ACC ~ Romans 15 v2

TO EDIFY. ORIGEN: We ought to please God first, then our neighbor. But perhaps someone will say that Paul is contradicting himself here, because elsewhere he says: “If I please men, then I am not a servant of Christ.”… In answer to this it must be said that it is one thing to try to please others in order to get their praise and quite another to please them in order that one’s own life might be blameless, so that those who meet us may be edified by what they see and hear. We are not called to please others by doing things which are against faith, honor and piety. … Note that Paul himself says this, when he adds that in pleasing our neighbor the purpose is to edify him. COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS.

CARE FOR THE POOR. CHRYSOSTOM: If you are rich and powerful, do not please yourself but look after the poor and needy, because that way you will enjoy true glory and be doing much service besides. HOMILIES ON ROMANS 27.

NOT SEEKING MY OWN ADVANTAGE. PELAGIUS: Let us be commended not by ourselves but by our neighbors, just as Paul sets his own example before us elsewhere when he says: “Just as I try to please all men in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage but that of many, that they may be saved.” For nobody can build up another person if he has not first attracted him by his good life. But those who do their own will, because they are seeking their own advantage, are pleasing themselves. Paul indicates how and why we should please, so that we do not do it for worthless glory. PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON ROMANS.

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