Números 15
John Chrysostom · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Números 15:32
Why was he punished just for gathering sticks? Because if the laws were obstinately despised even at the beginning, of course they would scarcely be observed afterwards. For indeed the sabbath did at the first confer many and great benefits. It made them gentle toward those of their household and humane. It taught them God's providence and the creation, as Ezekiel says; it trained them by degrees to abstain from wickedness and disposed them to regard the things of the Spirit. — HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 39.3
Números 15:32
The law, if it arrests a murderer, puts him to death. The gospel, if it arrests a murderer, enlightens and gives him life. And why do I cite a murderer? The law laid hold on one that gathered sticks on a sabbath day and stoned him. This is the stark import of "the letter kills." — HOMILIES ON 2 CORINTHIANS 6.2