ACC ~ John 11 v26b

WHETHER A QUESTION OR A STATEMENT

ORIGEN The Savior does not inquire “Do you believe this?” in ignorance as to whether Martha did or did not believe what was said. Rather, he did so in order that we, or indeed those who were then present, might learn from her answer what her disposition was. But another will say that it is not a question but a statement: “You believe this.” In this case, Martha then completes the Savior’s statement saying, Yes, Lord, and not only do I believe what you now say, but I believe now that you are the Christ, something I also believed before. And I believe that you are the Son of God who comes into the world and lives with all who believe in you. FRAGMENT 81 ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN. [1]

[1] AEG 4:170-71*; GCS 10(4):548.

MARTHA’S “AMEN” ON BEHALF OF LAZARUS

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA Having previously explained the force of the mystery in himself and shown plainly that he is by nature life and true God, he demands assent to the faith, furnishing in this matter a model to the churches. For we should not vainly cast our words into the air when we confess the venerable mystery but rather fix the roots of the faith in heart and mind and then allow it to bear fruit in our confession. And we ought to believe without any hesitation or double-mindedness. … Nevertheless, it is necessary to know that we make the confession of our faith to God, although we are questioned by others, I mean those whose responsibility it is to minister in sacred things, when we say the “I believe” at the reception of holy baptism. Certainly therefore to speak falsely and to slip aside toward unbelief is a most awful thing. … In a certain way, as Lazarus was lying dead, the assent to the faith is demanded of the woman on his behalf. The same can be seen in the churches when a newborn child is brought either to receive the anointing of the catechumenate or to be fully initiated into the Christian faith at holy baptism. In these instances, the person who brings the child repeats aloud the “Amen” on the child’s behalf [1] … something we also see in the case of Lazarus and his sister. Martha wisely and prudently sows the confession of faith first so that afterward she may reap the fruit of it. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 7. [2]

[1] In an intriguing analogy, Martha’s “Amen” on behalf of Lazarus is here compared by Cyril with the “Amen” of the parents on behalf of a newborn child in baptism. This more corporate understanding of faith and the Christian life in early Christianity ensured mutual consolation and support within the Christian family.

[2] LF 48:119-20**.