ACC ~ John 1 v39 - 41

FULFILLING THE LAW

AUGUSTINE: Do we think that it was not at all important for the Evangelist to tell us what hour it was? Is it possible that he wanted us to notice nothing there, to seek nothing? It was the tenth hour. This number signifies the law, for the law was given in Ten Commandments. But the time had come that the law was to be fulfilled through love because it could not be fulfilled by the Jews through fear. This is why the Lord says, “I have not come to destroy the law but to fulfill.” [1] TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 7.10. [2]

[1] Mt 5:17.

[2] FC 78:163*.

JOHN IS THE OTHER DISCIPLE NOT MENTIONED

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: He says that one of those who followed him was Andrew, brother of Simon, without mentioning the other. Evidently this is the blessed John himself. He always appears to pass in silence over those things that concern him. And also whenever he relates something concerning himself, he avoids subscribing his name. If those who received the gospel had not indicated the writer with the prefixed title, we would not have known about whom the text is speaking. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 1.1.39-41. [1]

[1] CSCO 4 3:49.

MESSIAH’S FAME HAS SPREAD SINCE THE VISIT OF MAGI

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: The statement “We have found the Messiah” affirms that the report about him was circulating and came from the time of the Magi; [1] it was renewed by John who had baptized him, and by the witness of the Spirit. Then he was again left alone in his fast of forty days. For that reason, the souls of the chosen ones were filled with a desire for a report concerning him. They were indeed his instruments, as he said, “You were chosen by me before the world.” [2] He chose Galileans, a people without education, whom the prophets proclaimed as “dwellers in darkness,” [3] for they had seen the light, so that he could bring reproach on those who were learned in the law. “For he chose the foolish of the world, so that through them he might put the wise to shame.” [4] COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 4.18. [5]

[1] See Mt 2:1-6.

[2] See Jn 15:16, 19.

[3] Is 9:1.

[4] 1 Cor 1:27.

[5] CB709 add:34.

ANDREW’S LONGING FOR THE MESSIAH

CHRYSOSTOM: Andrew, after having stayed with Jesus and after having learned what he did, did not keep the treasure to himself but hurries and races to his brother in order to let him know the good things Jesus has shared with him. But why hasn’t John mentioned what they talked about? How do we know this is why they “stayed with him”?… Observe what Andrew says to his brother, “We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.” You see how, in a short time, he demonstrates not only the persuasiveness of the wise teacher but also his own longing that he had from the beginning. For this word, “we have found,” is the expression of a soul that longs for his presence, looking for his coming from above, and is so ecstatic when what he is looking for happens that he hurries to tell others the good news. This is what brotherly affection, natural friendship, is all about when someone is eager to extend a hand to another when it comes to spiritual matters. Also see how he adds the article, for he does not say “Messiah” but “the Messiah.” They were expecting the Christ who would have nothing in common with the others. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 19.1. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:67**.