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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"What will ye? Shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of meekness?" There is much both of terror and of gentleness in this saying. For to say, "I will know," was the language of one as yet withholding himself: but to say, "What will ye? Must I come unto you with a rod?" are the words of one thenceforth ascending the teacher's seat, and from thence holding discourses with them and taking upon him all his authority. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
He calls "rod" punishment. So, he says: it depends on you whether I come to you with the one or the other. If you remain careless, I will come and punish you, as Elymas (Acts 13:8–11). But if you sober up, I will treat you with a spirit of gentleness. There is in him also a spirit of severity and punishment, but he names it from its better side, just as God too is called gracious and merciful, and not punishing, although He is in fact also such.
Clement of Alexandria
See the care, and wisdom, and power of the Instructor: "He shall not judge according to opinion, nor according to report; but He shall dispense judgment to the humble, and reprove the sinners of the earth." And by David: "The Lord instructing, hath instructed me, and not given me over to death." For to be chastised of the Lord, and instructed, is deliverance from death. …
Western Saints
Ambrose of Milan
First he made mention of the rod, and like the almond rod struck those who were wandering, that he might afterwards comfort them in the spirit of meekness. And so meekness restored him whom the rod had deprived of the heavenly sacraments.
Thomas Aquinas
Finally, he threatens to chastise them, but leaves the choice to them, saying: What do you wish? Shall I come to you to chastise you with a rod, namely, of discipline or with love, i.e., with a display of love, in a spirit of gentleness? As if to say: it depends on you whether or not I shall deal more harshly with you. …
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