Chrysostom on 2Cor 1600

Homily XVI. 2Co 7, 13. And in your comfort,

1600 we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit hath been refreshed by you all. (2Co 7,13-16 2Co 8,1-6)

See again how he exalts their praises, and showeth their love. For having said, ’I was pleased that my Epistle wrought so much and that ye gained so much,’ for “I rejoice,” he saith, “not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry unto repentance;” and having shown his own love, for he saith, “Though I wrote unto you, I wrote not for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong, but that our care for you might be made manifest to you:” again he mentioneth another sign of their good will, which bringeth them great praise and showeth the genuineness of their affection. For, “in your comfort,” he saith, “we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus.” And yet this is no sign of one that loveth them exceedingly; rejoicing rather for Titus than for them. ‘Yes,’ he replies, ‘it is, for I joyed not so much for his cause as for yours.’ Therefore also he subjoins the reason, saying, “because his bowels wererefreshed by you all.” He said not, ‘he,’ but “his bowels;” that is, ‘his love for you.’ And how were they refreshed? “By all.” For this too is a very great praise.

2Co 7,14. “For if in anything I have gloried to him on your behalf.”

It is high praise when the teacher boasted, for he saith, “I was not put to shame.” I therefore rejoiced, because ye showed yourselves to be amended and proved my words by your deeds. So that the honor accruing to me was twofold; first, in that ye had made progress; next, in that I was not found to fall short of the truth. 2Co 7,14. “But as we spake always to you in truth, so our glorying also which I made before Titus was found to be truth.”

Here he alludes to something further. As we spake all things among you in truth, (for it is probable that he had also spoken to them much in praise of this man ,) so also, what we said of you to Titus has been proved true.

2Co 7,15. “And his inward affection is moreabundant toward you.”

What follows is in commendation of him, as exceedingly consumed with love and attached to them. And he said not ‘his love.‘ Then that he may not appear to be flattering, he everywhere mentions the causes of his affection; in order that he may, as I said, both escape the imputation of flattery and the more encourage them by making the praise redound unto them, and by showing that it was they who had infused into him the beginning and ground of this so great love. For having said, “his inward affection is more abundant toward you;” he added,

“Whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all.” Now this both shows that Titus was grateful to his benefactors, seeing he had returned, having them all in his heart, and continually remembereth them, and beareth them on his lips and in his mind; and also is a greater distinction to the Corinthians, seeing that so vanquished they sent him away. Then he mentions their obedience also, magnifying their zeal: wherefore also he addeth these words,

“How with fear and trembling ye receivedhim.” Not with love only, but also withexcessive honor. Seest thou how he bears witness to a twofold virtue in them, both that they loved him as a father and had feared him as aruler, neither for fear dimming love, nor for love relaxing fear. He expressed this also above, “That ye sorrow after a godly sort, what earnest care it wrought in you; yea what fear, yea what longing.”

2Co 7,16. “I rejoice therefore, that in every thing I am of good courage concerning you.” Seest thou that he rejoiceth more on their account; ‘because,’ he saith, ‘ye have in no particular shamed your teacher, nor show yourselves unworthy of my testimony.’ So that he joyed not so much for Titus’ sake, that he enjoyed so great honor; as for their own, that they had displayed so much good feeling. For that he may not be imagined to joy rather on Titus’ account, observe how in this place also he states the reason. As then he said above, “If in anything I have gloried to him on your behalf I was not put to shame;” so here also, “In everything I am of good courage concerning you.” ‘Should need require me to rebuke, I have no apprehension of your being alienated; or again to boast, I fear not to be convicted of falsehood; or to praise you as obeying the rein, or as loving, or as full of zeal, I have confidence in you. I bade you cut off, and ye did cut off; I bade you receive, and ye did receive; I said before Titus that ye were great and admirable kind of people and knew to reverence teachers: ye proved these things true by your conduct. And he learnt these things not so much from me as from you. At any rate when he returned, he had become a passionate lover of you: your behavior having surpassed what he had been told.’

[2.] 2Co 8,1. “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the Churches of Macedonia.”

