John Chrysostom

"In perils of rivers." For he was compelled also to cross rivers. "In perils of robbers, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness." 'Everywhere were contests set before me, in places, in countries, in cities, in deserts.' "In perils from the Gentiles, in perils amongst false brethren." Behold another kind of warfare. For not only did such as were enemies strike at him, but those also who played the hypocrite; and he had need of much firmness, much prudence.

Homily 25 on 2 Corinthians ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

To be subjected to the snares of false and pretended brethren — this is another and most difficult kind of temptation, of which David also complained: "nor is it one who hates me who magnifies himself against me — from him I would hide myself; but it is you, who were for me the same as myself, my friend and my close one" (Ps. 54:13–14); and in another place: "the man at peace with me" (Ps. 40:10).

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Augustine of Hippo

There are, therefore, some who hold the honourable office of shepherds in order that they may provide for the flock of Christ; others occupy that position that they may enjoy the temporal honours and secular advantages connected with the office. It must needs happen that these two kinds of pastors, some dying, others succeeding them, should continue in the Catholic Church even to the end of time, and the judgment of the Lord. …

Letter 208, To Felicia ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Having listed the evils inflicted from without, he then lists those he voluntarily assumed, when he says, on frequent journeys: first, external evils; secondly, internal evils (v. 28). He describes the external evils: first as to the evils that occur on journeys; secondly, as to those in houses (v. 27). …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