ACC ~ 1 Corinthians 15 v10b

THE LABORS IMPOSED BY VIRTUE. BASIL: He who spends his time in softness and all laxity because of his luxurious living, who is clothed in purple and fine linen and feasting every day in splendid fashion and who flees the labors imposed by virtue has neither labored in this life nor will live in the future, but he will see life afar off, while being racked in the fire of the furnace. UNTO THE END 19.5.

I WORKED HARDER THAN ANY. CHRYSOSTOM: If Paul was so humble, why did he call attention to his labors? He had to do this in order to justify his right to be a trustworthy witness and a teacher. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 38.7.

GRACE DID NOT FIND HIM INACTIVE. CHRYSOSTOM: You are familiar with Paul, who labored so much and erected so many trophies in combat with the devil. He physically marched throughout the known world. He orbited the earth, ocean, air—he circled the world as if he had wings. He was stoned, beaten and murdered. He suffered everything for the name of God, called from above by a heavenly voice. … We know, we understand, he said, the grace we have received, and it did not find me inattentive. CONCERNING ALMSGIVING AND THE TEN VIRGINS 3.22.

THE ATHLETE OF CHRIST. AUGUSTINE: Gladly and with the eyes of faith do all in the City of God look up to this great man, Paul, this athlete of Christ, who was anointed by Christ and instructed by him. With him he was nailed to the cross, and through him made glorious. This man was made a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. He lawfully carried on a great conflict in the theater of this world and strained forward to the prize of his heavenly calling. CITY OF GOD 14.9.

1 Cor