ACC ~ John 18 v12

THEY BOUND THEIR LIBERATOR

AUGUSTINE: They took him: someone to whom they had never found access. For he continued [as] the day while they remained as darkness. Neither had they listened to the words “Come unto him, and be enlightened.” [1] For if they had approached him in this way, they would have taken him, not with their hands for the purpose of murder but with their hearts for the purpose of a welcome reception. Now, however, when they laid hold of him in this way, their distance from him was vastly increased. And they bound the one who could have freed them. And perhaps there were those among them who then fastened their fetters on Christ, and yet were afterward delivered by him and could say, “You have loosed my bonds.” [2] TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 112.6. [3]

[1] Ps 34:5 (33:6 LXX).

[2] Ps 116:16 (115:7 LXX).

[3] CCL 36:635-36; NPNF 1 7:417-18**.

CHAINS OF FREEDOM

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Now that all obstacles had been overcome and Peter had put away his sword, and Christ had, as it were, surrendered himself to the hand of the Jews (though he did not have to die) and it was easier for him to escape, the soldiers and servants together with their guide give way to cruel rage and are transported with the ardor of victory. They took the Lord, who gave himself up wholly to their will, and put chains upon him, even though he came to us to release us from the bondage of the devil and to loose us from the chains of sin. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 11.13. [1]

[1] LF 48:578**.

Jn