So that you were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
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John Chrysostom
AD 407
And yet it was later that he went to them. But ye so shone, he says, that you became teachers of those who received (the word) before you. And this is like the Apostle. For he did not say, so that you became ensamples in regard to believing, but you became an ensample to those who already believed; how one ought to believe in God, you taught, who from the very beginning entered into your conflict.
And in Achaia, he says; that is, in Greece.
Do you see how great a thing is zeal? That it does not require time, nor delay, nor procrastination, but it is sufficient only to venture one's self, and all is fulfilled. Thus then though coming in later to the Preaching, they became teachers of those who were before them.
Moral . Let no one therefore despair, even though he has lost much time, and has done nothing. It is possible for him even in a little while to do so much, as he never has done in all his former time. For if he who before did not believe, shone so much at the beginning, ...
Do you see what a great thing zeal is? It does not ask for more time or delay or procrastinate. It is sufficient simply to offer one’s self, and all is fulfilled…. Why then do I say this? Because if we are awake we shall not need the help of others. If we sleep, the help of others accomplishes nothing for us, but even with their aid we perish…. You say that your prayers accomplish little? They accomplish much when we combine them with our acts…. But if you remain idle, you will receive no benefit.
