Fathers

Titus 3

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Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

Titus 3:10

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

How then does he elsewhere say, "If God peradventure will give them repentance" (2 Tim. ii. 25); but here, "A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject, knowing that he that is such is subverted and sinneth, being condemned of himself"? In the former passage he speaks of the correction of those of whom he had hope, and who had simply made opposition. But when he is known and manifest to all, why dost thou contend in vain? why dost thou beat the air? What means, "being condemned of himself"? …

Homily on Titus 6 ↗

Basil of Caesarea

He who has been corrected in first faults, and received pardon, if he sins again prepares for himself a judgment of wrath worse than the former. He, who after the first and second admonition abides in his fault, ought to be brought before the person in authority, if haply after being rebuked by more he may be ashamed. …

Letters 22 ↗

Athanasius of Alexandria

Perhaps even thus being put to shame by the bad odor of their names, they [the heretics] may be enabled to grasp the depth of impiety into which they have fallen. It would be within our rights not to answer them at all, according to the apostolic advice: "One who is heretical, after a first and a second admonition refuse, knowing that such a one is perverted and sins, being self-condemned." This is even more the case, in that the prophet says about such men: "The fool shall utter foolishness, and his heart shall imagine vain things." …

Letter To Adelphus 60.2 ↗

Western Saints

Ambrose of Milan

This monster's cavern [of heresies], your sacred Majesty, is thick laid (as seafaring men do say it is) with hidden lairs, and all the surrounding neighborhood, where the rocks of unbelief echo to the howling of her black dogs, we must pass by with ears stopped up. For it is written: "Hedge your ears about with thorns" and again: "Beware of dogs. …

Exposition of the Christian Faith 1.6.47 ↗

Jerome

Avoid a heretical man after one and a second admonition, knowing that such a one is subverted, and sins, being condemned by himself. The name of heresy is stated in the Epistle to the Corinthians: For there must be also heresies: that they also, which are approved, may be made manifest among you (1 Cor. 11:19). …

Commentary on Titus ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then, when he says, a man that is a heretic, he shows which men are to be avoided: first, he shows that heretics are to be avoided; second, he gives the reason, at knowing that. He says, therefore, a man that is a heretic. Here it should be noted that a heretic is so called for good reasons: the first of these is taken from the very word, 'heretic', which does not come from 'division,' but from 'choice,' as Jerome says. For in Greek the word 'heresy' means selection. …

Commentary on Titus ↗