ACC ~ 2 Timothy 2 v8

THE DIVINE CONDESCENSION. CHRYSOSTOM: Why is this mentioned? It is directed chiefly against the heretics, at the same time to encourage Timothy, by underscoring the divine blessings accompanying sufferings, since Christ, our Master, himself overcame death by suffering. … For upon this point many had already begun to subvert God’s providence, being ashamed at the immensity of God’s love for humanity. For of such a nature are the benefits which God has conferred upon us that we were embarrassed to ascribe them to God and could not believe he had so far condescended. HOMILIES ON 2 TIMOTHY 4.

THE REALITY OF INCARNATION. THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: Some were teaching that it was merely the “assumed body” which came from the seed of David. Paul taught this to combat Simon’s Docetic heresy, by which the resurrection is emptied of meaning. COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY.

COUNTERING HERESY. THEODORET OF CYR: Paul discusses here only the human nature of Christ because he is responding to Simon’s heresy, where the true enfleshment of the Savior is denied. INTERPRETATION OF THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY.

THE CENTRALITY OF RESURRECTION. AUGUSTINE: Let us believe in Christ crucified; but in him as the one who rose again on the third day. That’s the faith that distinguishes us from them, distinguishes us from the pagans, distinguishes us from the Jews—the faith by which we believe that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. The apostle says to Timothy, “Remember that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel.” And again the same apostle, “Because if you believe in your heart,” he says, “that Jesus is Lord, and confess with your lips that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This is the salvation, the well-being, the safety and the soundness, which I discussed yesterday. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. I know that you believe; you will be saved. Hold firmly in your hearts, profess it with your lips, that Christ has risen from the dead. SERMONS 234.3.

2 Tim