The Complete Commentaries
Modern translationRussian original
19th c. · Biblical commentary · English translation, 2026
Source edition: Творения иже во святых отца нашего Феофана Затворника: Толкования посланий апостола Павла; Псалом сто-осмнадцатый; Избранные псалмы; Псалмы 37-й и 3-й; Разрешение недоумений; Истолкование молитвы Господней словами святых отцов.
Cover art: Portrait of Saint Theophan the Recluse (warm-toned) — Unknown (19th-century lithograph) (Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Saint Theophan the Recluse gave much of his life in seclusion to a single task: opening the Scriptures to ordinary believers. This volume gathers the whole of that labor — his commentaries on all fourteen Pauline letters, from Romans through the Hebrews he did not live to finish, together with his exposition of Psalm 118 — and adds his shorter exegetical works: the expositions of selected psalms, his resolution of the perplexities of the unjust steward and the hundredfold promise, and his interpretation of the Lord's Prayer gathered from the words of the Holy Fathers. Exact in doctrine and warm in counsel, it is Scripture read as the Church has always read it.
Free to read onlineDownload free:EPUBKindle (AZW3)Kobo (KEPUB)
Contents
Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans
Preface (Romans 1:1–17)
- 6. The Inscription and Greeting (Romans 1:1–2)
- 7. Called to Be an Apostle for the Obedience of Faith (Romans 1:3–5)
- 8. The Beginning of the Epistle: Paul Praises the Faith of the Romans (Romans…
- 9. Paul’s Desire to See Them and His Debt to Enlighten All (Romans 1:11–14)
- 10. The Chief Subject of the Epistle: the Righteousness of God Revealed From…
The Doctrinal Part: On Salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:18–11:36)
- 11. No Salvation Apart From Faith in Christ: the Wrath of God Revealed Against…
- 12. The Gentiles Held the Truth of God in Unrighteousness (Romans 1:21–24)
- 13. Given Over to a Debased Mind (Romans 1:25–28)
- 14. The Catalogue of Iniquity; They Who Do Such Things Are Worthy of Death…
- 15. The Righteous Judgment of God on Every Soul (Romans 2:1–6)
- 16. God Will Render to Each According to His Works (Romans 2:7–10)
- 17. There Is No Respect of Persons With God; Doers of the Law Are Justified…
- 18. The Jews Also Held the Truth of God in Unrighteousness (Romans 2:16–19)
- 19. You Who Boast in the Law Dishonour God by Breaking It (Romans 2:21–27)
- 20. The True Jew, and the Advantage of the Jew (Romans 2:28–3:2)
- 21. Shall Our Unrighteousness Commend the Righteousness of God? (Romans 3:3–7)
- 22. None Is Righteous, No, Not One (Romans 3:8–12)
- 23. All the World Guilty Before God; By the Law Is the Knowledge of Sin (Romans…
- 24. God’s Wondrous Way of Salvation in His Only-Begotten Son: the Righteousness…
- 25. Christ Set Forth as a Propitiation Through Faith in His Blood (Romans 3:25)
- 26. Justified by Faith Apart From Works of the Law; Paul Draws to Faith by the…
- 27. Abraham Believed God, and It Was Counted to Him for Righteousness (Romans…
- 28. The Blessedness of the Man to Whom God Imputes Righteousness Without Works…
- 29. The Promise Sure to All the Seed Through the Faith of Abraham (Romans…
- 30. Being Justified by Faith, We Have Peace With God (Romans 4:20–5:1)
- 31. The Treasures of Faith: God Commends His Love in the Death of Christ for Us…
- 32. Reconciled to God by the Death of His Son; Adam and Christ (Romans 5:7–12)
- 33. The Meaning of Christ’s Economy in Human History: Grace Abounding Over Sin…
- 34. Grace Reigning To Eternal Life; Faith Binds Believers to Be Holy (Romans…
- 35. Buried With Christ in Baptism, That We Should Walk in Newness of Life…
- 36. Dead to Sin but Alive to God; How to Stand and Show Forth Holiness (Romans…
- 37. Present Yourselves to God as Instruments of Righteousness (Romans 6:13–16)
- 38. Freed From Sin, Servants of Righteousness (Romans 6:17–20)
- 39. The Wages of Sin Is Death, but the Gift of God Is Eternal Life (Romans…
- 40. Dead to the Law Through the Body of Christ; Not to Mingle Judaism (Romans…
- 41. The Law Did Not Multiply Sins, but the Sin Dwelling in Us (Romans 7:7–8)
- 42. Sin, Taking Occasion by the Commandment, Wrought Death (Romans 7:9–13)
- 43. What This Indwelling Sin Is, and How It Works (Romans 7:14–15)
