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VRSZ
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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
Cyril of Alexandria
THE blessed Luke has introduced three classes of men making inquiry of John,----the multitudes, the publicans, and, thirdly, the soldiers: and as a skilful physician applies to each malady a suitable and fitting remedy, so also the Baptist gave to each mode of life useful and becoming counsel, bidding the multitudes in their course towards repentance practise mutual kindness: for the publicans, he stops the way to unrestrained exactions: and very wisely tells the soldiers to oppress no one, but be content with their wages.
Theophylact of Ohrid
John instructs three classes of people who came to him: the common class of people, tax collectors, and soldiers. He persuades the common class of people to be diligent in almsgiving, commanding that whoever has "two garments" should share with the one who has none. Some understand the command—that whoever has "two garments" should share with the one who has none—in a moral sense. …
Western Saints
Ambrose of Milan
The Baptist gave a fitting response to each kind of people. To the tax collectors he said that they should not exact payment beyond what was appointed. To the soldiers, that they should not make false accusations or rob anyone, by which he meant that their pay was fixed, so that wanting to have more, they could not resort to plunder. These and other precepts are appropriate for all occupations, and the practice of compassion is shared. …
Gregory the Dialogist
From these words of John the Baptist it is clear that the hearts of the hearers were disturbed, since it is immediately added: "And the crowds asked him, saying: 'What then shall we do?'" For they had been struck with terror who were seeking counsel.
Bede
And the crowds asked him, saying: What then shall we do? For they were struck with terror, seeking advice.
Translation