Monday, December 17, 2012

Theophylact: Paul Visited Peter Out of Respect - Not to Learn

18a. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter. When one as accomplished as Paul visits Peter, not to obtain help, but to honor Peter as greater than himself, it betokens great humility. Therefore he did not say "to see Peter," but to visit him. Visit (ἰστσρήσαι) is the word used by those who seek knowledge of the great and magnificent cities, and as we go to see holy men. But whereas we go for help, Paul went only out of respect. Theophylact, The Explanation of the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Galatians (at Gal. 1:18a), Chrysostom Press (House Springs, Missouri 2011), trans. Christopher Stade, p. 35