- 44. The Inward Struggle: the Law of the Mind Against the Law of Sin (Romans…
- 45. Wretched Man That I Am! Who Shall Deliver Me? (Romans 7:21–25)
- 46. No Condemnation in Christ Jesus: the Bright State of Christians Under the…
- 47. The Mind of the Flesh Is Death, but the Mind of the Spirit Is Life and…
- 48. You Are Not in the Flesh but in the Spirit, If the Spirit of God Dwells in…
- 49. The Full Manifestation to Come: Led by the Spirit, Sons and Heirs of God…
- 50. The Spirit Bears Witness That We Are Children of God; the Whole Creation…
- 51. The Creation Waits for the Revealing of the Sons of God; the Firstfruits of…
- 52. The Firmness of Our Hope; the Spirit Helps Our Infirmity (Romans 8:24–26)
- 53. All Things Work Together for Good; Foreknown, Predestined, Called…
- 54. If God Be for Us, Who Can Be Against Us? (Romans 8:30–32)
- 55. Who Shall Separate Us From the Love of Christ? (Romans 8:33–35)
- 56. More Than Conquerors; Paul’s Great Love for His People (Romans 8:36–9:1)
- 57. The Unbelief of the Jews: Paul’s Grief for His Kinsmen (Romans 9:2–4)
- 58. The Rejection of Part of Israel Does Not Nullify God’s Promises (Romans…
- 59. God’s Purpose According to Election: Jacob and Esau (Romans 9:10–15)
- 60. It Is Not of Him That Wills, but of God That Shows Mercy (Romans 9:16–19)
- 61. Shall the Thing Formed Say to Him That Formed It? The Vessels of Mercy and…
- 62. Called Not From the Jews Only but Also From the Gentiles (Romans 9:24–27)
- 63. Why Many Jews Were Rejected and the Gentiles Called: Faith and Unbelief…
- 64. Christ the End of the Law for Righteousness to Everyone Who Believes…
- 65. The Righteousness of Faith: Confess With the Mouth, Believe in the Heart…
- 66. Whoever Calls on the Name of the Lord Shall Be Saved; Faith Comes by…
- 67. How Beautiful Are the Feet of Those Who Preach the Gospel (Romans 10:15–19)
- 68. The Consolation of the People of God: God Has Not Cast Away His People…
- 69. A Remnant According to the Election of Grace (Romans 11:6–9)
- 70. If Their Fall Is the Riches of the World, How Much More Their Fullness…
- 71. The Wild Olive Grafted In: Do Not Be Highminded, but Fear (Romans 11:17–22)
- 72. All Israel Shall Be Saved (Romans 11:23–28)
- 73. The Depth of the Riches and Wisdom of God: For of Him and Through Him Are…
The Moral Part (Romans 12:1–15:13)
- 74. The Spirit of the Christian Life: Present Your Bodies a Living Sacrifice…
- 75. How It Is Expressed in Life: The Gifts of Grace and the Members of One Body…
- 76. Rules for All Christians: Let Love Be Without Hypocrisy (Romans 12:7–9)
- 77. Be Fervent in Spirit, Serving the Lord; Rejoicing in Hope (Romans 12:10–12)
- 78. Distributing to the Needs of the Saints; Given to Hospitality (Romans…
- 79. Recompense No Man Evil for Evil (Romans 12:17–19)
- 80. Overcome Evil With Good; Be Subject to the Governing Authorities (Romans…
- 81. Render to All Their Dues; Owe No Man Anything but to Love One Another…
- 82. Love Is the Fulfilling of the Law; the Night Is Far Spent (Romans 13:9–12)
- 83. Put On the Lord Jesus Christ, and Make No Provision for the Flesh (Romans…
- 84. Receiving the Weak in Faith Without Disputes (Romans 14:1–5)
- 85. Each Shall Give Account of Himself to God; Judge Not One Another (Romans…
- 86. Put No Stumbling Block Before a Brother; the Kingdom of God Is…
- 87. Follow After the Things That Make for Peace and Edification (Romans…
- 88. We Who Are Strong Ought to Bear the Infirmities of the Weak (Romans…
- 89. Receive One Another as Christ Received Us, to the Glory of God (Romans…
- 90. The God of Hope Fill You With All Joy and Peace in Believing (Romans 15:13)
Conclusion of the Epistle (Romans 15:14–16:24)
- 91. Paul’s Explanation of His Ministry and Apology (Romans 15:14–19)
- 92. Paul’s Plans and His Request for Their Prayers (Romans 15:20–30)
- 93. Commendation and Greetings (Romans 15:31–16:3)
- 94. Greet One Another With a Holy Kiss (Romans 16:5–16)
- 95. A Warning; the Doxology and Postscript (Romans 16:17–24)
- The Author: Saint Theophan the Recluse
Commentary on the First Epistle to the Corinthians
Part 1. The Checking of the Disputes That Had Arisen (1 Corinthians 1:10–4:31)
- 1. Exhortation to Concord and Unity of Mind (1 Corinthians 1:10)
- 2. What the Dispute Consisted In (1 Corinthians 1:11–12)
