ACC ~ John 17 v4

FULL KNOWLEDGE BRINGS FULL GLORY

AUGUSTINE: If knowledge of God is eternal life, the more we grow in this knowledge, the greater the advances we make toward life. And we shall not die in the eternal life that is to come. For then, when there shall be no death, the knowledge of God shall be perfected. Then God will be most fully glorified because then it will be the completed glory, as expressed in Greek by doxa. … But glory was defined among the ancients as fame accompanied with praise. But if one’s praise depends on what is said of him, how will God be praised when he himself shall be seen? And so it is said in Scripture, “Blessed are they who dwell in your house. They will be praising you forever and ever.” [1] There, where there shall be full knowledge of God, his praise will continue without end. And because it is full knowledge, the glorification will also be full and complete. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 105.3. [2]

[1] Ps 84:4 (83:5 LXX, Vg).

[2] NPNF 1 7:396**; CCL 36:605.

THE EARTHLY GLORY OF SERVICE

CHRYSOSTOM: He says “on the earth,” because in heaven he had been already glorified in respect to his own natural glory and to his being worshiped by the angels. Christ then speaks not of that glory that is bound up with his essence—for he always possesses that glory in its fullness even if no one glorified him—but of that which comes from the worship given him by humankind. And so, “Glorify me” also has this meaning. And listen to what follows so that you may understand that he speaks of this kind of glory: “I have finished the work that you gave me to do.” HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 80.2. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:297**.

THE MEANING OF “I HAVE FINISHED

” CHRYSOSTOM: And yet the action was still in its beginning, or rather had not even yet begun. What did he mean by “I have finished” then? Either he means that “I have done all my part” or he speaks of the future, as having already happened. Or, the most likely explanation is that all had already been accomplished by anticipation because the root of blessings to come had been laid and its fruits would inevitably follow. This is so because Jesus would be present at and assisting in those things that would take place after these did. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 80.2. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:297**.