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
Ambrosiaster
AD 400
Paul exhorts them not to return to their past vices and sins. He wants them to behave as new persons. What good is it to be called new if our evil deeds prove us to be still gripped by our old nature? The Christian is commanded not merely to avoid stealing but more so to care actively for the poor through his own hard work. Hence by commitment to good works he may restore what he formerly stole. We are not to be praised for refusing to steal. What makes one praiseworthy is to give of one’s own to the needy.
