ACC ~ John 19 v19

THE CAUSE OF JESUS’ DEATH AND HIS CROWN

ORIGEN: Whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed king, and every letter bears witness of his reign, whether of Greeks, or Romans, or Hebrews. And for a crown above his head was written, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.” And since no other cause is found for his death (for there was none), this alone is put forward, “He was king of the Jews.” [1] … And the high priest according to the letter of the law used to carry on his head the form of the sign and the sanctification of the Lord written on the plate. But the true high priest and king, Jesus, on the cross has it written, “This is the King of the Jews.” But ascending to the Father and receiving the Father into himself, he has for letters and for a name what he [God] is named and has him [the Father] as a crown. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 130. [2]

[1] See also Ps 2:6.

[2] AEG 6:57-58*; GCS 38 2 (11):267.

THEIR KING EVEN IN DEATH

AUGUSTINE: The title placed over his cross, on which was written “The King of the Jews,” showed that they could not keep him from being their king even by his death. SERMON 218.5. [1]

[1] WSA 3 6:184**.

PILATE PROCLAIMS JESUS’ VICTORY AND INNOCENCE

CHRYSOSTOM: Pilate wrote a title that both requited the Jews and made a defense for Christ. They had given him up as worthless and attempted to confirm his sentence by making him share the punishment of the robbers. He does this in order that, in the future, it might be in no one’s power to bring evil charges against Jesus or accuse him of being a worthless and wicked person. He closes their mouths and the mouths of all who might desire to accuse him and shows that they had risen up against their own king. Pilate, however, places those letters almost as if he were placing them on a trophy—letters that proclaim in a clear voice Jesus’ victory and kingdom. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 85.1. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:317**.