- 3. The Absurdity of Such Talk Exposed (1 Corinthians 1:13–16)
- 4. The Word of the Cross: God’s Wisdom and Human Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:17–21)
- 5. God Chose the Foolish and Weak Things of the World (1 Corinthians 1:22–28)
- 6. Christ Our Wisdom; the Preaching Not in Persuasive Words (1 Corinthians…
- 7. The Hidden Wisdom of God, Revealed by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:6–10)
- 8. The Spiritual Man Discerns All Things; We Have the Mind of Christ (1…
- 9. Fed With Milk, Not Solid Food; the Apostles as Fellow Workers (1 Corinthians…
- 10. Building on the Foundation, Which Is Christ; the Temple of God (1…
- 11. Let No One Boast in Men: All Things Are Yours (1 Corinthians 3:18–23)
- 12. Ministers and Stewards of the Mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1–6)
- 13. The Apostles Made a Spectacle to the World (1 Corinthians 4:7–16)
- 14. Conclusion: The Sending of Timothy and Paul’s Coming (1 Corinthians 4:17–21)
Part 2. The Rebuke and Correction of Moral Faults (1 Corinthians 5–6)
- 15. The Rebuke for Indifference to the Sin of Incest (1 Corinthians 5:1–8)
- 16. Purging the Christian Community of Open Sinners (1 Corinthians 5:9–13)
- 17. The Rebuke for Lawsuits Before Unbelievers (1 Corinthians 6:1–6)
- 18. There Should Be No Lawsuits at All; the Unrighteous Shall Not Inherit (1…
- 19. Against a Life of Bodily Indulgence: the Body Is for the Lord (1…
- 20. Glorify God in Your Bodies and in Your Souls (1 Corinthians 6:20)
Part 3. Instructions on Marriage and Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:1–40)
- 21. The General Law of Marriage (1 Corinthians 7:1–2)
- 22. Counsel on the Marriage Bed; to the Unmarried and Widows (1 Corinthians…
- 23. Instruction to the Married; Remaining in One’s Calling (1 Corinthians…
- 24. On Celibacy: General Principles (1 Corinthians 7:25–35)
- 25. The Application of These Instructions (1 Corinthians 7:36–40)
Part 4. How to Regard Food Offered to Idols (1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1)
- 26. How the Stumbling Arises: Knowledge Puffs Up, Love Builds Up (1 Corinthians…
- 27. Take Heed Lest Your Liberty Become a Stumbling Block (1 Corinthians 8:7–13)
- 28. Paul’s Apostolic Rights, Which He Did Not Use (1 Corinthians 9:1–11)
- 29. All Things to All Men, for the Gospel’s Sake (1 Corinthians 9:12–20)
- 30. Running to Obtain the Prize; Buffeting the Body (1 Corinthians 9:21–27)
- 31. Examples of God’s Judgments Upon Israel (1 Corinthians 10:1–13)
- 32. The Cup of Blessing and the Table of Demons (1 Corinthians 10:14–22)
- 33. How to Deal With Food: Do All to the Glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1)
Part 5. The Rebuke and Correction of Certain Disorders at the Church Assemblies (1 Corinthians 11:2–34)
- 34. The Woman’s Head Should Be Covered by the Order of the Economy (1…
- 35. The Order of Creation and Common Sense on the Covering of the Head (1…
- 36. The Disorders at the Love-Feasts Exposed (1 Corinthians 11:17–22)
- 37. On the Mystery of the Body and Blood of the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:23–32)
- 38. Ordinances Concerning the Love-Feasts (1 Corinthians 11:33–34)
Part 6. On the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Church (1 Corinthians 12–14)
- 39. The Source, Purpose, and Diversity of the Gifts of the Spirit (1…
- 40. The Church as One Body With Many Members (1 Corinthians 12:12–26)
- 41. The Ordering of the Members in the Church; Seek the Greater Gifts (1…
- 42. Love, the More Excellent Way, Surpassing All Gifts (1 Corinthians 13:1–3)
- 43. Love, the Fullness of the Virtues (1 Corinthians 13:4–7)
- 44. Love Abides Forever (1 Corinthians 13:8–13)
- 45. The Superiority of Prophecy Over Tongues (1 Corinthians 14:1–11)
- 46. Tongues as a Sign; Seek to Edify the Church (1 Corinthians 14:12–25)
- 47. Rules for the Use of Prophecy and Tongues in the Church (1 Corinthians…
Part 7. On the Resurrection of the Dead (1 Corinthians 15)
- 48. The Truth of Christ’s Resurrection Is Certain (1 Corinthians 15:1–11)
- 49. If Christ Is Not Raised: The Consequences of Denial (1 Corinthians 15:12–22)
- 50. Christ the Firstfruits; the End, When He Delivers Up the Kingdom (1…
- 51. Baptism for the Dead; Dying Daily; a Brief Exhortation (1 Corinthians…
- 52. The Manner of the Resurrection: By What Power the Bodies Rise (1…
