Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs.
All Commentaries on Ephesians 4:28 Go To Ephesians 4
John Chrysostom
AD 407
Do you see what are the members of the old man? Falsehood, revenge, theft. Why said he not, Let him that stole be punished, be tortured, be racked; but, let him steal no more? But rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that has need.
Where are they which are called pure; they that are full of all defilement, and yet dare to give themselves a name like this? For it is possible, very possible, to put off the reproach, not only by ceasing from the sin, but by working some good thing also. Perceive ye how we ought to get quit of the sin? They stole. This is the sin. They steal no more. This is not to do away the sin. But how shall they? If they labor, and charitably communicate to others, thus will they do away the sin. He does not simply desire that we should work, but so work as to labor, so as that we may communicate to others. For the thief indeed works, but it is that which is evil.
