Commentary on 2 Timothy

Basil of Caesarea (330–379)

If we offer glory to God in the Spirit, we mean that the Spirit enables us to fulfill the requirements of true religion. According to this usage, then, we say we are in the Spirit, but it is not objectionable for someone to testify, "the Spirit of God is in me, and I offer glory because his grace has given me the wisdom to do so." The words of Paul are appropriate: "I think that I have the Spirit of God," and "guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us."

One does not speak of the Spirit and of angels as if they were equals. The Spirit is the Lord of life. The angels are our helpers, our fellow servants, faithful witnesses of the truth. It is customary for the saints to deliver God's commandments in the presence of witnesses. St. Paul says to Timothy: "what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men." He asks the angels to testify with him, because he knows that angels will be present when the Lord comes in the glory of his father to judge the world in righteousness.

See also

• More works by Basil of Caesarea

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