COUNCIL OF CARTHAGE. The Council of Carthage confirmed in the universal Synod. That nothing be read in church besides the Canonical Scripture. Item, that besides the Canonical Scriptures nothing be read in church under the name of divine Scripture. But the Canonical Scriptures are as follows: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Daniel, Tobit, etc. [Council of Carthage (A.D. 419), Canon 24. NPNF s.2 v.14]

CLEMENT OF ROME. In the Old Testament it is written; ’What you don’t want done to you, don’t do it to others (Tob. 4:16). [Epistola Prima Clementis AD lacobum Fratrem Domini, PL 130.29A]

POLYCARP. When you can do good, defer it not, because “alms delivers from death.” (Tob. 4:10) [Polycarp of Smyrna, Epistle to the Philippians 10, ANF v.1]

CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA. Having heard the Scripture which says, “Fasting with prayer is a good thing.” (Tob. 12:8) [Clement of Alexandria, Stromata 6.12 ANF v.2]

AMBROSE. After reading the prophetical book that is entitled Tobit, although the Scripture has made fully known to us the virtues of the holy prophet, nevertheless I think I should present to you an epitomized account containing an enumeration of his merits and works, in order that what the Scripture has treated more extensively in a historical way we may describe more concisely. [Ambrose of Milan, de Tobia, PL14.1.759A]’

BEDE. The book of Tobit, on the surface of the text, is beneficial. For it especially promotes a moral life and gives an abundance of examples and teachings. Just as fruit surpasses the leaves, so the allegorical meaning surpasses the historical meaning alone. For it contains the greatest mysteries of the Church. For Tobit signifies the people of Israel, who served God with a true faith and works, while others were dedicated to idolatry. ‘Moreover when all went to the golden calves etc. (Tob. 1:5-6)’. For Jeroboam built the golden calves in order to deceive his subjects, he represents the worshipers of idolatry. [Bede, Allegorica interpretatio in Tobiam PL91.923C-D]