Bible Verses and Early Church Commentary | Historical Christian Faith

[AD 69] Hebrews on Psalms 27:1

Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. [Psalms 27:1]

[AD 253] Origen of Alexandria on Psalms 27:1

Christians have nothing to fear, even if demons should not be well-disposed to them; for they are protected by the supreme God, who is well pleased with their piety and who sets his divine angels to watch over those who are worthy of such guardianship, so that they can suffer nothing from demons. He who by his piety possesses the favor of the Most High, who has accepted the guidance of Jesus, the “angel of the great counsel,” being well contented with the favor of God through Christ Jesus, may say with confidence that he has nothing to suffer from the whole host of demons.

Source: AGAINST CELSUS 8:27

[AD 390] Diodorus of Tarsus on Psalms 27:1

Tribulation caused the Israelites to live in darkness, as it were, whereas the Lord’s support proved a light and help to them.

Source: COMMENTARY ON PSALM 27

[AD 395] Gregory of Nyssa on Psalms 27:1

He is called a light by David, and from there the light of knowledge shines in people who are enlightened.

Source: AGAINST EUNOMIUS 2:15

[AD 430] Augustine of Hippo on Psalms 27:1

Christ's young soldier speaks, on his coming to the faith. "The Lord is my light, and my salvation: whom shall I fear?" [Psalm 27:1]. The Lord will give me both knowledge of Himself, and salvation: who shall take me from Him? "The Lord is the Protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?" The Lord will repel all the assaults and snares of mine enemy: of no man shall I be afraid.

Source: Exposition on Psalm 27

[AD 461] Leo the Great on Psalms 27:1

In rendering service to the grace of God, we are not only made subject to our King through obedience but are even joined to him through the will. If we are of one mind with him (willing what he wills, disapproving of what he disapproves), he himself will bring us victory in all our battles. He who has given the “will” will bestow also the ability. In this way can we “cooperate” with his works, speaking that prophetic utterance in the exultation of faith: “The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defender of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?”

Source: SERMON 26:4.2

[AD 585] Cassiodorus on Psalms 27:1

“Whom shall I fear” means “I will fear no one”; for the fear of the Lord has brought him to the point that he could not fear anyone else.

Source: EXPLANATION OF THE PSALMS 27:2

[AD 390] Diodorus of Tarsus on Psalms 27:2

Having referred to the victory in the introduction, he states these two clauses by way of narrative; lest he seem to be giving thanks needlessly, he introduces as well the reason for thanksgiving in the words “When some enemies assembled against me who were so fierce and unrelenting as even to take a piece of me, as it were, then in particular I clearly sensed God’s help, with their fall and our conquest.”

Source: COMMENTARY ON PSALM 27

[AD 397] Ambrose of Milan on Psalms 27:2

David says that he does not fear, because the enemy were eating up his flesh but not his soul.

Source: Concerning Repentance 1.14.77

[AD 430] Augustine of Hippo on Psalms 27:2

"Whilst the guilty approach unto me to eat up my flesh" [Psalm 27:2]. Whilst the guilty come near to recognise and insult me, that they may exalt themselves above me in my change for the better; that with their reviling tooth they may consume not me, but rather my fleshly desires. "Mine enemies who trouble me." Not they only who trouble me, blaming me with a friendly intent, and wishing to recall me from my purpose, but mine enemies also. "They became weak, and fell." Whilst then they do this with the desire of defending their own opinion, they became weak to believe better things, and began to hate the word of salvation, whereby I do what displeases them.

Source: Exposition on Psalm 27

[AD 458] Theodoret of Cyrus on Psalms 27:2

Those who stole an advantage over me in their pursuit like wild animals and their attempts to make a meal of me while still alive, far from doing me any harm, were themselves the victims of total destruction.

Source: COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 27:3

[AD 253] Origen of Alexandria on Psalms 27:3

You see steadfastness and vigor of the soul that keeps the commandments of God and has the confidence of uncreated liberty.

Source: HOMILIES ON LEVITICUS 16:6.1

[AD 253] Origen of Alexandria on Psalms 27:3

It may be that these words are spoken by the prophet of no one else but the Savior, who feared no one because of the light and salvation given from the Father and who was afraid of no one because of the protection with which God shielded him. And his heart was not at all fearful when the entire host of Satan encamped against him. His heart, filled with sacred teachings, hoped in God when war rose up against him.

