John Chrysostom

"That I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we." For since this they sought earnestly, to find some handle against him, it is necessary to remove this also. For this is the one point on which they pique themselves. Therefore that they might not have any advantage whatever, it was necessary to set this right; for in other things they were inferior. For, as I have said, nothing doth so edify worldly people as the receiving nothing from them. …

Homily 23 on 2 Corinthians ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Here he states quite clearly the reason why he did not take anything. Since the devil knew that people of this age especially love those teachers who take nothing, he taught the false apostles to interpret even this in their own way. For they did not act more justly in this matter, although they were rich, but while teaching not to take, they took. Therefore he did not say: "that in what they do they may be found more just," but: "in what they boast of," which is an obvious sign of boasting. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Methodius of Olympus

For those who are the better, and who embrace the truth more clearly, being delivered from the evils of the flesh, become, on account of their perfect purification and faith, a church and help-meet of Christ, betrothed and given in marriage to Him as a virgin, according to the apostle,

Methodius Discourse III. Thaleia ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Therefore, having removed the false cause, he gives the true one, And what I do I will continue to do. First he states the true cause; secondly, the reason for it (v. 13). In regard to the first it should be noted that the false apostles, as has been stated, were seeking their own profit and glory; therefore, in order to be held in reverence, they tried to follow the example of the Apostle outwardly or even excel him, if they could. Therefore the Apostle says: if you wish to imitate me, let them imitate me in taking nothing. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