ACC ~ Romans 12 v6

THE MEANING OF PROPHECY. ORIGEN: “Prophecy” refers to the content of the apostle’s teaching, not to the means by which it is taught. COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS.

THE GIFT OF PROPHECY. APOLLINARIS OF LAODICEA: Paul is saying here that if someone has the gift of prophecy, then he has the greatest gift, after that of apostleship. For God placed in the church first apostles and second prophets,and thus such a person, knowing that the apostleship comes first, ought to recognize the limitations of prophecy and accept that he is a servant who must follow the rule of service laid down by his superiors, just as the hands must do the bidding of the head. PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.

DIODORE: “Prophecy” means primarily the explanation of things which are unclear, whether future or past, whether present or hidden. “Prophecy” may also refer to the interpretation of a prophet’s words. PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.

HAVING GIFTS THAT DIFFER. BASIL: No one has the capacity to receive all spiritual gifts, but the grace of the Spirit is given proportionately to the faith of each one. THE LONG RULES 7.

AMBROSIASTER: Paul begins with prophecy, which is the first proof that our faith is rational, for believers prophesied when they received the Spirit. This is given in proportion to the recipient, that is, as much as is necessary for the purpose for which it is given. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

ACCORDING TO THE GRACE GIVEN. CHRYSOSTOM: Although prophecy is a grace, it does not flow forth freely at random but is given only in proportion to our faith. HOMILIES ON ROMANS 21.

[PSEUDO-]CONSTANTIUS: Not according to the faith which is from us but according to the faith which has been given and granted to each person from God. THE HOLY LETTER OF ST. PAUL TO THE ROMANS.

IF PROPHECY, IN PROPORTION TO FAITH. PELAGIUS: The gift does not depend upon us but upon the one who gives it. The glory to come is promised to all who believe, but the person who has a heart so pure that he deserves it receives the charismatic power which God has chosen for him even in this life.

If we receive prophecy, it is according to faith, not the law. Or perhaps this means that faith deserves it. For each one receives as much as he believes. PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON ROMANS.

THEODORET OF CYR: It is to be understood that … we each must use our gifts for the benefit of one another. … Prophecy does not refer only to the prediction of future events but also to the knowledge of things which have been hidden. INTERPRETATION OF THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS.

GENNADIUS OF CONSTANTINOPLE: “In proportion to our faith” not only applies to prophecy but may be extended by analogy to all the gifts. PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.

Rom