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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"Pray for us" (he says); "for we trust we have a good conscience among all, willing to live honestly." Thou seest that he used these apologies, as writing to persons grieved with him, as to those who turned away, who were disposed as towards a transgressor, not enduring even to hear his name? …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Since some slandered the apostle, as though he teaches apostasy from the law, many of the Jews were hostile toward him. Therefore he did not indicate his name at the beginning of the epistle, since they could not even bear to hear of him. So then, defending himself before them, he first of all asks them to pray for him, which we usually ask of friends; then he also reveals his innocence. …
Oecumenius
"Pray for us." Because some were slandering the apostle, as teaching apostasy from the law, many of the Hebrews had a strong distaste toward him; therefore, Paul did not even place his name at the beginning of the letter, so that they would not find the name of Paul and then not read the letter. Therefore, he now defends himself to them. And first, he asks them to pray for him, as we are accustomed to ask from those who love us. …
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
We have mutual need of one another's prayers, for those reciprocal prayers are enkindled by charity and—like a sacrifice offered on the altar of piety—are fragrant and pleasing to the Lord. If the apostles used to ask for prayers on their own behalf, how much more does it behoove me to do so?
Thomas Aquinas
Then he says, pray for us. Thus does the Apostle tell them how they should act in regard to him: for he asks that they pray for him. The same is had in Romans (15:30): 'I beseech you, therefore, brethren, through our Lord Jesus Christ and by the charity of the Holy Spirit, that you help me in your prayers for me to God,' because, as a Gloss says: 'It is impossible,' i.e., very difficult, 'for the prayers of many not to be heard'; 'If two of you shall consent upon the earth, concerning anything whatsoever they shall ask, it shall be …
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