NT References in the Ante-Nicene Fathers
John 16:33
Shepherd of Hermas Commandment Tenth
Cleanse yourself from this wicked grief, and you will live to God; and all will live to God who drive away grief from them, and put on all cheerfulness."[9]
Origen de Principiis Book III
the whole simultaneous assault of these opposing powers, unless indeed the might of Him alone were to work in him, who said, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."[305]
Origen Against Celsus Book VI
as also in this, "In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."[303]
Origen Against Celsus Book VIII
the meaning of these words, When God gives to the tempter permission to persecute us, then we suffer persecution; and when God wishes us to be free from suffering, even in the midst of a world that hates us, we enjoy a wonderful peace, trusting in the protection of Him who said, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."[131]
Cyprian Treatise VII On the Mortality
Thus Job, after the loss of his wealth, after the death of his children, grievously afflicted, moreover, with sores and worms, was not overcome, but proved; since in his very struggles and anguish, showing forth the patience of a religious mind, he says, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, naked also I shall go under the earth: the Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away; as it seemed fit to the Lord, so it hath been done. Blessed be the name of the Lord."[20]
Cyprian Treatise IX On the Advantage of Patience
forsake our patrimonies, undergo imprisonment, bear chains, spend our lives, endure the sword, the wild beasts, fires, crucifixions-in fine, all kinds of torments and penalties, to be endured in the faith and courage of patience; as the Lord Himself instructs us, and says, "These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. But in the world ye shall have tribulation; yet be confident, for I have overcome the world."[26]
Cyprian Treatise XI Exhortation to Martyrdom Addressed to Fortunatus
And again: "These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace; but in the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good confidence, for I have overcome the world."[86]
Cyprian Treatise XII Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews
Also according to John: "These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. But in the world ye shall have affliction; but have confidence, for I have overcome the world."[409]
Pseudo-Gregory Thaumaturgus Twelve Topics on the Faith
Wherefore He says, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."[37]
Dionysius An Exposition of Luke XXII. 46
And most of all indeed is this world a scene of pain to the saints, to whom He addresses this word, and He cannot lie in uttering it: "In the world ye shall have tribulation."[7]
Alexander Epistles on the Arian Heresy
And besides, also, one only Catholic and Apostolic Church, which can never be destroyed, though all the world should seek to make war with it; but it is victorious over every most impious revolt of the heretics who rise up against it. For her Goodman hath confirmed our minds by saying, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."[39]
Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book V
For in the world ye have tribulation: for they shall deliver you into the synagogues; and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, and for a testimony to them."[8]