ACC ~ 2 Corinthians 2 v14

CHRIST IS ALWAYS AHEAD OF US. AMBROSIASTER: For God to lead us in triumph in Christ is to make us victors in the faith of Christ, so that when unbelief has been trodden underfoot, faith may have its trophy. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

THANKS BE TO GOD. CHRYSOSTOM: Paul was in constant affliction everywhere he went, but this did not draw him into despair. On the contrary, he rejoiced and gave thanks, because although persecution might seem like a disgrace, in fact it was a very great honor. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 5.1.

COURAGE TESTED. EUSEBIUS: A whole band of soldiers, Ammon and Zeno and Ptolemy and Ingenuus, and with them an old man Theophilus, had taken their stand before the tribunal. When a certain man was being tried as a Christian and was inclined toward denying the faith, they, standing by, gnashed their teeth, and made signs with their faces, and stretched out their hands and gestured with their bodies. When the attention of all was directed toward them, before any could otherwise seize them, they rushed up first to the bench, saying that they were Christians, so that the governor and his assessors became fearful. Those who were being tried appeared most courageous in the face of what they were about to suffer, while their judges were afraid. And these paraded from the court and rejoiced in their testimony, as God “led them in triumph gloriously.” ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 6.41.

SWEET-SMELLING SERVICE. CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: By washing the feet of his disciples with his own hands as he sent them forth to noble deeds, the Savior manifested in an excellent way their journeying to bestow graces upon the nations. He purified that journeying in anticipation by his own power. The perfume left its aroma after it and suggests the sweet-smelling accomplishments that reach everyone. The suffering of the Lord, indeed, has filled us with its fragrance. CHRIST THE EDUCATOR 2.7.63.

2 Cor