ACC ~ John 19 v11

NOTHING HAPPENS WITHOUT GOD

ORIGEN: As with Job … it is not by accidental attacks that we are assailed, whenever we are visited with any such loss of property. It is not by chance when one of us is taken prisoner or when those who are dear to us are crushed to death in their houses [1] that fall in ruins. For in each one of these circumstances every believer ought to say, “You could have no power at all against me, except it were given you from above.” For observe that the house of Job did not fall on his children until the devil had first received power against them. Nor would the horsemen have made a raid in three bands to carry away his camels and oxen and cattle unless they had been instigated by that spirit to whom they had delivered themselves up as servants of his will. ON FIRST PRINCIPLES 3.2.6. [2]

[1] Job 1:6-19.

[2] ANF 4:333-34*; GCS 22(5):254.

ABILITY DOES NOT IMPLY NECESSITY

AUGUSTINE: But still, when the ability is given, surely no necessity is imposed. Therefore, although David had received ability to kill Saul, he preferred sparing to striking him. [1] From this, we understand that bad people receive ability for the condemnation of their depraved will, while good people receive ability for the trying of their good will. ON THE SPIRIT AND THE LETTER 54. [2]

[1] 1 Sam 24:7; 26:9.

[2] NPNF 1 5:107**.

THE CONSENT OF FATHER AND SON

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: When Jesus says that power was given to Pilate from above, he does not mean that God the Father inflicted crucifixion on his own Son against his will. Rather, he means that the Only-Begotten himself gave himself to suffer for us and that the Father suffered the fulfillment of the mystery in him. It is, then, plainly the consent and approval of the Father that is here said to have been given, and the pleasure of the Son is also clearly signified. For no doubt the force of numbers could never have overcome the power of the Savior. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 12. [1]

[1] LF 48:616**.

PILATE NOT EXEMPT FROM BLAME

AUGUSTINE: Jesus told Pilate, “You would have no power against me,” that is, even the little measure you really have, “except” this very measure, whatever its amount, “were given to you from above.” But knowing as I do its amount, for it is not so great as to render you altogether independent, “therefore he that delivered me unto you has the greater sin.” He, indeed, delivered me to your power at the bidding of envy, while you exercise your power on me through the impulse of fear. And yet not even through the impulse of fear should one person kill another, especially the innocent. Nevertheless to do so by an officious enthusiasm is a much greater evil than under the constraint of fear. And therefore the truth-speaking teacher does not say, “Only the one who delivered me to you has sin,” as if the other had none. Rather, he says that he “has the greater sin,” letting him understand that Pilate himself was not exempt from blame. The sin of the latter is not reduced to nothing because the other sin is greater. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 116.5. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 7:426**.

Jn