Having encouraged them with these encomiums, he again tries exhortation. For on this account he mingled these praises with his rebuke, that he might not by proceeding from rebuke to exhortation make what he had to say ill received; but having soothed their ears, might by this means pave the way for his exhortation. For he purposeth to discourse of alms-giving; wherefore also he saith beforehand, “I rejoice that in everything I am of good courage concerning you;” by their past good works, making them the more ready to this duty also. And he said not at once, ’ Therefore give alms,’ but observe his wisdom, how he draws from a distance and from on high the preparation for his discourse. For he says, “I make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the Churches of Macedonia.” For that they might not be uplifted he calleth what they did “grace;” and whilst relating what others did he worketh greater zeal in them by his encomiums on others. And he mentions together two praises of the Macedonians, or rather three; namely, that they bear trials nobly; and that they know how to pity; and that, though poor, they had displayed profuseness in almsgiving, for their property had been also plundered. And when he wrote his Epistle to them, it was as signifying this that he said, “For ye became imitators of the Churches of God which are in Judaea, for ye also suffered the same things of your own countrymen, even as they did of the Jews.” (1Th 2,14) Hear what he said afterwards in writing to the Hebrews, “For ye took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions.” (He 10,34) But He calls what they did “grace,” not in order to keep them humble merely; but both to provoke them to emulation and to prevent what he said from proving invidious. Wherefore he also added the name of “brethren” so as to undermine all envious feeling; for he is about to praise them in high-flown terms. Listen, at least, to his praises. For having said, “I make known to you the grace of God,” he said not ’ which hath been given in this or that city,’ but praiseth the entire nation, saying, “in the Churches of Macedonia.” Then he details also this same grace.

2Co 8,2. “How that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy.”

Seest thou his wisdom? For he says not first, that which he wishes; but another thing before it, that he may not seem to do this of set purpose, but to arrive at it by a different connection. “In much proof of affliction.” This was what he said in his Epistle to the Macedonians themselves, “Ye became imitators of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost;” and again, “From you sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place, your faith to God-ward is gone forth.” (1Th 1,6 and 1Th 1,8). But what is, “in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy?” Both, he says, happened to them in excess; both the affliction and the joy. Wherefore also the strangeness was great that so great an excess of pleasure sprang up to them out of affliction. For in truth the affliction not only was not the parent of grief, but it even became unto them an occasion of gladness; and this too, though it was “great.” Now this he said, to prepare them to be noble and firm in their trials. For they were not merely afflicted, but so as also to have become approved by their patience: yea rather, he says not by their patience, but what was more than patience, “joy.” And neither said he “joy” simply, but “abundance of joy,” for it sprang up in them, great and unspeakable.

[3.] “And their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.”

Again, both these with excessiveness. For as their great affliction gave birth to great joy, yea, “abundance of joy,” so their great poverty gave birth to great riches of alms. For this he showed, saying, “abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” For munificence is determined not by the measure of what is given, but by the mind of those that bestow it.

Wherefore he nowhere says, ‘the richness of the gifts,’ but “the riches of their liberality.” Now what he says is to this effect; ‘their poverty not only was no impediment to their being bountiful, but was even an occasion to them of abounding, just as affliction was of feeling joy. For the poorer they were, the more munificent they were and contributed the more readily.’ Wherefore also he admires them exceedingly, for that in the midst of so great poverty they had displayed so great munificence. For“their deep,” that is, ‘their great and unspeakable,’ “poverty,” showed their “liberality.” But he said not ‘showed,’ but “abounded;” and he said not “liberality,” but “riches of liberality;” that is, an equipoise to the greatness of their poverty, or rather much outweighing it, was the bountifulness they displayed. Then he even explains this more clearly, saying,

2Co 8,3. “For according to their power, I bear witness.” Trustworthy is the witness. “And beyond their power.” That is, it “abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” Or rather, he makes this plain, not by this expression alone, but also by all that follows; for he says, “of their own accord.” Lo! yet another excessiveness.

2Co 8,4. “With much intreaty.” Lo! yet a third and a fourth. “Praying us.” Lo! even a fifth. And when they were in affliction and in poverty. Here are a sixth and seventh. And they gave with excessiveness. Then since this is what he most of all wishes to provide for in the Corinthians’ case, namely, the giving deliberately, he dwells especially upon it, saying, “with much intreaty,” and “praying us.” ’ We prayed not them, but they us.’ Pray us what? “That the grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints.” Seest thou how he again exalts the deed, calling it by venerable names. For since they were ambitious of spiritual gifts, he calls it by the name grace that they might eagerly pursue it; and again by that of “fellowship,” that they might learn that they receive, not give only. ‘This therefore they intreated us,’ he says, ‘that we would take upon us such a ministry.’

