Didymus the Blind

In his own words on Ephesians

• Ephesians 1:13

  One who takes on discipline and virtue receives in his own character the seal and form of the knowledge that he puts on. So one who is made a partaker of the Holy Spirit becomes likewise spiritual and holy through disciplined fellowship with him.

  ON THE HOLY SPIRIT 20

• Ephesians 4:11

  This is a house set up and ordered by Jesus.… He does not do this in a casual manner. It is with the utmost discrimination and discretion: One is assigned to the rank of an apostle, one to the place of a prophet, others to look after the flock of Christ and to work at the divine instruction of others for those saints who are prepared to learn.

  ON ZECHARIAH 1.228

• Ephesians 5:29

  When the apostle asks "whoever hated his own flesh?" what is meant by flesh? Flesh is to be taken care of, "nourished and fostered." Flesh here refers to the body yoked to the rational soul, as is clear [from the previous verse].

  ON ZECHARIAH 1.169

• Ephesians 5:32

  Since, however, in the preceding [passage], the Paradise was understood by us as a divine dwelling place of blessed powers through an allegory, appropriately also things concerning man and woman must be understood. Therefore, we have the beginnings leading to the assimilation brought forth by the blessed Paul, who said, "This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church." Therefore, the church gives birth to children in labor pains, for the toil of virtue precedes and is accompanied by sorrow, accomplishing unchangeable repentance unto salvation. But she gives birth to them through the bath of regeneration.

  On Genesis