Loading…
VRSZ
This sets the art on your cards and whose commentary you read on each verse. You can change it later in settings.
Translation
Loading…
What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"Yet to abide in the flesh is more needful for your sake." These words were to prepare them for his death when it came, that they might bear it nobly: this was to teach true wisdom. "It is good for me to depart and be with Christ," for even death is a thing indifferent; since death itself is no ill, but to be punished after death is an ill. Nor is death a good, but it is good after our departure "to be with Christ." What follows death is either good or ill. Let us then not simply grieve for the dead, nor joy for the living simply. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
To remain in the flesh is even more necessary for your benefit; because I seek not my own interests, but yours. Yet he acknowledges that it is more necessary to continue living in order to be useful to them. After this, what can be compared with the lofty soul of Paul? He preferred the benefit of others over union with Christ; and in order to devote himself more fully to Christ, he postponed his union with Him.
Cyprian
Behold another joy of ours, that, in the duty of your episcopate, although in the meantime you have been, owing to the condition of the times, divided from your brethren, you have frequently confirmed the confessors by your letters; that you have ever afforded necessary supplies from your own just acquisitions; that in all things you have always shown yourself in some sense present; that in no part of your duty have you hung behind as a deserter. …
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
But love of neighbor moves us to desire his betterment; hence he says, but to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account, i.e., my life is necessary for your benefit: "For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you" (2 Cor. 5:13). Or another way, I am hard pressed between the two, i.e., on two sides: there arises a desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. The sense is not changed. …
Translation