2Co 8,5. “And” this, “not as we hoped.” This he says with reference both to the amount and to their afflictions. ‘For we could never have hoped,’ he says, ‘that whilst in so great affliction and poverty, they would even have urged us and so greatly intreated us.’ He showed also their carefulness of life in other respects, by saying,

“But first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God.”

‘For in everything their obedience was beyond our expectations; nor because they showed mercy did they neglect the other virtues,’ “but first gave themselves to the Lord.” What is, “gave themselves to the Lord?” ‘They offered up [themselves]; they showed themselves approved in faith; they displayed much fortitude in their trials, order, goodness, love, in all things both readiness and zeal.’ What means, “and to us?” ‘They were tractable to the rein, loved, obeyed us; both fulfilling the laws of God and bound unto us by love.’ And observe how here also he again shows their earnestness saying, “gave themselves to the Lord.” They did not in some things obey God, and in some the world; but in all things Him; and gave themselves wholly unto God. For neither because they showed mercy were they filled up with senseless pride, but displaying much lowlymindedness, much obedience, much reverence, much heavenly wisdom, they so wrought their almsdeeds also. But what is, “by the will of God?” Since he had said, they “gave themselves to us,” yet was it not “to us,” after the manner of men, but they did this also according to the mind of God.

[4.] 2Co 8,6. “Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this gracealso.”

And what connexion is there here? Much; and closely bearing on what went before. ‘For because we saw them vehement,’ he says, ‘and fervent in all things, in temptations, in alms giving, in their love toward us, in the purity otherwise of their life: in order that ye too might be made their equals, we sent Titus.’ Howbeit he did not say this, though he implied it. Behold excessiveness of love. ‘For though intreated and desired by them,’ he says, ‘we were anxious about your state, lest by any means ye should come short of them. Wherefore also we sent Titus, that by this also being stirred up and put in mind, ye might emulate the Macedonians.’ For Titus happened to be there when this Epistle was writing. Yet he shows that he had made a beginning in this matter before Paul’s exhortation; “that as he had made a beginning before,” he says. Wherefore also he bestows great praise on him; for instance, in the beginning [of the Epistle]; “Because I found not Titus my brother, I had no relief for my spirit: “(chap. 2,13). and here all those things which he has said, and this too itself. For this also is no light praise, the having begun before even: for this evinces a warm and fervent spirit. Wherefore also he sent him, infusing amongst them in this also a very great incentive unto giving, the presence of Titus. On this account also he extols him with praises, wishing to endear him more exceedingly to the Corinthians. For this too hath a great weight unto persuading, when he who counsels is upon intimate terms. And well does he both once and twice and thrice, having made mention of almsgiving, call ‘it grace,’ now indeed saying, “Moreover, brethren, I make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the Churches of Macedonia;” and now, “they of their own accord, praying us with much intreaty in regard of this grace and fellowship:” and again,“that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you this grace also.”

