yourselves;” not even the faith is yours altogether; for ye were not first with your belief, but
obeyed a call.
“With all who call upon the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Not “of this or that man,”
but “the Name of the Lord.”
[2.] “In every place, both theirs and ours.” For although the letter be written to the
Corinthians only, yet he makes mention of all the faithful that are in all the earth; showing
that the Church throughout the world must be one, however separate in divers places; and
much more, that in Corinth. And though the place separate, the Lord binds them together,
being common to all. Wherefore also uniting them he adds, “both theirs and ours.” And
this is far more powerful [to unite], than the other [to separate]. For as men in one place,
having many and contrary masters, become distracted, and their one place helps them not
to be of one mind, their masters giving orders at variance with each other, and drawing each
their own way, according to what Christ says, (St. Matt. vi. 24) “Ye cannot serve God and
Mammon;” so those in different places, if they have not different lords but one only, are not
by the places injured in respect of unanimity, the One Lord binding them together. “I say
not then, (so he speaks,) that with Corinthians only, you being Corinthians ought to be of
one mind, but with all that are in the whole world, inasmuch as you have a common Master.”
4
This is also why he hath a second time added “our;” for since he had said, “the Name of Jesus
Christ our Lord,” lest he should appear to the inconsiderate to be making a distinction, he
subjoins again, “both our Lord and theirs.”
[3.] That my meaning may be clearer, I will read it according to its sense thus: “Paul
and Sosthenes to the Church of God which is in Corinth and to all who call upon the Name
of Him who is both our Lord and theirs in every place, whether in Rome or wheresoever
else they may be: grace unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Or again thus; which I also believe to be rather more correct: “Paul and Sosthenes to
those that are at Corinth, who have been sanctified, called to be Saints, together with all who
call upon the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ in place, both theirs and ours;” that is to say,
“grace unto you, and peace unto you, who are at Corinth, who have been sanctified and
called;” not to you alone, but “with all who in every place call upon the Name of Jesus Christ,
our Lord and theirs.”
Now if our peace be of grace, why hast thou high thoughts? Why art Thou so puffed
up, being saved by grace? And if thou hast peace with God, why wish to assign thyself to
others? since this is what separation comes to. For what if you be at “peace” with this man,
and with the other even find “grace?” My prayer is that both these may be yours from God;
both from Him I say, and towards Him. For neither do they abide (μένει, Savile in marg.)
secure except they enjoy the influence from above; nor unless God be their object will they
aught avail you: for it profiteth us nothing, though we be peaceful towards all men, if we be
at war with God; even as it is no harm to us, although by all men we are held as enemies, if
11
Homily I