ACC ~ John 13 v23

THE MODESTY OF JOHN

AUGUSTINE: It was that very John whose Gospel is before us, as he afterward expressly declares. [1] For it was a custom of the sacred writer, when he came to anything relating to himself, to speak of himself as if he were speaking of another. He would give himself a place in the flow of the narrative so that he became one who was the recorder of public events rather than making himself the subject of his preaching. Matthew also acted this way. [2] … For what does truth lose by the omission of boasting on the writer’s part, as long as the facts themselves are told? TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 61.4. [3]

[1] Jn 21:20-24. Augustine affirms John the disciple as the author of the Gospel, which was the consensus of the early church.

[2] Mt 9:9.

[3] NPNF 1 7:311**; CCL 36:481-82.

IS JOHN BEING VAIN?

CHRYSOSTOM: But it is a question worth asking, why when all were distressed and trembling, when their leader was afraid, John leans on Jesus’ bosom like one at ease, and not only leans but even [lies] on his breast? Nor is this the only thing worthy of inquiry, but also what follows, when John refers to himself as the one “whom Jesus loved.” Why did no one else say “whom Jesus loved” about himself? The others were surely loved too. But he, more than any. … But why did no one else say this concerning him? [They said nothing] because John would not even have said it himself unless he had come to this passage [where Peter beckons]. For if, after telling us that Peter beckoned to John to ask, he had added nothing more, he would have caused considerable doubt and have compelled us to inquire into the reason Peter asked him in particular. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 72.1. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:263-64**.