ACC ~ John 15 v25

PREACHING TO THOSE WHO HATE US

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Here our Lord clearly shows that he is not unaware of the stubborn temper of the Jews [1] but rather, he had foretold and knew in advance how they would respond. However, he still treated them with mildness and forgiveness as was befitting his divine nature. For he set before them the Word that called them to salvation even though they were ill disposed to receive it. And if any of them did have a good and suitable disposition, he even confirmed their faith by miracles. Here too he gives his disciples considerable benefit, with the goal that in a forgiving spirit they might extend the preaching of salvation even to those who offered them insults and might even in this be seen to walk in the path of excellence which was first revealed in Christ. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 10.2. [2]

[1] Cyril is referring to those Jews, specifically, with whom Jesus is interacting.

[2] LF 48:429-30**.

IGNORING THE PROPHECY IS IRRATIONAL

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: [Jesus says], If I was not engaged in dialogue with them in deed and in word, they would have something to say. But now, since they do not accept my words, they are clearly condemned for their enmity toward me and the Father. Through the prophecy [1] he also shows that their hatred of him was irrational. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 6.15.25. [2]

[1] See Ps 35:19 (34:19 LXX); 69:4 (68:5 LXX).

[2] CSCO 4 3:287.

DELIBERATE, WILLFUL SIN

GREGORY THE GREAT: It is one thing not to do good, another to hate the teacher of goodness since there is a difference between sudden and deliberate sins. Our state generally is that we love what is good but from infirmity cannot perform it. But to sin on purpose means not doing or desiring what is good. As, then, it is sometimes a heavier offense to love sin than to do it, so is it more wicked to hate justice than not to do it. There are some in the church who not only do not do what is good but even persecute it and hate in others what they neglect to do themselves. The sin of these people is not that of infirmity or ignorance but deliberate, willful sin. MORALS ON THE BOOK OF JOB 25.11.28. [1]

[1] LF 23:119-20**.