ACC ~ John 11 v54

AVOID MARTYRDOM

ORIGEN I think that these words and those like them have been recorded because the Word wishes to turn us back from rushing too hastily and irrationally to struggle unto death on behalf of the truth and to suffer martyrdom. For, on the one hand, it is right not to shun the confession or to hesitate to die for the truth if one has been caught in the struggle about confessing Jesus. But, on the other hand, it is no less right also not to provide an opportunity for such a great trial but to avoid it by every means, not only because the outcome of such an act is unclear to us but also so that we may not be responsible for causing those who would not, in actual fact, have become guilty of pouring out our blood, to have become more sinful and impious [by doing so], if we act in our own interest and take no thought for those who plot against us unto death. These people will experience greater and more serious punishment because of us if we are self-centered and do not consider the things of others and deliver ourselves to be killed when this necessity has not overtaken us. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 28.192-94. [1]

[1] FC 89:332-33; SC 385:156.

AVOIDING UNNECESSARY CONFLICT

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA As God, Jesus knows the secret plans of the Jews even though no one reported them to him, and he withdraws, not because he is afraid but so that his presence might not irritate those who were already seeking to kill him. Here, he also teaches us to avoid stirring up the passions of those who are angry and not to thrust ourselves into dangers, not even when it may be for the sake of truth. When we are overtaken by dangers, he teaches us to stand firm, but when we see them coming, since it is unclear what the actual terms of the conflict will be, it is best for us to get out of their way. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 7. [1]

[1] LF 48:135**.

EPHREM MEANS FRUITFULNESS

ORIGEN Mystically, these words mean that long ago Jesus walked boldly among the Jews when the Word of God dwelled among them through prophets. … But now Jesus no longer walks boldly among the Jews but has departed from there. … He then entered the country near the desert of which it is said, “Many are the children of the desolate, more than of her who has a husband.” [1] … Now Ephrem means “fruitfulness.” He was the brother of Manasseh, who stands for the elder people who were forgotten. For after the forgotten people were left behind, an abundant harvest from the Gentiles occurred. …

“Jesus,” therefore, “no longer walks openly among the Jews but has departed from there into the country” of the whole world, “near the desert” of the church, “into the city that is called Ephrem,” that is, “fruitful,” “and there he has remained with his disciples.” And up to this moment, Jesus is with his disciples near the desert in the city called Ephrem, for he is present in “fruitfulness.” And at the birth, indeed, of this Ephrem, our Lord, magistrate of the grain, [2] who begot him, who humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death of the cross, [3] might say, “God increased me in the land of my humility.” [4] COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 28.211-14, 221-23. [5]

[1] Is 54:1; Gal 4:27.

[2] See Gen 47:12.

[3] See Phil 2:8.

[4] See Gen 41:52.

[5] FC 89:335-37**; SC 385:162-68.