ACC ~ John 1 v15a

THE EVANGELIST’S WITNESS SUPPORTED BY THE BAPTIST’S

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: I [John the Evangelist] then, says he, bear witness (for I have beheld what I said), and the Baptist likewise bears witness. This is a most weighty pair of Spirit-clad and notable men, foster brothers in truth who do not know how to lie. But see how forcefully he made his declaration. For he not only says that John “bears witness of him” but profitably adds “and cried,” taking his proof from the words “the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” [1] And he does this exceedingly well too. For it was possible that some of his opponents might say, When did the Baptist witness to the Only Begotten, or to whom did he impart things about him? He cried then, he says, that is, he does not speak them in a corner, nor does he bear witness gently and in secret. In fact, you (although not you alone) may hear him crying louder and more clearly than a trumpet since his speech is to everyone everywhere. Most glorious is the herald, remarkable the voice, great and not unheard of is the forerunner. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 1.9. [2]

[1] Is 40:3.

[2] LF 43:113**.

CREDIBILITY OF JOHN’S TESTIMONY WITH THE JEWS

CHRYSOSTOM: The Evangelist makes frequent mention of John and his testimony. This is all the wiser because all the Jews held the man in great admiration. (Even Josephus imputes the war to his death and shows that, because of him, what once was the mother city is now no city at all. [He] continues the words of his encomium at great length.) [1] John, wanting to shame the Jews, continually reminds them of the testimony of the forerunner. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 13.1. [2]

[1] Chrysostom is overstating the case here since there is no such passage in Josephus. He may, however, be referring to Aretas’s attack and destruction of Herod’s army, which, he says, some of the Jews thought was “divine vengeance for his treatment of John, surnamed the Baptist.” Josephus Jewish Antiquities A 18.106.

[2] NPNF 1 14:44**.

Jn