[5.] For this is a great good and a gift of God; and rightly done assimilates us, so far as may be, unto God; for such an one is in the highest sense a man. A certain one, at least, giving a model of a man has mentioned this, for “Man,” saith he, “is a great thing; and a merciful man is an honorable thing.” (Pr 20,6. LXX). Greater is this gift than to raise the dead. For far greater is it to feed Christ when an hungered than to raise the dead by the name of Jesus: for in the former case thou doest good to Christ, in the latter He to thee. And the reward surely comes by doing good, not by receiving good. For here indeed, in the case of miracles I mean, thou art God’s debtor. in that of almsgiving, thou hast God for a debtor. Now it is almsgiving, when it is donewith willingness, when with bountifulness, when thou deemest thyself not to give but to receive, when done as if thou wert benefitted,as if gaining and not losing; for so this werenot a grace. For he that showeth mercy on another ought to feel joyful, not peevish. For how is it not absurd, if whilst removing another’s downheartedness, thou art thyself downhearted? for so thou no longer sufferest it to be alms. For if thou art downhearted because thou hast delivered another from downheartedness, thou furnishest an example of extreme cruelty and inhumanity; for it were better not to deliver him, than so to deliver him. And why art thou also downhearted at all, O man? for fear thy gold should diminish? If such are thy thoughts, do not give at all: if thou art not quite sure that it is multiplied for thee in heaven, do not bestow. But thou seekest the recompense here. Wherefore? Let thine alms be alms, and not traffic. Now many have indeed received a recompense even here; but have not so received it, as if they should have an advantage over those who received it not here; but some of them as being weaker than they ought, because they were not so strongly attracted by the things which are there. And as those who are greedy, and ill-mannered, and slaves of their bellies, being invited to a royal banquet, and unable to wait till the proper time, just like little children mar their own enjoyment, by taking food beforehand and stuffing themselves with inferior dishes: even so in truth do these who seek for and receive [recompense] here, diminish their reward there. Further, when thou lendest, thou wishest to receive thy principal after a longer interval, and perhaps even not to receive it at all, in order that by the delay thou mayest make the interest greater; but, in this case, dost thou ask back immediately; and that too when thou art about to be not here, but there forever; when thou art about not to be here to be judged, but to render thine account? And if indeed one were building thee mansions where thou weft not going to remain, thou wouldest deem it to be a loss; but now, desirest thou here to be rich, whence possibly thou art to depart even before the evening? Knowest thou not that we live in a foreign land, as though strangers and sojourners? Knowest thou not that it is the lot of sojourners to be ejected when they think not, expect not? which is also our lot. For this reason then, whatsoever things we have prepared, we leavehere. For the Lord does not allow us to receive them and depart, if we have built houses, if we have bought fields, if slaves, if gear, if anyother such thing. But not only does He not allow us to take them and depart hence, butdoth not even account to thee the price of them. For He forwarned thee that thou shouldest not build, nor spend what is other men’s but thine own. Why therefore, leaving what is thine own, dost thou work and be at cost in what is another’s, so as to lose both thy toil and thy wages and to suffer the extremest punishment? Do not so, I beseech thee; but seeing we are by nature sojourners, let us also be so by choice; that we be not there sojourners and dishonored and cast out. For if we are set upon being citizens here, we shall be so neither here nor there; but if we continue to be sojourners, and live in such wise as sojourners ought to live in, we shall enjoy the freedom of citizens both here and there. For the just, although having nothing, will both dwell here amidst all men’s possessions as though they were his own; and also, when he hath departed to heaven, shall see those his eternal habitations. And he shall both here suffer no discomfort, (for none will ever be able to make him a stranger that hath every land for his city;) and when he hath been restored to his own country, shall receive the true riches. In order that we may gain both the things of this life and of that, let us use aright the things we have. For so shall we be citizens of the heavens, and shall enjoy much boldness; whereunto may we all attain, through the grace and love towards men of our Lord Jesus Christ, with Whom to the Father with the Holy Ghost, be glory and power for ever. Amen.


Homily XVII. - 2Co 8, 7. Therefore that ye abound in every thing;

1700 in faith and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness. (2Co 8,7-15)

See again his exhortation accompanied with commendations, greater commendations. And he said not, ‘that ye give,’ but “that ye abound; in faith,” namely, of the gifts, and “in utterance,” the word of wisdom, and “knowledge,” namely, of the doctrines, and “in all earnestness,” to the attaining of all other virtue.

“And in your love,” that, namely of which I have before spoken, of which I have also made proof.

“That ye may abound in this grace also.” Seest thou that for this reason it was that he began by those praises, that advancing forward he might draw them on to the same diligence in these things also.

2Co 8,8. “I speak not by way of commandment.”

See how constantly he humors them, how he avoids offensiveness, and is not violent nor compulsory; or rather what he says hath both these, with the inoffensiveness of that which is uncompelled. For after he had repeatedly exhorted them and had greatly commended the Macedonians, in order that this might not seem to constitute a necessity, he says,

“I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others, the sincerity also of your love.”

‘Not as doubting it,’ (for that is not what he would here imply,) ‘but to make it approved, display it and frame it unto greater strength. For I therefore say these things that I may provoke you to the same forwardness. And I mention their zeal to brighten, to cheer, to stimulate your inclinations.’ Then from this he proceeded to another and a greater point. For he lets slip no mode of persuasion, but moves heaven and earth in handling his argument. For he exhorted them both by other men’s praises, saying, Ye know “the grace of God which hath been given in the Churches of Macedonia;” and by their own, “therefore that ye abound in everything, in utterance and knowledge.” For this hath power to sting man more that he falls short of himself, than that he does so of others. Then he proceeds afterwards to the head and crown of his persuasion.

