ACC ~ John 1 v43 - 45

THE BEST DISCIPLES CHOSEN FROM THE WORST PLACE

CHRYSOSTOM: Having then taken [Peter and the other disciple], Jesus next goes to the capture of the others and draws to him Philip and Nathanael. Now in the case of Nathanael this was not so amazing because the fame of Jesus had gone all over Syria. [1] But it is truly remarkable concerning Peter, James and Philip, that they believed not only before the miracles, but that they did so being from Galilee, out of which “arises no prophet,” nor “can any good thing come.” The Galileans were somehow of a more boorish and dull disposition than others. But even in this Christ displayed his power. He selected his choicest disciples from a land that bore no fruit. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 20.1. [2]

[1] See Mt 4:24.

[2] NPNF 1 14:70**.

PHILIP THE THOUGHTFUL CONVERT

CHRYSOSTOM: “To every thoughtful person there is a benefit” [1] … and Christ implied more than this when he said, “He that seeks finds.” [2] This is why I no longer wonder how it was that Philip followed Christ. Andrew was persuaded when he heard from John, and Peter was persuaded when he heard from Andrew. But Philip, not having learned anything from anyone but Christ who said to him only this, “Follow me,” immediately obeyed and did not go back. In fact, he even became a preacher to others. For he ran to Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets wrote.” Do you see what a thoughtful mind he had, how assiduously he meditated on the writings of Moses, expecting the advent? For the expression “we have found” belongs always to those who are in some way seeking. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 20.1. [3]

[1] Prov 14:23 LXX.

[2] Mt 7:8.

[3] NPNF 1 14:69-70**.