See then that you walk carefully, not as fools, but as wise,
Read Chapter 5
Ambrosiaster
AD 400
Paul has previously ordained that false and vicious lives be exposed by the servants of God. He now adds a qualifier: they are to be exposed in a careful manner to avoid scandal. The faithful must be prudent in their conduct among the faithless, especially at a time when the faithless hold dominion, trusting in an unholy ruler. If then a Christian encounters a troubler who is turbulent and angry, he should be cautious in his presence so as not to incite him to blaspheme or raise a storm. He will utter his words where occasion offers. .
He is still cleansing away the root of bitterness, still cutting off the very groundwork of anger. For what is he saying? Look carefully how ye walk. They are sheep in the midst of wolves, and he charges them to be also as doves. For you shall be harmless, says he, as doves. Matthew 10:16 Forasmuch then as they were both among wolves, and were besides commanded not to defend themselves, but to suffer evil, they needed this admonition. Not indeed but that the former was sufficient to render them stronger; but now that there is besides the addition of the two, reflect how exceedingly it is heightened. Observe then here also, how carefully he secures them, by saying, Look how ye walk. Whole cities were at war with them; yea, this war made its way also into houses. They were divided, father against son, and son against father, mother against daughter, and daughter against mother. What then? Whence these divisions? They heard Christ say, He that loves father or mother more than me, is not w...
