Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Romans 8:17

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"And if children, then heirs." Observe how he enhances the Gift by little and little. For since it is a possible case to be children, and yet not become heirs (for it is not by any means all children that are heirs), he adds this besides-that we are heirs. But the Jews, besides their not having the same adoption as we, were also cast out from the inheritance. …

Homily on Romans 14 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Since not all children are heirs, he proves that we are both children and heirs. And since not every heir inherits the better inheritance, he proves that we have inherited the better inheritance: for we are heirs of God. Again, since it is possible to be an heir but not at all a co-heir of the Only-Begotten, he says that this too belongs to us: for we are co-heirs with Christ. Having said that we shall be co-heirs with Christ, he proves that we shall attain this not without reason. …

Commentary on Romans ↗

Ignatius of Antioch

I give you these instructions, beloved, assured that ye also hold the same opinions [as I do]. But I guard you beforehand from those beasts in the shape of men, whom you must not only not receive, but, if it be possible, not even meet with; only you must pray to God for them, if by any means they may be brought to repentance, which, however, will be very difficult. Yet Jesus Christ, who is our true life, has the power of [effecting] this. …

Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

By spiritual regeneration we therefore become sons and are adopted into the kingdom of God, not as aliens but as his creatures and offspring.

Sermon On The Mount 23.78 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then he posits the major premise, at "and if sons." First, he shows that to children is owed the inheritance, saying: If some are children, namely, through the Spirit, it follows that they are heirs, because the inheritance is owed not only to the natural child but also to the adopted: "we have been born anew to an inheritance which is imperishable" (1 Pet 1:4); "yea, I have a goodly heritage" (Ps 16:6). Second, he shows what that inheritance is. …

Commentary on Romans ↗

Bonaventure

If honor and riches: God shall set His good and faithful servants over many things, indeed sons of God and gods they shall be called and shall be, and where His Son shall be, there shall they be also, heirs indeed of God, and co-heirs with Christ. …

Breviloquium, Part 7 ↗