ACC ~ Titus 2 v14b

FOR ONE AND ALL AT THE SAME TIME. CHRYSOSTOM: “That he might purify unto himself a people of his own.” Considering the desperate condition of human nature and the ineffably tender solicitude of Christ, in what he delivered us from and what he freely gave us, and kindled by the yearning of affection towards him, this is a remarkably tender expression. Thus the prophets often appropriate to themselves him who is God of all, as in the words, “O God, you are my God, early will I seek you.” Moreover, this language teaches that each individual justly owes a great debt of gratitude to Christ, as if he had come for that person’s sake alone. For he would not have grudged this his condescension even if it were only for one person. The measure of his love to each is as great as to the whole world. COMMENTARY ON GALATIANS, GALATIANS 2:20.

CHURCH WITHIN THE CHURCH. AUGUSTINE: The faithful who are holy and good may be few in comparison with the larger number of the wicked, but … “many shall come from the east and the west and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”God shows to himself “a numerous people, zealous for good works.” … Even when sometimes darkened and, as it were, clouded over by a great number of scandals … still this people shines forth in her strongest members. LETTERS 93.9.30.

A PECULIAR PEOPLE. JEROME: He gave himself for us that he might make a periousion people (for thus is the term in Greek for “peculiar”) and that he might make them the emulator of good works. Though I have often pondered this term periousion and have sought after clues to its meaning in secular writers, I have come up with nothing. Thus, I have come to see that the apostle’s reference is primarily to the Old Testament. … It carries the meaning of “emulator of good works” through the special status conferred by the blood of Christ. COMMENTARY ON TITUS.

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