For that I do not condemn you is evident from the fact that I boast of you before others. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Methodius of Olympus

Let the earth also cause compassion to spring up to its inhabitants; for I am filled with comfort; I am exceeding joyful since I have seen Thee, the Saviour of men.

Methodius Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Having given an admonition derived from what went before, the Apostle now gives his commendation. In regard to this he does two things: first, he commends them, secondly, he explains it (v. 5). He commends them by showing his love, which springs from the good works the Corinthians did. For in the hearts of those who love there are four feelings (affectus) that usually arise from the good works, which the lovers accomplish. First, the feeling of confidence. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