Nehemiah 6:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Faced with the hostility of his adversaries, Nehemiah approaches the home of Shemaiah, thinking he is visiting a trusted ally and brother. To his dismay, however, he discovers that Shemaiah is a traitor, having been swayed by the gifts of his foes and allied with them. The faithful often contend with external assaults and internal anxieties, as noted in 2 Corinthians 7:5. Not only did the apostles encounter dangers, but the prophets, too, faced threats from fellow believers, from Gentiles, and from false brethren, as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 11:26.