NT References in the Ante-Nicene Fathers

Matthew 5:34

First Apology of Justin

And with regard to our not swearing at all, and always speaking the truth, He enjoined as follows: "Swear not at all; but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."[29]

Irenaeus Against Heresies Book IV

He says: "Swear not at all; neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King."[21]

Tertullian On Idolatry

mendacity, the minister of covetousness (of false swearing I am silent, since even swearing is not lawful[71]

Origen de Principiis Book II

and by the Saviour's words, when He says that we are to swear "neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool: "[7]

Origen de Principiis Book II

, of His creation? Further, do not those admirable principles which He lays down respecting oaths, saying that we ought not to "swear either by heaven, because it is the throne of God; nor by the earth, because it is His footstool,"[36]

Cyprian Treatise XII Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews

) I say unto you, Swear not at all: (neither by heaven, because it is God's throne; nor by the earth, because it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King; neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.) But let your discourse be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: (for whatever is fuller than these is of evil.")[455]

Didache

3. thou shalt not forswear thyself,[27]

Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book V

For if our Master charged us not to swear by the true God, that our word might be firmer than an oath, nor by heaven itself, for that is a piece of heathen wickedness, nor by Jerusalem, nor by the sanctuary of God, nor the altar, nor the gift, nor the gilding of the altar, nor one's own head,[86]

Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book VII "Thou shalt not covet the things that belong to thy neighbour, as his wife, or his servant, or his ox, or his field." "Thou shalt not forswear thyself; for it is said, "Thou shalt not swear at all."[42]

Clementine Homily III

But to those who affirmed that He was in the temple, He said, `Swear not by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet.'[60]

Origen Commentary on John Book VI

For how can it be harmonized with such a view, that "Heaven is My throne and the earth My footstool," a testimony which Jesus accepts as said of the Father?[113]

Continues after advertising

BibliaPlus

NT References in the Ante-Nicene Fathers

Matthew 5:34

Old Testament

New Testament