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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables." Well said: for the needful must give precedence to the more needful. But see, how straightway they both take thought for these inferior matters, and yet do not neglect the preaching. Do you observe how outward concerns succeed to inward? They do not act at their own discretion, but plead for themselves to the congregation. So ought it to be done now. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Not the apostles themselves choose, but they leave the choice to the people, who were to receive the benefit from the service of the deacons; it is they who choose and appoint. "It is not right for us, having left the word of God, to serve tables." Because what is necessary should be preferred to what is not necessary.
Clement of Alexandria
A temperate man, too, must rise before the general company, and retire quietly from the banquet. "For at the time for rising," it is said, "be not the last; haste home." The twelve, having called together the multitude of the disciples, said, "It is not meet for us to leave the word of God and serve tables." If they avoided this, much more did they shun gluttony.
Western Saints
Bede
It is not right for us to abandon the word of God and serve tables. About this, Arator: . . . . This place indicates that the offerings of the mind are better for an unlearned people than the dishes served to the body.
Translation