ACC ~ John 19 v31

ISRAEL GATHERED DOUBLE THE MANNA

ORIGEN: What do they [i.e., the Jews] take it to mean when it says, “For six consecutive days you shall gather. On the sixth day, however, you shall gather double”? [1] It appears that that day that is placed before the sabbath is called the sixth day, which we call the Day of Preparation. [2] HOMILIES ON EXODUS 7.5. [3]

[1] ESUS IS INFORMED THAT LAZARUS IS SICK | JOHN 11:1-5

[2] Lat Parasceve.

[3] FC 71:307-8; GCS 29(6):211.

THE SIXTH DAY OF CREATION AND THE DAY OF PREPARATION

BEDE: Parasceve is interpreted as preparation. … They called it this as the day when it was necessary that they prepare for the sabbath according to the command they had received concerning the manna, “On the sixth day you shall gather double, etc.” … Therefore, because it was on the sixth day that human beings were made and the whole creation of the world completed, but on the seventh day it was required that he rested from his work and this is the sabbath, that is, rest—so it is only right to call that the day on which our Lord was crucified the sixth day fulfilling the reparation of humanity back to what it was at the beginning. [And we read], “And when he received the strong drink, he said ‘It is finished,’” that is, the work of the sixth day is perfect as I have totally accomplished the restoration of the world. But on the sabbath he rests in the sepulcher awaiting the event of the resurrection, which will occur on the eight day. EXPOSITION ON THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 6.23.54. [1]

[1] CCL 120:409.

A GROSS MISINTERPRETATION OF THE LAW

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The Jews strained out the gnat while they swallowed the camel. [1] They completely discounted the most outrageous and awful of all crimes against God, while they exercised the greatest diligence with reference to the most paltry and insignificant matters, showing their folly in either case. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 12. [2]

[1] See Mt 23:24.

[2] LF 48:644*.

BROKEN LEGS HASTENED DEATH

AUGUSTINE: [The breaking of the legs] was not so that their legs might be taken away. Rather, their legs were broken in order to bring about their death, which then allowed for them to be detached from the tree. Otherwise, their continuing to hang on the crosses would defile the great festal day by the horrible spectacle of their day-long torments. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 120.1. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 7:434**.