Philoxenus of Mabbug

In his own words on 2 Timothy

• 2 Timothy 2:4

  And again Paul himself saith, "No soldier on service who entangleth himself in the affairs of the world is able to please Him Who elected him. And if he contendeth, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully." What then? If the soldiers of the kingdom of the world empty themselves of everything that they may learn the arts of their service, and may thereby please the king who elected them, what disciple who hath been elected to the spiritual service, is able to become captain if he be bound by the things of the world?

  13 Ascetic Discourses, Discourse 9 -- Second Discourse on Poverty

• 2 Timothy 2:12

  And again he saith, "If we endure with Him, we shall reign with Him." And again he saith, "He shall change the body of our humility, and shall make it like unto His glorious body, according to His great power through which all things are subject unto Him." Now therefore unto this greatness will the disciple attain if he travelleth completely in his Master's footsteps, but in order that thou mayest not think that this portion of honour came only to the Apostles, Paul said, "If we suffer with Him, we shall also be glorified with Him, and if we endure we shall also reign with Him."

  13 Ascetic Discourses, Discourse 9 -- Second Discourse on Poverty

• 2 Timothy 2:12

  Let us always remember the word of the Apostle, "By tribulation it is meet that we should enter the kingdom of God," and with the Apostle let us say each to each, "If we suffer with Christ, we shall be glorified with Christ, and if we endure with Him, we shall also reign with Him."

  13 Ascetic Discourses, Discourse 11 -- On Abstinence

• 2 Timothy 2:13

  Faith is that which is not a name only, nor is it even voice or speech; but it is that which sheweth itself by the true examination of the soul, and by the sure and certain stability of the thoughts, and it denieth not itself, but in this respect also it is to be compared with God, concerning Whom Paul saith, "He cannot deny Himself." Thus also is it with the faith which denieth not itself, which bringeth not doubt upon itself, upon which no suspicion falleth, and whose power fear reacheth not. Everything that it wisheth, it doeth, and whatsoever it seeketh is given unto it.

  13 Ascetic Discourses, Discourse 2 -- On Faith

• 2 Timothy 3:17

  Jesus wished and desired this service, so that all the children of men might arrive at perfection. And His coming into the world took place that He might deliver to the children of men the life and rule of spiritual beings, even as also the holy Apostle taught that it was meet that the man of God should be in all perfection, saying, "The man of God shall be perfect to do every good and perfect thing."

  13 Ascetic Discourses, Discourse 8 -- First Discourse on Poverty