John Chrysostom

An exordium worthy of this blessed spirit, and able to teach all men to offer unto God the firstlings of their good deeds and words, and to render thanks not only for their own, but also for others' well-doings: which also maketh the soul pure from envy and grudging, and draweth God in a greater measure towards the loving spirit of them that so render thanks. Wherefore also elsewhere he says, "Blessed be God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessing." (Eph. i. …

Homily on Romans 2 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

An introduction befitting the soul of Paul! He teaches us also to thank God, and not only for our own blessings, but also for the blessings of our neighbors, for in this consists love; and to give thanks not for earthly and perishable things, but for the fact that the Romans believed. …

Commentary on Romans ↗

Cyprian

For what is there either in peace so suitable, or in a war of persecution so necessary, as to maintain the due severity of the divine rigour? Which he who resists, will of necessity wander in the unsteady course of affairs, and will be tossed hither and thither by the various and uncertain storms of things; and the helm of counsel being, as it were, wrenched from his hands he will drive the ship of the Church's safety among the rocks; so that it would appear that the Church's safety can be no otherwise secured, than by repelling any …

Epistle XXX ↗

Thomas Aquinas

After the greeting, the Apostle begins the message, wherein first he shows his affection for his readers, in order to render them benevolent hearers; second, he instructs them in the truth about the power of Christ's grace, at for it is the power of God. He shows his affection for them in three ways: first, by giving thanks for their blessings; second, by the prayer he directs to God on their behalf, at for God is my witness; third, by his desire to visit them, at always in my prayers. …

Commentary on Romans ↗