ACC ~ 2 Timothy 2 v13a

INEFFABLE STRENGTH. CHRYSOSTOM: Therefore, “He can do nothing of himself”means nothing else than that he can do nothing in opposition to his Father, nothing different, nothing foreign. This is an attribute especially belonging to one who is giving proof of his equality with the Father and of complete agreement as well. But why does he not say, “He does nothing in opposition” instead of “He cannot”? It was in order that he might show from this once more that his equality is undeviating and complete. This statement does not imply any weakness in him but testifies to his great power. Besides, Paul says elsewhere of the Father, “That by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to deceive”; and again, “If we disown him, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” Now this word “cannot” is not, of course, indicative of weakness but of strength; indeed, ineffable strength. HOMILIES ON JOHN 38.3.

GOD REMAINS FAITHFUL. ATHANASIUS: Now the so-called gods of the Greeks, unworthy of the name, are faithful neither in their essence nor in their promises. They do not abide everywhere. The local deities come to nought in the course of time and undergo a natural dissolution. … But the God of all, being one really and indeed and true, is faithful, who is ever the same. … He is ever the same and unchanging, deceiving neither in his essence nor in his promise. As again says the apostle writing to the Thessalonians, “Faithful is he who calls you, who also will do it”; for in doing what he promises, he is faithful to his words. And he thus writes to the Hebrews as to the word’s meaning “unchangeable”: “If we believe not, yet he abides faithful; he cannot deny himself.” DISCOURSES AGAINST THE ARIANS 2.10.

2 Tim