Atos 16
Origen of Alexandria · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Atos 16:3
[But] perhaps it has been recorded at some time or other with good reason that even the true worshiper who worships in spirit and truth performs certain symbolic acts so that, by acting in a most accommodating manner, he might free those who are enslaved to the symbol and bring them to the truth that the symbols represent. Paul appears to have done this in the case of Timothy, and perhaps also in Cenchrea and Jerusalem, as it is written in the Acts of the Apostles. — COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 13.111
Atos 16:9
Listen, shepherds of the churches! Listen, God's shepherds! His angel always comes down from heaven and proclaims to you, "Today a Savior is born for you, who is Christ the Lord." For, unless that Shepherd comes, the shepherd of the churches will be unable to guard the flock well. Their custody is weak, unless Christ pastures and guards it along with them. We just read in the apostle, "We are coworkers with God." A good shepherd, who imitates the good Shepherd, is a coworker with God and Christ. He is a good shepherd precisely because he has the best Shepherd with him, pasturing his sheep along with him. For, "God established in his church apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers. He established everything for the perfection of the saints." Let this suffice for a simpler explanation.But we should ascend to a more hidden understanding. Some shepherds were angels that governed human affairs. Each of these kept his watch. They were vigilant day and night. But, at some point, they were unable to bear the labor of governing the peoples who had been entrusted to them and accomplish it diligently. When the Lord was born, an angel came and announced to the shepherds that the true Shepherd had appeared. Let me give an example. There was a certain shepherd-angel in Macedonia who needed the Lord's help. Consequently, he appeared to Paul in his dreams as a Macedonian man "and said, 'Cross over to Macedonia and help us.' " Why do I speak of Paul, since the angel said this not to Paul but to Jesus who was in Paul? So shepherds need the presence of Christ. — HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 12.2-3
Atos 16:17
Jesus our Lord does not accept witness from demons, as he said, "Be silent and come out of him." So, in imitation of him, his apostle Paul "grieving" it says, "turned and addressed the spirit of Python, 'I command you in the name of Jesus Christ, depart from her.' " Perhaps you may ask why Paul is grieving when he rebukes the spirit of Python. It had spoken no blasphemy, had it, for it says, "A woman with the spirit of Python was following Paul and his companions and kept shouting, 'These men are servants of God the most high, and they proclaim to you the way of salvation.' And she kept doing this for many days." It is clear that Paul was not grieving because of blasphemy but because he considered testimony given by the spirit of Python unworthy of his message. — HOMILIES ON NUMBERS 16.7.10