2Co 8,9. “For ye know the grace of our Lord, that though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might become rich.”

‘For have in mind,’ says he, ‘ponder and consider the grace of God and do not lightly pass it by, but aim at realizing the greatness of it both as to extent and nature, and thou wilt grudge nothing of thine. He emptied Himself of His glory that ye, not through His riches but through His poverty, might be rich. If thou believest not that poverty is productive of riches, have in mind thy Lord and thou wilt doubt no longer. For had He not become poor, thou wouldest not have become rich. For this is the marvel, that poverty hath made riches rich.’ And by riches here he meaneth the knowledge of godliness, the cleansing away of sins, justification, sanctification, the countless good things which He bestowed upon us and purposeth to bestow. And all these things accrued to us through His poverty. What poverty? Through His taking flesh on Him and becoming man and suffering what He suffered. And yet he owed not this, but thou dost owe to Him.

2Co 8,10. “And herein I give you my advice for your profit.”

See how again he is careful to give no offence and softens down what he says, by these two things, by saying, “I give advice,” and, “for your profit.” ‘For, neither do I compel and force you,’ says he, ‘or demand it from unwilling subjects; nor do I say these things with an eye so much to the receivers benefit as to yours.’ Then the instance also which follows is drawn from themselves, and not from others.

Who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.

See how he shows both that themselves were willing, and had come to this resolution without persuasion. For since he had borne this witness to the Thessalonians, that “of their own accord with much intreaty,” they had prosecuted this giving of alms; he is desirous of showing of these also that this good work is their own. Wherefore he said, “not only to do, but also to will,” and not “begun,” but “begun before, a year ago.” Unto these things therefore I exhort you, whereunto ye beforehand bestirred yourselves with all forwardness.

2Co 8,11. “And now also ye have completed the doing of it.”

(He said not, ye have done it, but, ye have put a completion to it,

“That as there was the readiness to will, so also [there may be] the completion also out of your ability.”

That this good work halt not at readiness but receive also the reward that follows upon deeds.

[2.] 2Co 8,12. “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not.”

See wisdom unspeakable. In that (having pointed out those who were doing beyond their power, I mean the Thessalonians, and having praised them for this and said, “I bear them record that even beyond their power;”) he exhorteth the Corinthians to do only “after” their power, leaving the example to do its own work; for he knew that not so much exhortation, as emulation, inciteth unto imitation of the like; wherefore he saith, “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not.”

‘Fear not,’ he means, ‘because I have said these things, for what I said was an encomium upon their munificence, but God requires things after a man’s power,’ “according as he hath, not according as he hath not.” For the word “is acceptable,” here implies ‘is required.’ And he softens it greatly, in confident reliance upon this example, and as winning them more surely by leaving them at liberty. Wherefore also he added,

2Co 8,13. “For I say not this, that others may be eased, and ye distressed.”

And yet Christ praised the contrary conduct in the widow’s case, that she emptied out all of her living and gave out of her want. (Mc 12,43) But because he was discoursing to Corinthinians amongst whom he chose to suffer hunger; “for it were good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorying void;” (1Co 9,15). he therefore uses a tempered exhortation, praising indeed those who had done beyond their power, but not compelling these to do so; not because he did not desire it, but because they were somewhat weak. For wherefore doth he praise those, because “in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality:” and because they gave “beyond their power?” is it not very evident that it is as inducing these also to this conduct? So that even if he appears to permit a lower standard; he doth so, that by it he may raise them to this. Consider, for instance, how even in what follows he is covertly preparing the way for this. For having said these things, he added,

2Co 8,14, “Your abundance being a supply for their want.”

