ACC ~ John 12 v49

JESUS REVEALS THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Since Jesus was the living and personal [1] Word of God the Father, he is necessarily the medium of interpreting what is in the Father. Thus, by saying that he has received a commandment, Jesus means that he brings to light that which is, as it were, the set will and purpose of his own Father. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 9. [2]

[1] Or, hypostatic.

[2] LF 48:170*.

THE WORD GIVES KNOWLEDGE OF THE FATHER

BASIL THE GREAT: Through all these words [Jesus] is guiding us to the knowledge of the Father and referring our wonder at all that is brought into existence to him, to the end that “through him” we may know the Father. ON THE HOLY SPIRIT 8.19. [1]

[1] NPNF 2 8:13*.

SALVATION OF ALL IS THE GOAL OF FATHER AND SON

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: We need to consider the purpose of the words. Indeed he means This is the purpose of my advent—salvation for all. You who do not believe will be condemned—but not by me because this is contrary to my passion, and it is not your condemnation I am after. Because of your [evil] mind you will be condemned by my own words which leave no excuse to the unbelievers on judgment day. These are the words that I spoke many times. In other words, I want nothing that is against the will of the Father, nor do I intend to establish a congregation for myself alone. I always led you all to the Father with my words by telling you that I was sent by him and that it was from him that I received the command to tell you the right words. Therefore I spoke to you words that were in agreement with his will. And this same thing I testify now to you: By those same words you will be condemned. Indeed you will not be able to come up with any excuses, as if you were defending the honor of God, because I always led you to him. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 5.12.47-50. [1]

[1] CSCO 4 3:251-52.

THE SON IS NOT GIVEN ORDERS BY THE FATHER

BASIL THE GREAT: It is not because Jesus lacks deliberate purpose or initiative, nor is it because he has to wait for some prearranged signal, that he employs language of this kind. His purpose is to make plain that his own will is connected in indissoluble union with the Father. Let us not then understand that what he calls a “commandment” is a peremptory mandate delivered by organs of speech, and giving orders to the Son, as to a subordinate concerning what he ought to do. Let us rather, in a sense befitting the Godhead, perceive a transmission of will, like the reflection of an object in a mirror, passing without note of time from Father to Son. … Everything the Father has also belongs to the Son. The Son does not acquire it piecemeal. Rather, he has it all at once. Among people, the workman who has been thoroughly taught his craft through long training and experience is able to work for his own future, utilizing that training he has received. And are we to suppose that the wisdom of God, the Maker of all creation, he who is eternally perfect, who is wise without a teacher, the Power of God, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” [1] needs piecemeal instruction to mark out the manner and measure of his operations? … If you consistently follow this line of reasoning, you will turn the Son into an eternal student who is never able to graduate since the Father’s wisdom is infinite. ON THE HOLY SPIRIT 8.20. [2]

[1] Col 2:3.

[2] NPNF 2 8:14.