- 53. In What Form the Bodies Rise: the Natural and the Spiritual (1 Corinthians…
- 54. The First Adam and the Last Adam; Bearing the Image of the Heavenly (1…
- 55. The Prophecy of the Resurrection; the Song of Victory Over Death (1…
Part 8. Conclusion of the Epistle (1 Corinthians 16)
- 56. The Collection for the Saints in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1–4)
- 57. Paul’s Travel Plans; the Charge Concerning Timothy and Apollos (1…
- 58. Exhortations: Stand Fast in the Faith, in Mutual Love (1 Corinthians…
- 59. Greetings and the Apostle’s Final Word and Blessing (1 Corinthians 16:19–24)
- The Author: Saint Theophan the Recluse
Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians
Part 1: The Theoretical (2 Cor. 1:12–7:16)
- 8. The Reason for the Change of Travel Plans; the Apostle’s Sincerity (2 Cor…
- 9. That the Change of Plan Should Not Be Interpreted Unfavorably (2 Cor…
- 10. This Change Casts No Shadow on the Unchangeableness of Gospel Truth (2 Cor…
- 11. The Real Reason for the Change of Travel Plans (2 Cor. 1:23–2:4)
- 12. The Pardon of the Penitent Offender (2 Cor. 2:5–11)
- 13. On the Height of Christian Revelation, or Gospel Truth (2 Cor. 2:12–13)
- 14. The Properties and Effects of Gospel Truth (2 Cor. 2:14–3:3)
- 15. The Sufficiency of the Apostles Is From God; the New Covenant of the Spirit…
- 16. The Surpassing Glory of the Ministry of Righteousness (2 Cor. 3:9–14)
- 17. The Veil Removed in Christ; Beholding the Glory of the Lord (2 Cor…
- 18. The God of This Age Has Blinded the Minds of Unbelievers (2 Cor. 4:3–6)
- 19. The Treasure of Grace in Earthen Vessels (2 Cor. 4:7–13)
- 20. The Renewal of the Inward Man; the Eternal Weight of Glory (2 Cor. 4:14–5:1)
- 21. The Earthly Tent and the Heavenly Dwelling (2 Cor. 5:2–10)
- 22. How the Preaching of the Gospel Proceeds; the Love of Christ Constrains Us…
- 23. A New Creation; the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:16–21)
- 24. Now Is the Accepted Time; the Marks of the Ministers of God (2 Cor. 6:1–6)
- 25. Commending Ourselves in All Things; Be Enlarged Toward Us (2 Cor. 6:7–13)
- 26. Be Not Unequally Yoked; Come Out and Be Separate (2 Cor. 6:14–7:1)
- 27. Joy and Comfort at the Return of Titus; Godly Sorrow (2 Cor. 7:2–8)
- 28. Godly Sorrow Works Repentance to Salvation (2 Cor. 7:9–16)
Part 2: The Practical — On the Collection for the Saints (2 Cor. 8–9)
- 29. Stirring Up Zeal for Almsgiving: the Example of the Macedonians (2 Cor…
- 30. Further Motives to Generous Giving; Equality (2 Cor. 8:7–15)
- 31. The Apostle Sends Titus and Two Brethren to Corinth (2 Cor. 8:16–24)
- 32. Why the Apostle Sent Titus and the Brethren Ahead (2 Cor. 9:1–5)
- 33. An Exhortation to Generous and Cheerful Giving (2 Cor. 9:6–11)
- 34. Generous Giving Sets the Whole Christian Life in Motion, to God’s Glory (2…
Part 3: The Apologetic (2 Cor. 10:1–13:10)
- 35. In Person I Can Be Stern, as in My Letters (2 Cor. 10:1–5)
- 36. The Weapons of Our Warfare; Ready to Punish Disobedience (2 Cor. 10:6–11)
- 37. The Apostle’s Authority Empowers His Sternness; His Appointed Measure (2…
- 38. On Preaching the Gospel Without Charge (2 Cor. 11:1–9)
- 39. False Apostles as Angels of Light; the Apostle’s Boasting (2 Cor. 11:10–20)
- 40. What the Apostle Suffered in Preaching the Gospel (2 Cor. 11:21–26)
- 41. The Apostle’s Labors, Perils, and Care for the Churches (2 Cor. 11:27–32)
- 42. The Apostle Caught Up to the Third Heaven (2 Cor. 12:1–5)
- 43. The Thorn in the Flesh; Strength Made Perfect in Weakness (2 Cor. 12:6–10)
- 44. The Signs of Paul’s Apostleship at Corinth (2 Cor. 12:11–18)
- 45. Armed With Such Authority, I Will Come and Not Spare (2 Cor. 12:19–13:3)
- 46. Examine Yourselves; the Apostle’s Prayer for Their Perfecting (2 Cor…
Conclusion (2 Cor. 13:11–13)
Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians
Apologetic Part (Gal. 1:11–2:21)
- 11. The Gospel Received by Direct Revelation From the Lord (Galatians 1:11–16)
- 12. Confirmed by His Sudden Change; Not Learned From Others (Galatians 1:13–24)
- 13. Not Taught by the Apostles, Yet in Agreement With Them (Galatians 1:17–2:10)
- 14. The Purpose of His Going Up to Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1–2)
- 15. Titus Not Compelled to Be Circumcised; the False Brethren (Galatians 2:3–5)
