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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"If so be that ye continue in the faith grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Gospel." Here he strikes a blow at their listlessness. And he said not simply "continue," for it is possible to continue wavering, and vacillating; it is possible to stand, and continue, though turned this way and that. "If so be that ye continue," he saith, "grounded and steadfast, and not moved away." Wonderful! What a forcible metaphor he uses; he says not only not tossed to and fro, but not even moved. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Since he ascribed everything to the Son, Who delivered from all things by His death, lest they should say: after this there is no need for our labors, he says that it is necessary to abide in the faith. Therefore do not be frivolous and do not lose heart. Since it is possible, even while abiding in the faith, to waver, he adds: "firm and steadfast," that is, without wavering, and not only this, but also "not falling away." I require nothing difficult of you, he says, but only that you not depart from Christ. …
Ignatius of Antioch
And pray ye without ceasing in behalf of other men. For there is in them hope of repentance that they may attain to God. See, then, that they be instructed by your works, if in no other way. Be ye meek in response to their wrath, humble in opposition to their boasting: to their blasphemies return your prayers; in contrast to their error, be ye stedfast in the faith; and for their cruelty, manifest your gentleness. …
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
What God requires of us is that we be firm in faith and hope. And so Paul continues, provided that you continue in the faith, stable. For faith is a foundation; if it is firm the entire structure of the Church is firm. And steadfast in hope, not weakening themselves from within; not shifting by allowing others to shake that hope. This hope, I say, is the hope of the gospel, that is, the hope that the Gospel gives for the good things of the kingdom of heaven: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mt 4:17). …
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