ACC ~ John 16 v1

TRAINING THROUGH DIFFICULTIES

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: I predicted these things to you, he says, so that when sudden unexpected tribulations would occur, your resolve might not turn and fail but instead, through constant meditation, you might be trained through these difficulties. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 6.16.1. [1]

[1] CSCO 4 3:289.

MISDIRECTED ZEAL

BEDE: The Savior warned his disciples ahead of time that they would not only be driven away from fellowship with their fellow citizens but also that they would suffer death at their hands. The Jews thought that they were doing a service to God in pursuing the ministers of the new covenant with hatred and death. The apostle says, “For I bear witness to them that they have zeal for God, but not according to full knowledge.” [1] Here, it is as if he were saying, “You are going to suffer battles and tribulations from your fellow citizens, but accept them the more steadfastly in the realization that you are afflicted with them not so much out of hatred toward yourselves as out of zeal for the divine law.” Mindful of this advice, the blessed martyr Stephen prayed for his slayers. Those zealous for the Law thought that they were doing a service to God when they were murdering the heralds of grace. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 2.16. [2]

[1] Rom 10:2.

[2] CS 111:152**.

Jn