John Chrysostom

And he said not, I do not wish that, but, "I pray that not only thou, but also all that hear." Mark how free from flattery his speech is.-"I pray that this day they may be all such as I am, except these bonds." He, the man that glories in his bonds, that puts them forth as a golden chain, deprecates them for these men: for they were as yet too weak in their minds, and it was rather in condescension that he so spake. …

Homily on Acts 52 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

"I would pray to God that whether in little or in much, not only you but also all who hear me today might become such as I am, except for these chains." Although chains for the name of Christ are worthy of glory, Paul "added 'except for these chains,'" accommodating himself to the understanding of those present. — What are you saying, blessed Paul, "except for these chains?" What boldness do you have, then, if you are ashamed of and shrink from chains? …

Commentary on Acts ↗

Oecumenius

Wherefore Paul also fittingly says to him: "I would pray to God even for a little while," and the things that follow. For example, that it is my earnest desire that all should become Christians, and this is my prayer to God. Since I am ready both for many words and for few to preach the faith in Christ, and with work and labor, and immediately. …

Commentary on Acts ↗