ACC ~ John 1 v19

THE PRIESTS COME TO ONE FROM THE PRIESTLY LINE

ORIGEN: Now, therefore, let us consider John’s second testimony. Jews from Jerusalem send priests and Levites to inquire who John might be, since they are kinsmen of the Baptist who happens to be from the priestly race. [1] … Note that two embassies come to the Baptist. One consists of “priests and Levites” sent from Jerusalem by the Jews “to ask him, ‘Who are you?’” The other comes from the Pharisees, who send also because they are in doubt about the answer that had been given to the priests and Levites. Observe carefully, therefore, how in accordance with the character of priests and Levites, things are said with gentleness and curiosity…. There is nothing self-willed or rash in the inquiry of these men; everything is appropriate to scrupulous servants of God….

These elect ambassadors were sent from Jerusalem, the place chosen above all the earth… and they interrogate John with the greatest respect. Nothing like this, however, has been recorded to have been done by the Jews concerning Christ. It is John who does to Christ what the Jews do to him, when he [respectfully] inquires through his own disciples, “Are you he that is to come, or should we expect another?” [2] COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 6.43, 50-51, 54. [3]

[1] See Lk 1:5.

[2] Mt 11:3.

[3] FC 80:180, 182-83**; SC 157:162, 166-68.

Jn