ACC ~ John 17 v19

DISCIPLES EMPOWERED THROUGH CHRIST’S PASSION

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: [Christ says], “The reason I bring myself to the passion is so that through me they may obtain the sanctification that comes through the Spirit, and be sanctified and be empowered to preach the truth, being certain of the hope of the resurrection.” He says that he sanctifies himself because, after the passion, he would hurry to heaven along with his own body and be in holiness. [1] COMMENTARY ON JOHN 6.17.19. [2]

[1] Note again the separation of the two natures in Theodore.

[2] CSCO 4 3:318-19.

CHRIST OFFERS HIMSELF OR HIS DISCIPLES AS A SACRIFICE

CHRYSOSTOM: What does he mean by “I sanctify myself”? He means, “I offer to you a sacrifice.” Now all sacrifices are called “holy.” But those that are specially called “holy” are reserved for God. In [Old Testament times], sanctification was typologically indicated by the sheep. But now it is not in type but in truth itself. Therefore he says, “That they may be sanctified in your truth.” “For I both dedicate them to you and make them an offering.” He says this either because the disciples’ Head was being made so, or because they too would be sacrificed. For it says elsewhere, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy,” [1] and “We were counted as sheep for the slaughter.” [2] And he makes them a sacrifice and offering apart from death. For it is clear from what follows that he was alluding to his own sacrifice when he said, “I sanctify.” HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 82.1. [3]

[1] Rom 12:1.

[2] Ps 44:22 (43:22 LXX).

[3] NPNF 1 14:303**.

HIS CONSECRATION MEANS OUR CONSECRATION

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Christ called down on us the ancient gift of humanity, [1] that is, sanctification through the Spirit and communion with the divine nature, his disciples being the first to receive it. For the saying is true that the hard-working farmer ought to have the first share of the crops. [2] But, in order for him to have preeminence [3] in this—for it is fitting that … he is seen as the beginning and the gate and the way of every good thing for us—he is inspired to add what follows, namely, the words “for their sake I consecrate myself.” COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 11.10. [4]

[1] See Eph 2:10.

[2] See 2 Tim 2:6.

[3] See Col 1:18.

[4] LF 48:536*.

THE MEMBERS SANCTIFIED IN THE HEAD

AUGUSTINE: But since, on the ground that the Mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, has become head of the church, they are his members. Therefore he says in the words that follow, “And for their sakes I sanctify myself.” For what does he mean by the words “and for their sakes I sanctify myself” but I sanctify them in myself, since they also are myself? For those of whom he speaks in this way are, as I have said, his members. And the head and body are one Christ. [1] … And to be assured of the certainty of this in the present passage, listen to what follows. For after saying, “and for their sakes I sanctify myself”—to let us understand that he thereby meant that he would sanctify them in himself—he immediately added, “that they also may be sanctified in the truth.” And what else is this but in me, in accordance with the fact that the truth is that Word in the beginning that is God? TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 108.5. [2]

[1] Augustine quotes Gal 3:16, 29; Col 1:24.

[2] NPNF 1 7:405**; CCL 36:617-18.

CHRIST IS SANCTIFIED AND SANCTIFIES

AMBROSE: Let us pay attention to the distinction of the Godhead from the flesh. In each there speaks one and the same Son of God, for each nature is present in him. And yet, while it is the same person who speaks, he does not always speak in the same way. At one time you see in him the glory of God, at another time human characteristics. As God he speaks the things of God because he is the Word. As man he speaks in a human way because he speaks in my nature. … Even the letter itself [here] teaches us that it is not the Godhead but the flesh that needed sanctification. For the Lord himself said, “And I sanctify myself for them,” in order that you may acknowledge that he is both sanctified in the flesh for us and sanctifies by virtue of his divinity. ON THE CHRISTIAN FAITH 2.9.77-78. [1]

[1] NPNF 2 10:233-34**; CSEL 78:84-85.