ACC ~ John 16 v13d

PROPHETS FORESEE BY THE SPIRIT

DIDYMUS THE BLIND: By the Spirit of truth too the knowledge of future events has been granted to holy people. Prophets filled with this Spirit foretold and saw things to come, as if they were present: “And he will show you things to come.” ON THE HOLY SPIRIT 38. [1]

[1] PL 23:143.

DECLARING THE JOYS OF HEAVEN

BEDE: It is true that a countless number of the faithful have foreknown and proclaimed coming events as a result of the gift of the Spirit. There are some who, filled with the grace of the Spirit, cure the sick raise, raise the dead, command demons and shine forth with many virtues. They lead an angelic life on earth. Nevertheless they do not know by a revelation of the Spirit the things that are to come about there. We can also take these words of the Lord to mean that when the Spirit comes, he may announce to us “the things that are to come” when he brings back to our memory the joys of the heavenly fatherland, when he makes known to us the feasts of the commonwealth on high through the gift of his breathing on [us]. He announces to us “the things that are to come” when he draws us away from the delights of present things and kindles within us the desire for the kingdom that has been promised us in heaven. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 2.11. [1]

[1] CS 111:103-4*.

RELIEF FROM ANXIETY

CHRYSOSTOM: In this way, then, he raised their spirits. For there is nothing for which people so long as the knowledge of the future. … He relieves them from all anxiety by showing them that dangers would not fall on them unawares. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 78.2. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:288**.