Fathers

Loading…

What the Fathers say

Philippians 3:1

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Dejection and care, whenever they strain the soul beyond due measure, bereave it of its native force. And therefore Paul relieves the Philippians, who were in great despondency, and they were in despondency because they did not know how matters were with Paul; they were in despondency because they thought that it was already over with him, because of the preaching, because of Epaphroditus. …

Homily on Philippians 10 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Since the Philippians were in sorrow, not knowing what situation Paul's affairs were in, how the matter of preaching was going, what the condition of Epaphroditus' illness was, and he resolved all of this by saying that the preaching is advancing, and I am coming to you, and Epaphroditus has already been sent, the Apostle Paul says: "finally, rejoice," because there is no longer any reason not to rejoice. …

Commentary on Philippians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Above, he proposed the example they should follow; here he shows whose example they should avoid. In regard to this he does three things: first, he mentions whom they should avoid; secondly, the examples the saints gave of avoiding (3:3); thirdly, he urges them to avoid those whom they considered worthy of imitation. The first is divided into three parts: first, he mentions the purpose of his doctrine; secondly, why he must write (3:1); thirdly, the reason it is necessary (3:2). …

Commentary on Philippians ↗