Commentary on 1 Corinthians

Ambrose of Milan (340–397)

Christ was made our sanctification, not so that he might change what he was but that he might sanctify us in the flesh.

As you receive everything, call upon God for everything. What you have is from God. Always acknowledge that you are his debtor.

And so he who was a good athlete said: "We are made a spectacle to this world and to Angels." Worthy indeed was he to be gazed upon by Angels, when he was striving to attain the prize of Christ, when he was striving to lead on earth the life of Angels, and overcome the wickedness of spirits in heaven, for he wrestled with spiritual wickedness. Rightly did the world gaze upon him, that it might imitate him.

First he made mention of the rod, and like the almond rod struck those who were wandering, that he might afterwards comfort them in the spirit of meekness. And so meekness restored him whom the rod had deprived of the heavenly sacraments.

And therefore the Apostle says: Flee from fornication; so that by a swift flight, we may avoid the cruelty of the raging mistress and be able to escape from her foul service.

See also

• More works by Ambrose of Milan

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