ACC ~ James 4 v4

VIRTUE AND EVIL. ORIGEN: Since evil forms a friendship with the world and virtue a friendship with God, virtue and evil cannot coexist. CATENA.

GOD AND MAMMON OPPOSITES. DIDYMUS THE BLIND: Whoever loves the world by committing sin is revealed as an enemy of God, just as, on the other hand, one who affirms friendship with God by not sinning is a constant enemy of the world. Therefore, just as it is impossible to serve both God and mammon,so it is also impossible to be a friend of the world and of God at the same time. COMMENTARY ON JAMES.

EVEN THE SON FACED THESE ENMITIES. AUGUSTINE: It was because of these enmities toward God that not even his only-begotten Son was spared. TRACTATES 101.2.

THE UNDOING OF THE FALLEN ANGELS. HILARY OF ARLES: Love of honor and pride and boastfulness is hostile to God, for these things were the undoing of the fallen angels as well as of the first human couple, which is why to this day they are described as “enemies of God.” INTRODUCTORY TRACTATE ON THE LETTER OF JAMES.

TOLERATING ADULTEROUS TEACHERS. OECUMENIUS: James calls these people adulterers, not because they practiced physical adultery but because they corrupted the commands which were instituted by God and turned away to other loves. They were even prepared to tolerate an adulterous teacher, even if it was clear that he was as deep in the mud as any pig. COMMENTARY ON JAMES.

ENMITY TENDS TOWARD BLINDNESS. SYMEON THE NEW THEOLOGIAN: When one is at enmity toward someone else, he has no idea how to explain to others what that person approves of or likes, nor is he able to instruct them concerning his desires. DISCOURSES 2.11.

Jas