For not only by the words he has before used but by these also, he is desirous of making the commandment light. Nor yet from this consideration alone, but from that of the recompense also, again he maketh it easier; and uttereth higher things than they deserve, saying, “That there may be equality at this time, and their abundance” a supply “for your want.” Now what is it that he saith? ‘Ye are flourishing in money; they in life and in boldness towards God.’ ‘Give ye to them, therefore, of the money which ye abound in but they have not; that ye may receive of that boldness wherein they are rich and ye are lacking.’ See how he hath covertly prepared for their giving beyond their power and of their want. ‘For,’ he saith, ‘if thou desirest to receive of their abundance, give of thine abundance; but if to win for thyself the whole, thou wilt give of thy want and beyond thy power.’ He doth not say this, however, but leaves it to the reasoning of his hearers; and himself meanwhile works out his object and the exhortation that was meet, adding in keeping with what appeared, the words, that “there may be equality at this time.” How equality? You and they mutually giving your superabundance, and filling up your wants. And what sort of equality is this, giving spiritual things for carnal? for great is the advantage on that side; how then doth he call it “equality?” either in respect of each abounding and wanting, doth he say that this [equality] takes place; or else in respect of the present life only. And therefore after saying“equality,” he added, “at this time.” Now this he said, both to subdue the high-mindedness of the rich, and to show that after our departure hence the spiritual possess the greater advantage. For here indeed we all enjoy much equality of honor; but then there will be a wide distinction and a very great superiority, when the just shine brighter than the sun. Then since he showed that they were to be not only giving, but also receiving, and more, in return; he tries by a further consideration to make them forward, showing that if they did not give of their substance to others, they would not gain anything by gathering all together within. And he adduces an ancient story, thus saying,

2Co 8,15. “As it is written, He that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack.”

Now this happened in the case of the manna. For both they that gathered more, and they that gathered less, were found to have the same quantity, God in this way punishing insatiableness. And this he said at once both to alarm them by what then happened, and to persuade them never to desire to have more nor to grieve at having less. And this one may see happening now in things of this life not in the manna only. For if we all fill but one belly, and live the same length of time, and clothe one body; neither will the rich gain aught by his abundance nor the poor lose aught by his poverty.

[3.] Why then tremblest thou at poverty? and why pursuest thou after wealth? ‘I fear,’ saith one, ‘lest I be compelled to go to other men’s doors and to beg from my neighbor.’ And I constantly hear also many praying to this effect, and saying, ‘Suffer me not at any time to stand in need of men?’ And I laugh exceedingly when I hear these prayers, for this fear is even childish. For every day and in every thing, so to speak, do we stand in need of one another. So that these are the words of an unthinking and puffed up spirit, and that doth not clearly discern the nature of things. Seest thou not that all of us are in need one of another? The soldier of the artisan, the artisan of the merchant, the merchant of the husbandman, the slave of the free man, the master of the slave, the poor man of the rich, the rich man of the poor, he that worketh not of him that giveth alms, he that bestoweth of him that receiveth. For he that receiveth alms supplieth a very great want, a want greater than any. Forif there were no poor, the greater part of oursalvation would be overthrown, in that we should not have where to bestow our wealth. So that even the poor man who appears to be more useless than any is the most useful of any. But if to be in need of another is disgraceful, it remains to die; for it is not possible for a man to live who is afraid of this. ‘But,’ saith one, ‘I cannot bear blows arched [in scorn.]’ Why dost thou in accusing another of arrogance, disgrace thyself by this accusation? for to be unable to endure the inflation of a proud soul is arrogant. And why fearest thou these things, and tremblest at these things, and on account of these things which are worthy of no account, dreadest poverty also? For if thou be rich, thou wilt stand in need of more, yea of more and meaner. For just in proportion to thy wealth dost thou subject thyself to this curse. So ignorant art thou of what thou prayest when thou askest for wealth in order to be in need of no man; just as if one having come to a sea, where there is need both of sailors and a ship and endless stores of outfit, should pray that he might be in need of nothing at all. For if thou art desirous of being exceedingly independent of every one, pray for poverty; and [then] if thou art dependent on any, thou wilt be so only for bread and raiment; but in the other case thou wilt have need of others, both for lands, and for houses, and for imposts, and for wages, and for rank, and for safety, and for honor, and for magistrates, and those subject to them, both those in the city and those in the country, and for merchants, and for shopkeepers. Do you see that those words are words of extreme carelessness? For, in a word, if to be in need one of another appears to thee a dreadful thing, [know that] it is impossible altogether to escape it; but if thou wilt avoid the tumult, (for thou mayest take refuge in the waveless haven of poverty,) cut off the great tumult of thy affairs, and deem it not disgraceful to be in need of another; for this is the doing of God’s unspeakable wisdom. For if we stand in need one of another, yet even the compulsion of this need draweth us not together unto love; had we been independent, should we not have been untamed wild beasts? Perforce and of compulsion God hath subjected us one to another, and every day we are in collision one with another. And had He removed this curb, who is there who would readily have longed after his neighbor’s love? Let us then neither deem this to be disgraceful, nor pray against it and say, ‘Grant us not to stand in need of any one;’ but let us pray and say, ‘Suffer us not, when we are in need, to refuse those who are able to help us.’ It is not the standing in need of others, but seizing the things of others, that is grievous. But now we have never prayed in respect to that nor said, ‘Grant me not to covet other men’s goods;’ but to stand in need, this we think a fit subject of deprecation. Yet Paul stood in need many times, and was not ashamed; nay, even prided himself upon it, and praised those that had ministered to him, saying, “For ye sent once and again to my need;” (Ph 4,16) and again, “I robbed other Churches, taking wages of them that I might minister unto you.” (2Co 11,8) It is no mark therefore of a generous temper, but of weakness and of a low minded and senseless spirit, to be ashamed of this. For it is even God’s decree that we should stand in need one of another. Push not therefore thy philosophy beyond the mean. ‘But,’ saith one, ‘I cannot bear a man that is entreated often and complieth not.’ And how shall God bear thee who art entreated by Him, and yet obeyest not; and entreated too in things that advantage thee? “For we are ambassadors on behalf of Christ,” (2Co 5,20) saith he, “as though God were entreating by us; be ye reconciled unto God.” ‘And yet, I am His servant,’ saith he. And what of that? For when thou, the servant, art drunken, whilst He, the Master, is hungry and hath not even necessary food, how shall thy name of servant stand thee in stead? Nay, this itself will even the more weigh thee down, when thou indeed abidest in a three-storied dwelling whilst He owns not even a decent shelter; when thou [liest] upon soft couches whilst He hath not even a pillow. ‘But,’ saith one, ‘I have given.’ But thou oughtest not to leave off so doing. For then only wilt thou have an excuse, when thou hast not what [to give], when thou possessest nothing; but so long as thou hast, (though thou have given to ten thousand,) and there be others hungering, there is no excuse for thee. But when thou both shuttest up corn and raisest the price, and devisest other unusual tricks of traffic; what hope of salvation shalt thou have henceforth? Thou hast been bidden to give freely to the hungry, but thou dost not give at a suitable price even. He emptied Himself of so great glory for thy sake, but thou dost not count Him deserving even of a loaf; but thy dog is fed to fulness whilst Christ wastes with hunger; and thy servant bursteth with surfeiting whilst thy Lord and his is in want of necessary food. And how are these the deeds of friends? “Be be reconciled unto God,” (2Co 5,20) for these are [the deeds] of enemies and such as are in hostility.

