ACC ~ Ephesians 3 v8a

THE LEAST OF ALL THE SAINTS. JEROME: Although it is a token of humility to call oneself “the least of all the saints,” one is guilty of deceit if one conceals the truth in the heart and says something else with the tongue. We must therefore look for an argument showing how Paul truly was “the least of all the saints” and yet did not fall from the rank of an apostle. The Lord says in the Gospel. “He who would be great among you, let him be less than all.”… Paul demonstrates this in his actions. … Therefore the apostle Paul was meekest of all who sought to be weak on Christ’s account. … Because of this humility, amazing grace was given to him. In this way he became “the least of all the saints” in order “to preach the unsearchable mysteries of God.” EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS 2.3.8-9.

PAUL’S HUMILITY. CHRYSOSTOM: Those who visit a doctor do not complete their journey simply by arriving there. They must also learn the remedy and apply the medicines. We too, having reached this point, need to do the same, by learning the great humility of Paul. … Paul demonstrates humility when he calls himself a blasphemer and a persecutor. He describes himself as a dreadful offender on account of his former sins, which had now been canceled, … hence as “the least of all the saints.” He did not say “of the apostles” but of the saints who come after the apostles. HOMILY ON EPHESIANS 7.3.8-11.

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