ACC ~ John 19 v2

THE CROWN OF THORNS AS TYPE

CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: The Lord’s crown of thorns prophetically pointed to us who once were barren but are placed around him through the church of which he is the head. But it is also a type of faith, of life in respect to the substance of the wood, of joy in respect to the appellation of crown, of danger in respect to the thorn. For there is no approaching the Word without blood. … They crowned Jesus raised up high, testifying to their own ignorance. … This crown is the flower of those who have believed on the glorified One, but it covers with blood and chastises those who have not believed. It is a symbol, too, of the Lord’s successful work, he having borne on his head (the princely part of his body) all our iniquities by which we were pierced. For he by his own passion rescued us from offenses and sins and other thorns. And having destroyed the devil, deservedly said in triumph, “O Death, where is your sting?” [1] CHRIST THE EDUCATOR 2.8. [2]

[1] 1 Cor 15:55.

[2] ANF 2:256-57*; CCL 2:1052.

CHRIST’S CROWN IN CONTRAST TO ALL OTHER CROWNS

TERTULLIAN: What patriarch, what prophet, what Levite, or priest or ruler, or at a later period what apostle, or preacher of the gospel or bishop do you ever find the wearer of a crown? … If, perhaps, you object that Christ himself was crowned, to that you will get the brief reply: Go ahead and be crowned like he was. You have my full permission. THE CHAPLET 9. [1]

[1] ANF 3:98. Tertullian is here contrasting the world’s idea of glory with that of humble faith, which will not wear the crown that the heathen and their deities wear.

DO NOT ADD MORE THORNS

ORIGEN: There are those who still have thorns with which they crown and dishonor Jesus, those, namely, who are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life and, though they have received the word of God, do not bring it to perfection. [1] We must beware, therefore, lest we also, as crowning Jesus with thorns of our own, should be entered in the Gospel … and read how he is dishonored and mocked and beaten [by us]. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 1.72-73. [2]

[1] See Lk 8:14.

[2] FC 80:48**; SC 120:96.

CHRIST’S BLOOD IS OUR PURPLE ROBE

TERTULLIAN: You belong to Christ for you have been enrolled in the books of life. [1] There the blood of the Lord serves for your purple robe, and your broad stripe is his own cross. THE CHAPLET 13. [2]

[1] Phil 4:3.

[2] CCL 2:1060; ANF 3:101*.