Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Hebrews 4:3

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

For "we who have believed," he says, "do enter into rest." From what this is evident, he adds: "as He said, as I have sworn in My wrath, if they shall enter into My rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world." This indeed, is not evidence that we shall enter in, but that they did not enter in. What then? Thus far he aims to show that as that rest does not hinder the speaking of another rest, so neither does this exclude that of Heaven. …

Homily on Hebrews 6 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

From what is it evident that we who have believed will enter into rest? From the fact that God said that those who did not believe will not enter. This becomes clear from the contrast: just as for those who did not believe, the retribution for their unbelief was that they did not enter into rest, so, on the contrary, we who have believed will receive as a reward for our faith that we will enter.

Commentary on Hebrews ↗

Oecumenius

The testimony also judges from which it makes that apparent. And see how it establishes that. In any case, he says, it is necessary that some enter into the rest of God, lest the promise be made in vain and rashly. Therefore, since they did not enter (for he swore that they shall not enter), it is necessary for us, as long as we wish, to enter, not now into a figurative rest, but into the true kingdom of heaven. For although their children entered the promised land, now another rest is defined through David. …

The Pseudo-Oecumenian Catena on Hebrews ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, for we who have believed enter that rest, he proves his conclusion. In regard to this he does three things: first, he shows that it is necessary for us to believe, just as it was for them; secondly, he cites two authorities to prove his proposition (v. 3c); thirdly, he argues from them (v. 6). He says, therefore: The word was spoken to us as it was to them that we shall enter into rest: 'In peace in the selfsame, I will sleep and be at rest' (Ps. …

Commentary on Hebrews ↗