- 16. The Chief Apostles Give the Right Hand of Fellowship (Galatians 2:6–21)
- 17. Paul Withstands Peter at Antioch (Galatians 2:11–14)
- 18. Justified by Faith in Christ, Not by Works of the Law (Galatians 2:15–21)
- Crucified With Christ; Christ Lives in Me (Continued) (Galatians 2:15–21)
Doctrinal Part (Gal. 3–5:12)
- 20. O Senseless Galatians! The Spirit Received by Faith, Not by Law (Galatians…
- The Blessing of Abraham and Redemption From the Curse (Continued) (Galatians…
- 22. The Law Does Not Annul the Promise to Abraham (Galatians 3:15–29)
- 23. Why Then Was the Law Given? The Guardian Unto Christ (Galatians 3:19–29)
- 24. No Longer a Slave, but a Son and Heir (Galatians 4:1–5:12)
- 25. Turning Back to the Weak Elements: Observing Days and Seasons (Galatians…
- 26. The Apostle’s Heartfelt Appeal to the Galatians (Galatians 4:11–20)
- 27. The Allegory of the Two Covenants: Jerusalem Above Is Free (Galatians…
- Children of the Free Woman: Stand Fast in Freedom (Continued) (Galatians…
- 29. Circumcision Profits Nothing; Faith Working Through Love (Galatians 5:2–6)
- 30. You Were Running Well: Who Hindered You? (Galatians 5:7–12)
Commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians
Inscription and Greeting (Ephesians 1:1–2)
The Dogmatic Part (Ephesians 1:3–3:21)
- 7. A Survey of the Economy of Salvation: Blessed Be God (Ephesians 1:3–4)
- 8. Predestined to Adoption; Redemption Through His Blood (Ephesians 1:5–9)
- 9. The Recapitulation of All Things in Christ; the Seal of the Spirit…
- 10. The Earnest of Our Inheritance (Ephesians 1:14)
- 11. Paul’s Prayer for a Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation (Ephesians 1:15–18)
- 12. The Surpassing Greatness of God’s Power; Christ Exalted Above All…
- 13. Made Alive Together With Christ (Ephesians 2:1–4)
- 14. By Grace You Are Saved Through Faith, Not of Works (Ephesians 2:6–10)
- 15. The Two Made One; Christ Our Peace (Ephesians 2:11–14)
- 16. Fellow Citizens With the Saints; the Temple of God (Ephesians 2:17–22)
- 17. The Mystery Hidden From the Ages, Now Revealed (Ephesians 2:22–3:5)
- 18. Paul, Minister of the Mystery; Access With Boldness (Ephesians 3:6–12)
- 19. Bowing the Knees: Strengthened in the Inner Man (Ephesians 3:13–17)
- 20. To Know the Love of Christ; the Doxology (Ephesians 3:18–21)
The Moral Part (Ephesians 4:1–6:18)
- 21. Walk Worthily: the Unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:1–4)
- 22. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism; the Ascent of Christ (Ephesians 4:5–10)
- 23. The God-Appointed Shepherds (Ephesians 4:11–13)
- 24. Growing Up Into Christ the Head (Ephesians 4:14–16)
- 25. Put Off the Old Man: General Rules of Life (Ephesians 4:17–21)
- 26. Put On the New Man; Put Away Lying (Ephesians 4:22–26)
- 27. Give No Place to the Devil; Grieve Not the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:27–31)
- 28. Be Imitators of God; Walk in Love (Ephesians 4:32–5:4)
- 29. Children of Light (Ephesians 5:5–12)
- 30. Walk Circumspectly; Be Filled With the Spirit (Ephesians 5:13–19)
- 31. Particular Rules by State of Life: Wives and Husbands (Ephesians 5:20–26)
- 32. The Great Mystery: Christ and the Church; Children and Parents (Ephesians…
- 33. Servants and Masters (Ephesians 6:5–9)
- 34. The Whole Armour of God (Ephesians 6:10–14)
- 35. The Shield of Faith, the Sword of the Spirit, and Prayer (Ephesians 6:15–18)
Conclusion of the Epistle (Ephesians 6:19–24)
Commentary on the Epistle to the Philippians
Preface — Inscription, Greeting, and Opening of the Epistle (Philippians 1:1–11)
Part 1 — The Apostle’s Account of Himself (Philippians 1:12–2:18)
- 8. The Progress of the Gospel; the Apostle’s Bonds and Hopes (Philippians…
- 9. To Live Is Christ, and to Die Is Gain (Philippians 1:21–26)
- 10. Live Worthily of the Gospel; Stand Fast in One Spirit (Philippians 1:27–30)
- 11. An Appeal to Unity of Mind (Philippians 2:1–2)
- 12. Removing the Obstacles to Humble Mutual Love (Philippians 2:3–4)
- 13. The Mind of Christ: His Self-Emptying and Exaltation (Philippians 2:5–11)
- 14. Work Out Your Salvation; Shine as Lights in the World (Philippians 2:12–18)
Part 2 — The Apostle’s Account of His Intentions (Philippians 2:19–30)
Part 3 — A Warning, with Applied Lessons (Philippians 3:1–4:1)
