Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Philippians 4:22

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"All the saints salute you, especially they that are of Caesar's household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." He elevated them and strengthened them, by showing that his preaching had reached even to the king's household. For if those who were in the king's palace despised all things for the sake of the King of Heaven, far more ought they to do this. …

Homily on Philippians 15 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Those from Caesar's household he commended and encouraged them, showing that piety had reached even the royal house, suggesting that if those at the imperial court disregarded everything for the sake of Christ, then all the more should you—simple people—do the same. At the same time, he makes known that he spoke of the virtue of the Philippians before Caesar's household; for otherwise he could not have aroused in the latter the goodwill that was expressed in their greeting.

Commentary on Philippians ↗

Irenaeus

These opinions, Florinus, that I may speak in mild terms, are not of sound doctrine; these opinions are not consonant to the Church, and involve their votaries in the utmost impiety; these opinions, even the heretics beyond the Church's pale have never ventured to broach; these opinions, those presbyters who preceded us, and who were conversant with the apostles, did not hand down to thee. …

Fragments from the Lost Writings of Irenaeus ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Especially those of Caesar's household. This shows that he converted many from Caesar's household: "It has become known throughout the whole court and to all the rest" (1:13). But although it is stated in Matthew (11:8) that those in soft garments are in the houses of kings, nevertheless to help the good and to hinder the wicked, it seems to be lawful for holy men to dwell in the courts of kings, but not for the sake of voluptuous pleasures and desires. …

Commentary on Philippians ↗