Incorruptibility of mind and dignity of work

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Oecumenius is commenting on Paul's instruction to Titus about his own conduct, distinguishing the sphere of incorruptibility from the sphere of dignity.

He understood incorruptibility as a quality of the mind, and dignity as a quality of one's work, so that a person would keep away not only from corrupt deeds but also from corrupt thoughts.

Greek

Tit 2,7 Τὸ τῆς ἀδιαφορίας

ἐπὶ τοῦ νοῦ ἔλαβεν, τὸ δὲ τῆς σεμνότητος ἐπὶ τοῦ ἔργου, ἵνα μὴ μόνον ἔργου ἀπέχῃ φθαρτοῦ ἀλλὰ καὶ νοήματος.

About this text

Short notes on Titus: why Paul quotes the poet who called Cretans liars, why he orders sharp rebuke, and how all things are pure to the pure.

Oecumenius wrote these brief comments on selected verses of Paul's Letter to Titus. They survive as fragments in a catena, a chain of excerpts from various interpreters. He addresses interpretive difficulties raised by the text, especially Paul's use of a pagan poet and his instructions about rebuke and purity.

The fragments explain that when Paul quotes the Cretan poet saying 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, idle gluttons,' he does so not to endorse the poet's defense of Zeus's immortality but to affirm the truth of the poet's description of Cretan character. Oecumenius then comments on Paul's command to rebuke the Cretans sharply, noting that while Paul often teaches gentleness, the Cretans needed the sting of reproof.

Oecumenius further explains that all things are pure to the pure because God made all things pure; but if things are impure, the accusation touches the Creator. He also notes that those who profess to know God but deny him by their deeds are impure, and that Paul's mention of reverent behavior shows women are called to an inheritance. Finally, he treats Paul's instructions about Titus's own conduct, distinguishing incorruptibility of mind and dignity of work, so that one abstains not only from corrupt action but also from corrupt thought.

Printed text used

Translated from PG 118 – 119 (Greek)

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