Philoxenus of Mabbug

In his own words on Jonah

• Jonah 1:3

  And concerning Jonah it is also written, "He feared before the Lord and fled to Joppa." For although his fear was born of simplicity, yet like a man who feared God he fled in order that he might not draw nigh to the work which he thought was too hard for his strength.

  13 Ascetic Discourses, Discourse 7 -- Second Discourse on the Fear of God

• Jonah 1:9

  And concerning Jonah it is also written, "He feared before the Lord and fled to Joppa." For although his fear was born of simplicity, yet like a man who feared God he fled in order that he might not draw nigh to the work which he thought was too hard for his strength. And again when he was asked by the sailors whence he came, and what God he served, he said, "I fear the Lord, the God of heaven."

  13 Ascetic Discourses, Discourse 7 -- Second Discourse on the Fear of God

• Jonah 1:16

  And also when those who were with him in the ship saw the marvellous things which took place through God in the sea----for the sea rose up, like a being having intelligence, to demand from them the fugitive servant, and when he had been given unto it, it sank to rest and its billows were quieted----and saw through the things which took place the fear of God, it is written concerning them that "the men feared the Lord, and they offered up sacrifices unto the Lord, and vowed vows."

  13 Ascetic Discourses, Discourse 7 -- Second Discourse on the Fear of God