ACC ~ John 1 v18d

THIS IS NOT THE FIRST DECLARATION

ORIGEN: For “[he who is] in the bosom of the Father” did not now for the first time make the declarations that he made to the apostles, as though there had been no one fit to receive them previously, since, indeed, in his existence before Abraham was, he teaches us that Abraham rejoiced that he might see his day and was glad. [1] … The prophets too have received their gift from the fullness of Christ, and they have received the second grace for the former, for they too, being led by the Spirit, arrived at the vision of truth after they were initiated in types. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 6.15. [2]

[1] Cf. Jn 8:58, 56.

[2] FC 80:172; SC 157:140-42.

CHRIST’S IS THE CLEAREST AND MOST COMPLETE DECLARATION

CHRYSOSTOM: What has he declared? That “no one has seen God at any time”? That “God is one”? But this all the other prophets testify, and Moses continually exclaims, “The Lord your God is one Lord”; [1] and Isaiah, “Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.” [2] What more then have we learned from “the Son who is in the bosom of the Father”? What more from “the Only Begotten”? In the first place, these very words were uttered by his working. In the next place, we have received a teaching that is far clearer, and we learned that “God is a spirit, and they who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” [3] And again, that it is impossible to see God; “that no one knows” him “except the Son” [4] ; that he is the Father of the true and Only Begotten; and all other things that are told us of him. But the word “has declared” shows the plainer and clearer teaching that he gave and established not to the Jews only but to all the world. Not even all the Jews listened to the prophets, but to the only begotten Son of God all the world yielded and obeyed. So the “declaration” in this place shows the greater clearness of his teaching, and therefore he is called “Word” and “Angel of great Counsel.” [5] HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 15.3. [6]

[1] Deut 6:4.

[2] Is 43:10.

[3] Jn 4:24.

[4] Mt 11:27.

[5] Is 9:6 LXX.

[6] NPNF 1 14:53*.