Source: EXHORTATION TO MARTYDOM 29

[AD 399] Evagrius Ponticus on Psalms 27:3

One who follows the active life wages war by his own virtues with alien virtues. One who follows the contemplative life using true dogmas destroys every thought opposed to the knowledge of God.

Source: NOTES ON THE PSALMS 26[27].3

[AD 430] Augustine of Hippo on Psalms 27:3

"If camps stand together against me, my heart will not fear." But if the multitude of gain-sayers conspire to stand together against me, my heart will not fear, so as to go over to their side. "If war rise up against me, in this will I trust" [Psalm 27:3]. If the persecution of this world arise against me, in this petition, which I am pondering, will I place my hope.

Source: Exposition on Psalm 27

[AD 458] Theodoret of Cyrus on Psalms 27:3

Having such wonderful experience of assistance, he is saying, even should two or three times the number of enemies try to attack me, I would brave the difficulties, armed with this hope.

Source: COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 27:3

[AD 430] Augustine of Hippo on Psalms 27:4

"One have I asked of the Lord, this will I require." For one petition have I asked the Lord, this will I require. "That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life" [Psalm 27:4]. That as long as I am in this life, no adversities may exclude me from the number of them who hold the unity and the truth of the Lord's faith throughout the world. "That I may contemplate the delight of the Lord." With this end, namely, that persevering in the faith, the delightsome vision may appear to me, which I may contemplate face to face. "And I shall be protected, His temple." And death being swallowed up in victory, I shall be clothed with immortality, being made His temple.

Source: Exposition on Psalm 27

[AD 458] Theodoret of Cyrus on Psalms 27:4

Having enjoyed such beneficence, he is saying, I seek from my benefactor not wealth or influence, royalty or glory, but constant attendance in the divine temple, contemplation of the divine beauty there and inspection of everything happening in accordance with law. I have … already secured salvation from that source and escaped the hand of my pursuers. This the mighty David both asked for and received from the munificent God: he brought back the divine ark, erected another more wonderful tabernacle and assembled the different choirs of singers. You could gain a more precise knowledge of this from the books of Chronicles.

Source: COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 27:4

[AD 735] Bede on Psalms 27:4

Let us strive with all our strength of soul to arrive there. Let us make our way there by the inward affection of our heart. Let us long [to arrive] there. Let us beg all together, and let us beg individually, of the Maker of that house, that we may dwell in his house all days of our life.

Source: Homilies on the Gospels 2:4

[AD 735] Bede on Psalms 27:4

The Lord, born a human being among human beings, did what God, by divine inspiration through [his] angels, prescribed for human beings to do. He himself kept the law that he gave in order to show us, who are human beings pure and simple, that whatever God orders is to be observed in everything. Let us follow the path of his human way of life if we take delight in looking on the glory of his divinity, if we want to dwell in his eternal home in heaven all the days of our lives, if it delights [us] to see the Lord’s will and to be shielded by his holy temple. And lest we be forever buffeted by the wind of wickedness, let us remember to frequent the house, the church of the present time, with the requisite offerings of pure petitions.

Source: Homilies on the Gospels 1:19

[AD 430] Augustine of Hippo on Psalms 27:5

"For He has hidden me in His tabernacle in the day of my evils" [Psalm 27:5]. For He has hidden me in the dispensation of His Incarnate Word in the time of temptations, to which my mortal life is exposed. "He has protected me in the secret place of His tabernacle." He has protected me, with the heart believing unto righteousness.

Source: Exposition on Psalm 27

[AD 390] Diodorus of Tarsus on Psalms 27:6

God takes more satisfaction in the praise in these sacrifices than in the slaughter of animals.

Source: COMMENTARY ON PSALM 27

[AD 430] Augustine of Hippo on Psalms 27:6

"On a rock has He exalted me." And that what I believed might be made manifest for salvation, He has made my confession to be conspicuous in His own strength. "And now, lo! He has exalted mine head above mine enemies" [Psalm 27:6]. What does He reserve for me at the last, when even now the body is dead because of sin, lo! I feel that my mind serves the law of God, and is not led captive under the rebellious law of sin? "I have gone about, and have sacrificed in His tabernacle the sacrifice of rejoicing." I have considered the circuit of the world, believing on Christ; and in that for us God was humbled in time, I have praised Him with rejoicing: for with such sacrifice He is well pleased. "I will sing and give praises to the Lord." In heart and in deed I will be glad in the Lord.

