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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"But exhort one another." Observe the gentleness and mildness of the expression: he said not "Rebuke," but "Exhort." Thus we are required to bear ourselves towards those who are straightened by affliction. This he says also in writing to the Thessalonians, "Warn them that are unruly", but in speaking of the feeble-minded, not so, but what? "Comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men"; that is, do not cease to hope; do not despair. …
Cyril of Jerusalem
Take also another like expression. "To this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their minds." Does "to this day" mean "up to the time that Paul wrote the words and no longer"? Does it not mean until this present day and indeed to the very end? And if Paul should say, "We are come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ, having hope, when your faith is increased, to preach the gospel in lands beyond you," you can see clearly that the phrase "all the way" sets no limit but indicates what lies beyond. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
That is, edify one another and strengthen each other, so as not to fall. And if anyone falls, correct him while he is still alive; this is what the expression means: "while it can be said: 'today,'" for there is hope. And especially, let there not be in anyone an evil heart; but if it happens, let him not fall into despair, but comfort him, and you will win him back again. That is, lest from despair he come to hardness and remain incurable. …
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
187. – But if that evil should be found in anyone, should he despair? No; he should be admonished all the more. Therefore, he says, but exhort one another every day, i.e., continually, namely, by discussing your conscience and by exhorting to good, as long as it is called today, i.e., while the present time of grace lasts: 'I must work the works of him that sent me, whilst it is day' (Jn. 9:4). And this in order that none of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. …
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