And see how He also makes His discourse unexceptionable: not saying at all, "whether you will, or no, you must suffer this," but how? "If any man will come after me."
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century


"I force not, I compel not, but each one I make lord of his own choice; wherefore also I say, 'If any man will.' For to good things do I call you, not to things evil, or burdensome; not to punishment and vengeance, that I should have to compel.
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century


Nay, the nature of the thing is alone sufficient to attract you." ... For thou oughtest not, O Peter, because thou hast confessed me Son of God, therefore only to expect crowns, and to suppose this enough for thy salvation, and for the future to enjoy security, as having done all. ..."
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century


"... For although it be in my power, as Son of God, to hinder thee from having any trial at all of those hardships; yet such is not my will, for thy sake, that thou mayest thyself too contribute something, and be more approved."
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century