Part 4 — Brief Admonition to Certain Persons, with General Instruction (Philippians 4:2–9)
Part 5 — The Apostle’s Grateful Acknowledgment of Their Gift (Philippians 4:10–20)
Afterword (Philippians 4:21–23)
Commentary on the Epistle to the Colossians
Doctrinal Part (Colossians 1:12–20; 2:1–23)
- 9. Redemption and Translation Into the Kingdom of the Son (Colossians 1:12–14)
- 10. The Image of the Invisible God, Firstborn of All Creation (Colossians…
- 11. He Is Before All Things; Head of the Body, the Church (Colossians 1:17–18)
- 12. In Him All Fullness Dwells; Reconciliation by the Blood of His Cross…
- 13. The Apostle’s Share in the Dispensation Toward the Gentiles (Colossians…
- 14. The Apostle’s Striving; Warning Against Persuasive Words (Colossians 2:1–5)
- 15. Rooted in Christ; In Him Dwells the Fullness of the Godhead Bodily…
- 16. Circumcision of Christ; Buried and Raised With Him; the Bond Nailed to the…
- 17. Let No One Judge You; the Shadow and the Body (Colossians 2:16–19)
- 18. Dead With Christ to the Elements of the World (Colossians 2:20–23)
Moral Part (Colossians 3:1–25; 4:1–6)
- 19. The Essence of Life in Christ: Seek the Things Above (Colossians 3:1–4)
- 20. Mortify the Members; Put Off the Old Self (Colossians 3:5–8)
- 21. Put On the New Self, Renewed After the Image of the Creator (Colossians…
- 22. Put On Compassion, Forbearance, and Love, the Bond of Perfection…
- 23. The Means of Progress: Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You (Colossians…
- 24. Christian Life in the Household (Colossians 3:18–4:1)
- 25. Christian Life in the Church: Continue in Prayer (Colossians 4:2–4)
- 26. Christian Life Toward Those Outside (Colossians 4:5–6)
Commentary on the First Epistle to the Thessalonians
Preface — Inscription and Greeting (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
Part 1 — Historical (1 Thessalonians 1:2–3:13)
- 8. The Bright State of the Church: Thanksgiving and Their Virtues (1…
- 9. God’s Favor Shown in Their Election (1 Thessalonians 1:4–7)
- 10. The Beneficial Effect of Their Conversion and Faith (1 Thessalonians 1:8–10)
- 11. The Apostles’ Preaching and Conduct (1 Thessalonians 2:1–3)
- 12. The Apostles’ Sincerity and Gentleness (1 Thessalonians 2:4–8)
- 13. The Apostles’ Labor and Blameless Conduct (1 Thessalonians 2:9–12)
- 14. The Thessalonians’ Faith and Courageous Steadfastness (1 Thessalonians…
- 15. The Apostle’s Sorrow at Separation and Longing to See Them (1 Thessalonians…
- 16. The Sending of Timothy (1 Thessalonians 3:1–5)
- 17. Paul’s Joy at the Good News of Them (1 Thessalonians 3:6–10)
- 18. The Apostle’s Prayerful Good Wishes (1 Thessalonians 3:11–13)
Part 2 — Moral-Dogmatic (1 Thessalonians 4–5)
- 19. Lessons for Their Special Moral Needs; Exhortation to Chastity (1…
- 20. On Brotherly Love and Diligence (1 Thessalonians 4:9–12)
- 21. The Teaching on the Second Coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13–15)
- 22. The Resurrection of the Dead and the Lord’s Descent (1 Thessalonians…
- 23. Moral Application: The Day of the Lord Comes as a Thief (1 Thessalonians…
- 24. Children of the Day: Vigilance and Sobriety (1 Thessalonians 5:5–11)
- 25. Virtues That Sustain Christian Society (1 Thessalonians 5:12–15)
- 26. Characteristic Features of True Christian Life (1 Thessalonians 5:16–22)
- 27. The Final Goal: Sanctification of Spirit, Soul, and Body (1 Thessalonians…
- 28. Concluding Wishes (1 Thessalonians 5:25–28)
- The Author: Saint Theophan the Recluse
Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians
Preface (2 Thessalonians 1:1–2)
Part 1 — An Encouraging Sketch of the Thessalonians’ Bright Side (2 Thessalonians 1:3–12)
- 5. The Thessalonians’ Praiseworthy Qualities (2 Thessalonians 1:3–4)
- 6. Comfort in Tribulation; Assurance of Recompense (2 Thessalonians 1:5–7)
- 7. The Circumstances of the Recompense, I (2 Thessalonians 1:8)
- 8. The Circumstances of the Recompense, II (2 Thessalonians 1:9–10)
- 9. The Apostle’s Prayer for Their Progress (2 Thessalonians 1:11–12)
Part 2 — Corrective of Doctrine (2 Thessalonians 2)
- 10. Correcting Wrong Thoughts on the Second Coming (2 Thessalonians 2:1–2)
- 11. The Apostasy and the Man of Lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3–5)
