John Chrysostom : "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them." Observe how often he gives him counsel concerning the same things, thus showing that a teacher ought above all things to be attentive to these points. — Homily on 1 Timothy 13 John Chrysostom : "That thy profiting may appear," he says, "to all." Thus he would have him appear great and admirable in this respect also, showing that this was still necessary for him, for he wished that his "profiting should appear" not only in his life, but in the word of doctrine. — Homily on 1 Timothy 13 Oecumenius : Study these things; give yourself entirely to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine; continue in them. For by doing this, you will save both yourself and those who hear you. Study these things. Which ones? Those that Paul mentioned above. In word, he says, in conduct, in faith, in purity. And from the frequent repetition of the same things, it shows that the bishop must unquestionably guard these things. your progress may be evident to all. But if the progress does not become very great, it would not become obvious. In all, either with people or with matters. Take regard to yourself. That is, focus and apply your mind, not only for yourself but also for the sake of learning, so that you may benefit others as well. Then, giving precise instructions, Paul said, continue in them. For by doing this, you will save both yourself and those who hear you. For encouraging others, the one who encourages is also moved and benefited, becoming responsible for those whom he prevents from sinning. That he may suitably adapt himself to each individual. — COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY Tertullian : If he is making prayer to the Lord, he is near heaven. If he is bending over the Scriptures, he is "wholly in them." If he is singing a psalm, he satisfies himself. — On Exhortation to Chastity