Fathers

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What the Fathers say

2 Timothy 3:6

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

By the word "creep in" he indicates their shamelessness and craftiness. He did not say: they deceive, but: they take captive, they make use of them as slave women. For such is the one who is beguiled. Note that to give oneself over to beguilement is characteristic of women. Consequently, even a man who is beguiled may be called by this name. This signifies both the multitude, and the disorder, and the mixture of sins. They deceive not simply women—for nature ought not to be condemned—but silly women laden with a multitude of sins. …

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗

Ignatius of Antioch

Wherefore, as children of light and truth, flee from division and wicked doctrines; but where the shepherd is, there do ye as sheep follow. For there are many wolves that appear worthy of credit, who, by means of a pernicious pleasure, carry captive those that are running towards God; but in your unity they shall have no place.

Epistle of Ignatius to the Philadelphians ↗

Oecumenius

For from these are those who enter into households and lead captive young women burdened with sins, who are driven by various lusts: always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Behold, all their secret and shameless plotting was revealed by the saying, those who enter into households and lead captive young women burdened with sins. Do you see that they have been deceived by the Serpent's deceit, which he used against Adam? For it was likely that he also deceived these men through the women. …

Commentary On 2 Timothy ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

Avoid men, also, when you see them loaded with chains and wearing their hair long like women, contrary to the apostle's precept, not to speak of beards like those of goats, black cloaks and bare feet braving the cold. All these things are tokens of the devil. Such a one was Antimus, who Rome groaned over some time ago. And Sophronius is a still more recent instance. …

Letters 22.28 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then he shows that even now such men are to be found: first, he describes the damage they do; second, the defects from which they suffer, at men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith; third, the impediment with which they are straitened: but they shall proceed no farther. In regard to the first he does two things: first, he shows the impediment they cast before their subjects; second, the hindrance they cast before prelates, at as Jannes and Mambres. …

Commentary on 2 Timothy ↗