Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Acts 17:16

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Observe how he meets with greater trials among the Jews than among the Gentiles. Thus in Athens he undergoes nothing of this kind; the thing goes as far as ridicule, and there an end: and yet he did make some converts: whereas among the Jews he underwent many perils; so much greater was their hostility against him. "His spirit," it says, "was roused within him when he saw the city all full of idols." Nowhere else were so many objects of worship to be seen.

Homily on Acts 38 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

"Was troubled in spirit" here does not mean anger, because the gift of grace is far from anger and indignation. So then, what does "was troubled" mean? He was agitated, could not endure it, was distressed.

Commentary on Acts ↗

Oecumenius

"was stirred within him." Here he does not say anger, nor indignation; for anger and indignation are far from grace. What then is this, "was stirred within him"? Instead of "he was aroused," he does not bear it, but is softened, as elsewhere he says, "There was a frustration among them," and what follows. [CHRYSOSTOM]

Commentary on Acts ↗