ACC ~ John 12 v19

SOME PHARISEES FAVORABLE TO JESUS

CHRYSOSTOM Now this seems to me to be said by those who thought correctly about Jesus but did not have the courage to speak up. [It would seem] that they were trying to restrain the others by pointing to the result, as though they would be attempting the impossible if they went ahead with it. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 66.2. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:245**.

LEADERS WISH THEY HAD TAKEN ACTION SOONER

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA They say this, finding fault with themselves because they had not put both Jesus and Lazarus to death a long time ago, wishing they had murdered them then. They were angry concerning the “believing multitude,” as though they [as the people’s leaders] were being deprived of their special possessions comprised of those who really belonged to God. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 8. [1]

PRAISES OF THE CROWD IRRITATE PHARISEES

PROCLUS OF CONSTANTINOPLE:

It irritated the high priests and Pharisees to hear from the crowds:

“The King of Israel.”

They were hearing what they did not wish to hear.

They were used to addressing him as one possessed by demons, [2]

But these were proclaiming him “King”:

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.”

Who is the one who suggested this utterance to the crowds?

Who is the one who put this praise into their minds?

Who is the one who entrusted them with branches from the palm trees?

Who is the one who suddenly at a fixed signal acted as military commander of them all?

Who is the one who taught them this harmony of voice?

The grace from above, the revelation of the Holy Spirit.

And therefore they called out with boldness:

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.”

HOMILY 9.3, ON THE PALM BRANCHES. [3]

[1] LF 48:143*.

[2] See Mt 12:22.

[3] ECS 1:151.

SALVATION FOR THE GENTILES

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA Even though they did not know it, the Pharisees were telling the truth when they said, “Look, the world has gone after him,” for not only Jews but Gentiles as well were destined to accept the faith. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 8. [1]

[1] LF 48:145*.