ACC ~ John 15 v27

THE SPIRIT EMPOWERS THE WITNESS OF THE APOSTLES

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: When you speak, the Spirit, through its testimony, will confirm your words with evident signs, as also the apostle said, “My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” [1] The signs that happened through the power of the Spirit in the name of the Lord showed the greatness of him who underwent passion and, at the same time, the foolishness of those who dared crucify him. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 6.15.27. [2]

[1] 1 Cor 2:4.

[2] CSCO 4 3:288.

THE APOSTLES’ EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY IS IMPORTANT

CHRYSOSTOM: In matters of belief, the very thing that gives one a right to be believed is the fact of having learned what you believe from eyewitnesses. … Therefore John also says, “I saw and bore record that this is the Son of God.” [1] … Accordingly, Jesus gave them permission to rest many details of their testimony on the fact of their having seen them when he said, “And you also are witnesses because you have been with me from the beginning.” The apostles themselves also often speak in a similar way. [2] … For they more readily received the testimony of people who had been his companions because the notion of the Spirit was as yet very much beyond them. Therefore John also at that time, in his Gospel, speaking of the blood and water, said, he himself saw it, making the fact of his having seen it equivalent to the highest testimony for them, although the witness of the Spirit is more certain than the evidence of sight, but not so with unbelievers. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 1. [3]

[1] Jn 1:34.

[2] Acts 2:32; 10:41.

[3] NPNF 1 11:3**.