Fathers

Loading…

What the Fathers say

Ephesians 6:24

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in uncorruptness." Why does he separate the two here, placing "peace" by itself, and "grace" by itself? "In uncorruptness," he concludes. What is this, "in uncorruptness"? It either means, "in purity"; or else, "for the sake of those things which are incorruptible," as, for example, not in riches, nor in glory, but in those treasures which are incorruptible. The "in" means, "through." "Through uncorruptness," that is, "through virtue." Because all sin is corruption. …

Homily on Ephesians 24 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Here he separated peace from grace, setting each apart, although everywhere he joined them together. "In incorruption" (that is, unchangeably), meaning in purity, or those who love Christ not in wealth and glory, but in incorruptible goods, that is, for the sake of the incorruptible; or, that the one who loves Christ loves Him through His virtue. For sin is corruption, and virtue is incorruption. …

Commentary on Ephesians ↗

Theodoret of Cyrus

Grace is not simply bestowed indiscriminately upon all but on those who love the Lord and especially upon those who, as well as loving, keep his life-giving laws. Let us keep them also. By keeping them our love for him will be confirmed.

Interpretation of the Epistle to the Ephesians 6.24 ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Peace and charity contribute greatly toward the preservation of grace; yet, since they always presuppose grace—they could not be had without it—on this account he prays that they receive grace. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruption. Amen.

Commentary on Ephesians ↗