- 12. What Restrains Him; the Mystery of Lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:6–7)
- 13. The Lawless One Destroyed by the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:8)
- 14. The Wiles of Antichrist and Whom He Deceives (2 Thessalonians 2:9–12)
- 15. The Bright Lot of Believers (2 Thessalonians 2:13–14)
- 16. Stand Fast and Hold the Traditions (2 Thessalonians 2:15–17)
Part 3 — Corrective of Morals (2 Thessalonians 3)
- 17. Concluding Requests and Good Wishes (2 Thessalonians 3:1–3)
- 18. Confidence in the Lord; the Apostle’s Wish (2 Thessalonians 3:4–5)
- 19. Withdraw From the Disorderly; the Apostle’s Example (2 Thessalonians 3:6–9)
- 20. He Who Will Not Work; Admonishing the Disorderly (2 Thessalonians 3:10–15)
- 21. Final Blessings, Salutation, and Prayer (2 Thessalonians 3:16–18)
- The Author: Saint Theophan the Recluse
Commentary on the First Epistle to Timothy
Preface (1 Timothy 1:1–2)
Part 1: On Faith in the Lord Jesus (1 Timothy 1:8–20)
Part 2: What Order to Establish and Keep Among Christians (1 Timothy 2:1–3:13)
- 8. On Church Assemblies: Prayer for All (1 Timothy 2:1–2)
- 9. One God, One Mediator Between God and Men (1 Timothy 2:3–6)
- 10. The Apostle Ordained a Preacher; Men to Pray Everywhere (1 Timothy 2:7–8)
- 11. The Adorning of Women; Saved Through Childbearing (1 Timothy 2:9–15)
- 12. On Those Chosen for the Clergy: the Bishop (1 Timothy 3:1–5)
- 13. Deacons: Their Qualifications and Reward (1 Timothy 3:6–13)
Part 3: How to Act Toward Those Shepherded (1 Timothy 3:14–6:19)
- 14. The Church, the Pillar of Truth; the Great Mystery of Godliness (1 Timothy…
- 15. In the Latter Times Some Shall Depart From the Faith (1 Timothy 4:1–2)
- 16. Every Creature of God Is Good; a Good Minister of Christ (1 Timothy 4:3–7)
- 17. Godliness Is Profitable to All Things; Be an Example (1 Timothy 4:8–12)
- 18. Give Heed to Reading; Take Heed to Yourself and the Doctrine (1 Timothy…
- 19. On Teaching by States of Life: Elders, and Widows Begun (1 Timothy 5:1–7)
- 20. Provide for Your Own; the Widows Indeed (1 Timothy 5:8–13)
- 21. Younger Widows; Honour the Presbyters (1 Timothy 5:14–20)
- 22. Lay Hands Suddenly on No Man; Keep Yourself Pure (1 Timothy 5:21–25)
- 23. On Servants and Masters; the Doctrine of Godliness (1 Timothy 6:1–3)
- 24. Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain (1 Timothy 6:4–8)
- 25. The Love of Money Is the Root of All Evil (1 Timothy 6:9–10)
- 26. O Man of God, Fight the Good Fight of Faith (1 Timothy 6:11–13)
- 27. Keep the Commandment; Charge to the Rich (1 Timothy 6:14–19)
Conclusion (1 Timothy 6:20–21)
Commentary on the Second Epistle to Timothy
The Instructional Part — Section A: Instruction in Preaching (2 Timothy 1:7–3:9)
- 3. The Spirit of Power and Love; Saved and Called (2 Timothy 1:7–9)
- 4. Christ Has Abolished Death; I Know Whom I Have Believed (2 Timothy 1:10–12)
- 5. Hold Fast Sound Words; Guard the Good Deposit (2 Timothy 1:13–18)
- 6. Be Strong in Grace; A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1–7)
- 7. If We Have Died With Him, We Shall Also Live With Him (2 Timothy 2:8–13)
- 8. Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:14–19)
- 9. Vessels of Honour in a Great House (2 Timothy 2:20–21)
- 10. Flee Youthful Lusts; the Lord’s Servant Must Be Gentle (2 Timothy 2:22–26)
- 11. Perilous Times in the Last Days (2 Timothy 3:1–9)
The Instructional Part — Section B: Encouragement (2 Timothy 3:10–4:8)
The Circumstantial Part, or Conclusion (2 Timothy 4:9–22)
Commentary on the Epistle to Titus
Preface (Titus 1:1–4)
Rules for the Guidance of St. Titus, and through Him of All Builders of Churches
- 8. Titus 1:5–7—Appointing Presbyters; the Bishop Blameless
- 9. Titus 1:8–9—The Bishop’s Virtues and Teaching
- 10. Titus 1:10–13—Silencing the False Teachers
- 11. Titus 1:14–16—Jewish Fables; To the Pure
- 12. Titus 2:1–3—Sound Doctrine; Older Men and Women
- 13. Titus 2:4–5—The Younger Women
- 14. Titus 2:6–10—Younger Men; Servants
- 15. Titus 2:11–15—The Grace of God Has Appeared
- 16. Titus 3:1–3—Submission; Our Former State
- 17. Titus 3:4–7—The Washing of Regeneration
- 18. Titus 3:8–11—Good Works; Reject the Heretic
Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews
- Introduction
- Introduction to the Epistle
- 1. Who Wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews?
