Consider how Christ validated his words through actions. “Learn from me,” he said, “for I am gentle and humble in heart.” He commanded us to love our enemies and taught this lesson on the cross, when he prayed for those who were crucifying him. He bid also that others teach in this way. Therefore Paul also said, “as you have an example in us.” For nothing is more insipid than a teacher who shows his wisdom only in words, since he is then not a teacher, but a hypocrite.

—John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles 1