Not given to wine, or a lover of wine. This, says St. Chrysostom, is less than to be a drunkard; for such are excluded from the kingdom of heaven, whoever they be. (1 Corinthians vi. 10.)
No striker. St. Chrysostom understands not striving, fighting or quarreling even with his tongue.
Not covetous of money, as appears by the Greek text. (Witham)
Let your breath never smell of wine, lest the philosopher’s words be said to you, “Instead of offering me a kiss, you are giving me a taste of wine.” Priests given to wine are both condemned by the apostle and forbidden by the old law…. Whatever intoxicates and disturbs the balance of the mind, avoid as you would wine. I do not say that we are to condemn what is a creature of God. The Lord himself was called a “winebibber,” and wine in moderation was allowed to Timothy because of his weak stomach. I only require that drinkers should observe that limit which their age, their health or their constitution requires.
“No striker.” This too does not mean a striker with the hands. What does “no striker” then mean? Because there are some who unseasonably smite the consciences of their brethren, it seems to be said with reference to them.
Not given to wine: here he does not so much mean intemperate, as insolent and impudent. No striker: this too does not mean a striker with the hands. What means then no striker? Because there are some who unseasonably smite the consciences of their brethren, it seems to be said with reference to them. Not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient: not a brawler, not covetous; one that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity. If then he who is married cares for the things of the world 1 Corinthians 7:33, and a Bishop ought not to care for the things of the world, why does he say the husband of one wife? Some indeed think that he says this with reference to one who remains free from a wife. But if otherwise, he that has a wife may be as though he had none. 1 Corinthians 7:29 For that liberty was then properly granted, as suited to the nature of the circumstances then existing. And it is very possible, if a man will, so to regulate his conduct. For as riches ...