- 2. To Whom Was It Written?
- 3. The Occasion, Purpose, and Motive for Writing the Epistle
- 4. The Place and Time of Writing
- 5. The Structure of the Epistle
- Dogmatic Part: The Superiority of the New-Covenant Economy of Salvation Over…
- A) The Exalted Person of the Mediator of the New Covenant
- The Author: Saint Theophan the Recluse
Commentary on Psalm 118
Selected Psalms
Psalm 33
- 11. Preface
- 12. Psalm 33
- 13. The Occasion for the Writing of the Psalm
- 14. The Content of the Psalm
- 15. The First Decade (Verses 2–11)
- 16. The Second Decade (Verses 12–23)
- 17. First Part of the First Decade (Verses 2–4)
- 18. On Giving Thanks to God for All Things at All Times (Verse 2)
- 19. On Praising God “at All Times” (Verse 2)
- 20. All Must Be Referred to God, and Upon Him Alone Must One Lean (Verse 3)
- 21. On the Spiritual Communion of Those Surrendered to God (Verses 3–4)
- 22. Second Part of the First Decade (Verses 5–11)
- 23. Saint David Encourages the Meek to Hope by the Example of His Own…
- 24. The Law of God’s Care for Us (Verse 8)
- 25. The Requisite Dispositions for Trustful Recourse to God (Verses 9–11)
- 26. The Second Decade
- 27. The Teaching on the Fear of God (Verses 12–13)
- 28. The Practice of the Fear of God (Verses 14–15)
- 29. The Second Part of the Second Decade (Verses 16–22). – The Fruits of the…
- 30. God’s Special Favor (Verses 16–17)
- 31. Swift Hearing of Prayer (Verse 18)
- 32. Nearness and Consolation in Sorrows (Verse 19)
- 33. Deliverance From Sorrows (Verse 20)
- 34. Their Recompense in Death and After Death (Verses 21–22)
- 35. The General Conclusion of the Psalm (Verse 23)
Commentary on Psalms 37 and 3
Psalm 37
- 1. The Sinner’s Terror Before God, Feeling Himself Under Wrath (Vv. 2–4)
- 2. The Sinner’s Awareness of His Ruinous Condition (Vv. 4–8)
- 3. The Sinner’s Penitential Feelings: His Grieving Over His Bitter State (Vv…
- 4. The Sinner Beholding His Own Helplessness (Vv. 12–15)
- 5. The Sinner’s Ascent to Confident Hope, and His Establishment in It (Vv…
- 6. The Firm Resolve: Having Confessed His Sin, to Blot It Out (V. 19)
- 7. The Concluding Prayer of the Penitent (Vv. 20–23)
A Resolution of Perplexities: On the Unjust Steward and the Hundredfold Promise
An Interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer in the Words of the Holy Fathers
- Introduction
- 1. On the Lord’s Prayer in General
- 2. The Invocation: “Our Father, Who is in Heaven”
- 3. “Father”
- 4. “Our”
- 5. “Who is in Heaven”
- 6. Lessons From This Invocation
- 7. The Seven Petitions
- 8. The First Petition: “Hallowed Be Your Name.”
- 9. The Second Petition: “Your Kingdom Come”
- 10. The Third Petition: “Your Will Be Done on Earth as It Is in Heaven”
- 11. The Fourth Petition: “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread.”
- 12. The Fifth Petition: “Forgive Us Our Debts, as We Also Have Forgiven Our…
- 13. The Sixth Petition: “And Lead Us Not Into Temptation”
- 14. The Seventh Petition: “But Deliver Us From the Evil One”
- 15. The Doxology: “For Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory…
- 16. Concluding Thoughts
- The Author: Saint Theophan the Recluse