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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
The admonitions which we give ought to be accompanied with commendations; for thus they become even welcome, when we refer those whom we admonish to that measure of zeal which they have themselves exhibited; as Paul, for instance, did here; and observe with what singular discretion; "So then, my beloved," he says; he did not say simply "be obedient," not until he had first commended them in these words, "even as ye have always obeyed"; i.e. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Exhortation must be combined with praise, for through this they become more readily acceptable. Therefore Paul also extols the Philippians, calling them beloved, and says: "as you have always been obedient," as if saying by this the following: I have shown you that the Son of God was obedient; therefore, imitate Him and yourselves. …
Desert Fathers
Daniel used to say that Arsenius told him a story, as if he were speaking of some other man, and it went like this: Whilst a certain hermit was sitting in his cell, a voice came to him which said, 'Come here, and I will show you the works of the children of men,' so he got up and went out. The voice led him out and showed him a black man cutting wood; he made up a large bundle and wanted to take it away, but he could not do so. …
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
Then when he says, Therefore, my beloved, the exhortation is brought to an end. In regard to this he does three things: first, he exhorts them to act well; secondly, how to do so (2:14); thirdly, with what fruit (2:15). The first part is divided into three: first, he recalls their past obedience; secondly, he shows what they should do (2:12); thirdly, he gives them confidence in accomplishing this (2:13). …
Bonaventure
The fear of God avails for obtaining the influx of divine grace. "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to accomplish according to his good will." We cannot have the grace of God except through the fear of God, because "the mercy of the Lord is from eternity and unto eternity upon those who fear him." No one receives the grace of God unless he fears God. …
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