ACC ~ John 16 v7a

CHRIST’S PRESENCE WOULD IMPEDE THE SPIRIT’S COMING

AUGUSTINE: This he says not because of any inequality between the Word of God and the Holy Spirit but because the presence of the Son of man among them would impede the coming of the [Spirit]. For the Holy Spirit did not humble himself, as the Son did, by taking on him the form of a servant. [1] It was necessary therefore that the form of the servant should be removed from their eyes. For so long as they looked on that form, they thought that Christ was no more than what they saw him to be. ON THE TRINITY 1.9 [.18]. [2]

[1] See Phil 2:7.

[2] NPNF 1 3:27**; CCL 50:53-54. See also Bede Homily 2.11.

JESUS LEAVES SO WE MAY BE GLORIFIED

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Jesus places us in the sight of the Father by departing into heaven as the firstfruits of humanity. … For he ascended to heaven as our forerunner, as the inspired Paul also says. [1] There, as man, he is truly the high priest of our souls, our comforter and the propitiation for our sins. And as God and Lord by his nature, Jesus sits on his own Father’s throne, and this glory is reflected even on us. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 10.2. [2]

[1] See Heb 9:24.

[2] LF 48:442**.

ELIGIBLE FOR GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: “If I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” This indeed is the order of things, so that when I am in glory but you are still anticipating participation in that glory, you may receive the grace of the Spirit. Therefore, if I go, you will also necessarily receive through the gift of the Spirit the participation in the gifts that I enjoy. But if I do not enjoy them first, you cannot expect them either. And since he, by leaving them, shows that he will invite them to receive those gifts, he proves in many ways that the gift of the grace of the Spirit is great. And this is only right, because the Spirit provides all the gifts given to people. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 6.16.7. [1]

[1] CSCO 4 3:292. See also Gregory the Great Morals on the Book of Job 8.13.

THE SPIRIT’S DELAY EXPLAINED

CHRYSOSTOM: But why didn’t the Spirit come before he departed? He could not come because the curse had not yet been taken away, sin had not yet been forgiven, and everything was still subject to the penalty for it. “It is necessary then,” Jesus says, “that the enmity be put away, that we be reconciled to God and then receive that gift.” But why does he say, “I will send him”? It means, “I will prepare you beforehand to receive him.” For how can that which is everywhere be “sent”? In addition, he shows the distinction of the persons. Moreover, he speaks in this way for two reasons: first, because they were finding it hard to be separated from him, to persuade them to hold fast to the Spirit. And second, in order that they might cherish the Spirit. For Christ himself could have accomplished these things, but he concedes to the Spirit the working of miracles so that they might understand his dignity. For as the Father could have brought into being things that are, but it was the Son who did so in order that we might understand his power, so also is it in this case. For this reason he himself was made flesh by delegating the performing of this work to the Spirit, thus silencing those who take the argument of his ineffable love for an occasion of impiety. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 78.3. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:288**.