And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
All Commentaries on Luke 22:31 Go To Luke 22
Basil the Great
AD 379
We must know then, that God sometimes allows the rash to receive a fall, as aremedy to previous self-confidence. But although the rash man seems to have committed the same offense with other men, there is no slight difference. For the one has sinned by reason of certain secret assaults and almost against his will, but the others, having no care either for themselves or God, knowing no distinction between sin and virtuous actions. For the rash needing some assistance, in regard to this very thing in which he has sinned ought to suffer reproof. But the others, having destroyed all the good of their soul, must be afflicted, warned, rebuked, or made subject to punishment, until they acknowledge that God is a just Judge, and tremble.
