Do your diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
All Commentaries on 2 Timothy 4:21 Go To 2 Timothy 4
John Chrysostom
AD 407
This Linus, some say, was second Bishop of the Church of Rome after Peter. And Claudia. You see how zealous for the faith the women were, how ardent! Such was Priscilla and this Claudia, already crucified, already prepared for the battle! But why, when there were so many faithful, does he mention only these women? Manifestly because they in purpose had already withdrawn from worldly affairs, and were illustrious above other. For a woman, as such, meets not with any impediments. It is the work of divine grace, that this sex should be impeded only in the affairs of this life, or rather not even in them. For a woman undertakes no small share of the whole administration, being the keeper of the house. And without her not even political affairs could be properly conducted. For if their domestic concerns were in a state of confusion and disorder, those who are engaged in public affairs would be kept at home, and political business would be ill managed. So that neither in those matters, as neither in spiritual, is she inferior. For she is able, if so inclined, to endure a thousand deaths. Accordingly many women have suffered martyrdom. She is able to practice chastity even more than men, no such strong flame disturbing her; and to show forth modesty and gravity, and holiness, without which no one shall see the Lord Hebrews 12:14; and contempt of wealth, if she will, and in short all other virtues.
Do your diligence to come before winter. See how he urges him, yet he does not say anything to grieve him. He does not say, Before I die, lest he should afflict him; but, Before winter, that thou be not detained.
Eubulus, he says, greets you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. He does not mention the rest by name. Do you see that those were the most zealous?
