And if a man also competes as an athlete, yet is he not crowned, unless he strives lawfully.
All Commentaries on 2 Timothy 2:5 Go To 2 Timothy 2
Basil the Great
AD 379
But, if you place yourself in the hands of a man rich in virtue, you will become the heir of the good qualities he possesses and you will be supremely blessed with God and men. On the other hand, if, to spare the body, you seek a master who will condescend or, rather, degrade himself to the level of your vices, all in vain did you endure the struggle of renunciation, since you have surrendered yourself to a life of gratifying your passions by choosing a blind guide who will lead you into the pit. .