Source: Exposition on Psalm 27

[AD 735] Bede on Psalms 27:6

The Lord Christ is the head of all the saints, in himself always remaining equal and indivisible, to be sure, but distributing the grace of his Spirit to each one of those who are elect, according to their capacity for receiving. For this reason, not only to the whole church in general but also to each of its members in particular is it permissible to proclaim with confidence that prophetic [word]: “And now he has lifted up my head above my enemies.”

Source: On the Tabernacle 2:9

[AD 430] Augustine of Hippo on Psalms 27:7

"Hear my voice, O Lord, wherewith I have cried unto You" [Psalm 27:7]. Hear, Lord, my interior voice, which with a strong intention I have addressed to Your ears. "Have mercy upon me, and hear me." Have mercy upon me, and hear me therein.

Source: Exposition on Psalm 27

[AD 390] Diodorus of Tarsus on Psalms 27:8-9

What is it that I am asking? For you not to keep silent if ever I sin as a human being or dismiss without concern my situation, leaving me unschooled in better ways. Instead, correct and reform me in a loving way.… Do not put me beyond your care.

Source: COMMENTARY ON PSALM 27

[AD 430] Augustine of Hippo on Psalms 27:8

"My heart has said to You, I have sought Your countenance" [Psalm 27:8]. For I have not exhibited myself to men; but in secret, where Thou alone hear, my heart has said to You; I have not sought from You anything without You as a reward, but Your countenance. "Your countenance, O Lord, will I seek." In thus search will I perseveringly persist: for not anything that is common, but Your countenance, O Lord, will I seek, that I may love You freely, since nothing more precious do I find.

Source: Exposition on Psalm 27

[AD 460] Arnobius the Younger on Psalms 27:8-9

In this place, the lover of God, not seeking any other type of purity but desiring the beauty of Christ alone, in those words which lovers are accustomed to say to those whom they love, cries out in the heart, “My heart says to you, as to your face, do not turn your face from me or turn away your servant in anger.” I have done such things by which you, rightly angered, have turned away from me, having been justly angered by my desires, but be my merciful helper, do not turn away from me or look down on me, God of my salvation.

Source: COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 27

[AD 430] Augustine of Hippo on Psalms 27:9

"Turn not away Your face from me" [Psalm 27:9]: that I may find what I seek. "Turn not aside in anger from Your servant:" lest, while seeking You, I fall in with somewhat else. For what is more grievous than this punishment to one who loves and seeks the truth of Your countenance? "Be Thou my Helper." How shall I find it, if Thou help me not? "Leave me not, neither despise me, O God my Saviour." Scorn not that a mortal dares to seek the Eternal; for Thou, God, dost heal the wound of my sin.

Source: Exposition on Psalm 27

[AD 430] Augustine of Hippo on Psalms 27:11

"Appoint me a law, O Lord, in Your way" [Psalm 27:11]. For me then who am setting out toward You, and commenting so great a profession, of arriving at wisdom, from fear, appoint, O Lord, a law in Your way, lest in my wandering Your rule abandon me. "And direct me in the right path because of mine enemies." And direct me in the right way of its straits. For it is not enough to begin, since enemies cease not until the end is attained.

Source: Exposition on Psalm 27

[AD 458] Theodoret of Cyrus on Psalms 27:11

In place of “Guide me by law,” Aquila and Theodotion said, “Illuminate,” whereas Symmachus has, “Give me a glimpse of your way.” … Become for me in your own person both lawgiver and guide, giving me a glimpse of the path leading to you.

Source: COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 27:7

[AD 460] Arnobius the Younger on Psalms 27:11

Give the law to me concerning your way, show what you wish, what you do not wish, what you love, what you hate. I will offend if I do not learn what I ought. And since my enemies are eager for nothing other except that I would offend you, I ask this, that you direct me on the right way on account of my enemies.

Source: COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 27

[AD 390] Diodorus of Tarsus on Psalms 27:12

You do two things at the same time, making me better and not giving the foe an occasion for taunting or for thinking that they will be able to harm me against your will.