[4.] Let us then think with shame on the great benefits we have already received, the great benefits we are yet to receive. And if a poor man come to us and beg, let us receive him with much good will, comforting, raising him up with [our] words, that we ourselves also may meet with the like, both from God and from men. “For whatsoever ye would that they should do unto you, do ye also unto them.” (Mt 7,12) Nothing burdensome, nothing offensive, doth this law contain. ‘What thou wouldest receive, that do,’ it saith. The return is equal. And it said not, ‘what thou wouldest not receive, that do not,’ but what is more. For that indeed is an abstinence from evil things, but this is a doing of good things, in which the other is involved. Also He said not ‘that do ye also wish, but do, to them.’ And what is the advantage? “This is the Law and the Prophets.” Wouldest thou have mercy shown thee? Then show mercy. Wouldest thou obtain forgiveness? Then grant it. Wouldest thou not be evil spoken of? Then speak not evil. Longest thou to receive praise? Then bestow it. Wouldest thou not be wronged? Then do not thou plunder. Seest thou how He shows that virtue is natural, and that we need no external laws nor teachers? For in the things we wish to receive, or not to receive from our neighbors, we legislate unto ourselves. So that if thou wouldest not receive a thing, yet doest it, or if thou wouldest receive it, yet doest it not, thou art become self-condemned and art henceforth without any excuse, on the ground of ignorance and of not knowing what ought to be done. Wherefore, I beseech you, having set up this law in ourselves for ourselves, and reading this that is written so clearly and succinctly, let us become such to our neighbors, as we would have them be to ourselves; that may we both enjoy present immunity, and obtain the future good things, though the grace and love towards men of our Lord Jesus Christ, with Whom to the Father, together with the Holy Spirit, be glory, power, honor, now and for ever, and world without end. Amen.



Chrysostom on 2Cor 1600