Commentary on 1 Corinthians

Methodius of Olympus (260–311)

Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord: the King against the tyrant; not with omnipotent power and wisdom, but with that which is accounted the foolishness

The apostle certainly, after assigning the planting and watering to art and earth and water, conceded the growth to God alone, where he says, "Neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase."

And again, "In Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel."

Desiring with all his might that believers in Christ should be chaste, endeavours by many arguments to show them the dignity of chastity, as when he says. Come, now, and let us examine more carefully the very words which are before us, and observe that the apostle did not grant these things unconditionally to all, but first laid down the reason on account of which he was led to this. For, having set forth that "it is good for a man not to touch a woman"

He added immediately, "Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife". and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment."

See also

• More works by Methodius of Olympus

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