Source: COMMENTARY ON PSALM 27

[AD 430] Augustine of Hippo on Psalms 27:12

"Deliver me not up unto the souls of them that trouble me" [Psalm 27:12]. Suffer not them that trouble me to be satiated with my evils. "For unrighteous witnesses have risen up against me." For there have risen up against me they that speak falsely of me, to remove and call me back from You, as if I seek glory of men. "And iniquity has lied unto itself." Therefore iniquity has been pleased with its own lie. For me it has not moved, to whom because of this there has been promised a greater reward in heaven.

Source: Exposition on Psalm 27

[AD 430] Augustine of Hippo on Psalms 27:13

"I believe to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living" [Psalm 27:13]. And since my Lord has first suffered these things, if I too despise the tongues of the dying ("for the mouth that lies slays the soul" [Wisdom 1:11]), I believe to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living, where there is no place for falsity.

Source: Exposition on Psalm 27

[AD 386] Cyril of Jerusalem on Psalms 27:14

[The Holy Spirit] is called Comforter, because he comforts and encourages us and “helps our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself pleads for us with unutterable groanings,” that is, clearly, to God. Often a person for Christ’s sake is treated with contumely and unjustly dishonored; martyrdom is at hand, tortures on every side, fire, swords, wild beasts and the abyss; but the Holy Spirit gently whispers, “Wait for the Lord,” for your present sufferings are slight, while your rewards will be great; endure for a little while, and you will be with the angels forever. “The sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come that will be revealed in us.” He portrays for the person the kingdom of heaven and even gives him a glimpse of the paradise of pleasure; and the martyrs, who must present their bodily countenances to their judges, are in spirit already in paradise, despise what appear to be hardships.

Source: Catechetical Lecture 16:20

[AD 399] Evagrius Ponticus on Psalms 27:14

The strong heart is that which is not filled with false doctrines or impure thoughts.

Source: NOTES ON THE PSALMS 26[27].14

[AD 430] Augustine of Hippo on Psalms 27:14

"Wait on the Lord, quit yourself like a man: and let your heart be strong, yea wait on the Lord" [Psalm 27:14]. But when shall this be? It is arduous for a mortal, it is slow to a lover: but listen to the voice, that deceives not, of him that says, "Wait on the Lord." Endure the burning of the reins manfully, and the burning of the heart stoutly. Think not that what you do not as yet receive is denied you. That you faint not in despair, see how it is said, "Wait on the Lord."

Source: Exposition on Psalm 27

[AD 444] Cyril of Alexandria on Psalms 27:14

Great and distinguished successes are brought to completion not without labors. No doubt it is necessary that for every good thing sweat must be caused first. And no wonder if we see that such occurs in great matters, since common and inferior ones are full of care and come to pass through labors. But even in labor we have learned to say, “Be strong, and be of stout heart and wait for the Lord.” For we have taken heart that a glorious result attends zealous actions aimed at virtue, and we shall find that our reward from God is the gift of spiritual courage.

Source: LETTER 25:1

[AD 458] Theodoret of Cyrus on Psalms 27:14

The mind adorned with virility, he is saying, and by means of it getting the better of the onset of misfortunes, is strengthened, and gains the victory and awaits the divine promises, to which it becomes the heir, the body also co-operating. Now, he calls the life looked forward to “land of the living” insofar as it is separated from death and free of corruption and sadness.

Source: COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 27:8

[AD 533] Fulgentius of Ruspe on Psalms 27:14

In your zeal for good works and your contempt of human praise, be careful lest you wish to assign the good that you do, not to the grace of God but to your own strength. Hold firmly that there can be no ability in you for good will or good works unless you received it by the free gift of divine mercy. Know, therefore, that it is God working in you both to will and to do, for a good will. Accordingly, work out your salvation in fear and trembling. Humble yourself in the sight of God that he may exalt you. Ask from him the beginning of a good will. Ask from him the effects of good works. Seek from him the gift of perseverance. Do not think at any time that you can either will or do anything good, once his assistance has ceased. Ask him to turn away your eyes lest they see vanity; ask him to show you the way in which you should walk; petition him to direct your steps according to his word and let no wickedness rule over you. Pray to him that he direct the works of your hands for you. “Be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.”

Source: LETTER 2:36