Fathers

Loading…

What the Fathers say

Romans 15:16

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God." For after his abundant proof of his statements, he draws his discourse to a more lofty tone, not speaking of mere service, as in the beginning, but of service and priestly ministering. For to me this is a priesthood, this preaching and declaring. This is the sacrifice I bring. Now no one will find fault with a priest, for being anxious to offer the sacrifice without blemish. …

Homily on Romans 29 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Imparting a humble tone to his speech, he says: I did not seize this honor for myself, but God commanded me to do this, having set me apart for this purpose, not because I was worthy, but by grace. And for what was this grace given to me? To be a minister and priest of the Gospel. Therefore do not blame me for speaking to you. My priesthood consists precisely in proclaiming the Gospel. And who would dare to accuse a priest who brings the knife to that which has been chosen for sacrifice? …

Commentary on Romans ↗

Justin Martyr

And we, who through the name of Jesus have believed as one man in God the Maker of all, have been stripped, through the name of His first-begotten Son, of the filthy garments, i.e., of our sins; and being vehemently inflamed by the word of His calling, we are the true high priestly race of God, as even God Himself bears witness, saying that in every place among the Gentiles sacrifices are presented to Him well-pleasing and pure. Now God receives sacrifices from no one, except through His priests.

Dialogue with Trypho, Chapter CXVI ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

First, he describes the author of this grace when he says: which was given me by God. As if to say: not by men: Paul an apostle, not from men nor through men (Gal 1:1). Second, he specifies that grace when he says: that I should be the minister of Christ Jesus among the gentiles, i.e., to serve God in the conversion of the gentiles: one should regard us as ministers of Christ (1 Cor 4:11); as long indeed as I am the apostle of the gentiles, I will honor my ministry (Rom 11:13). …

Commentary on Romans ↗