ACC ~ John 3 v19
THE LIGHT COMES TO THEM, BUT THEY REFUSE
CHRYSOSTOM: They are punished because they would not leave the darkness and hurry to the light…. Had I come to demand an accounting of their deeds, they might have been able to say that was the reason they stayed away. But now I have come to free them from the darkness and to bring them to the light. Who can pity the person who does not choose to approach the light when it comes to him but would rather remain in the darkness? HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 28.2. [1]
[1] NPNF 1 14:97**.
THE POWER TO DETERMINE OUR OWN PUNISHMENT
CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Jesus says that unbelievers had the opportunity to be illuminated but preferred to remain in darkness. Such people, in fact, by failing to choose enlightenment, determine their own punishment against themselves and provoke their own suffering, which was in their power to escape. God preserved human freedom so that people might justly receive praise for good things and punishment for the contrary. As indeed he shows in another place, saying, “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword.” [1] COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 2.1. [2]
[1] Is 1:19-20.
[2] LF 43:177**.
CHOOSING TO REMAIN IN WICKEDNESS
CHRYSOSTOM: Then, because it seemed incredible that someone should prefer the light to darkness, he gives the reason for the infatuation, that is, that their deeds were evil…. Indeed, if he had come for judgment, there would have at least been a reason for not receiving him because one who is conscious of his crimes naturally avoids the judge. But criminals practically run to meet one who brings them pardon. Therefore, it might have been expected that those who are conscious of their sins would have gone to meet Christ, as many indeed did. Publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus…. But the majority was too cowardly to undergo the work of virtue for righteousness’ sake, and they persisted in their wickedness to the end…. They are always doing evil and looking for ways to roll around in the mire of sin, with no desire to subject themselves to my laws. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 28.2. [1]
[1] NPNF 1 14:97-98**.
THE ENSLAVING POWER OF FREE REASON
APOLLINARIS OF LAODICEA: Those who love darkness instead of the light have no excuse. They did not fail to believe Christ because of their ignorance but because they wanted to do what is evil, which Christ’s teaching would not permit. Then, whenever we hear “they could not believe,” let us understand this as not referring to the ability of their nature or to their subjugation to someone else but to their own free reason, which enslaved them to dishonorable passions, not wanting to let them revolt from their very base habits. For these know “the light,” but do not come to it, in case they might be convicted for their hypocrisy for saying that they know God while denying him by their actions. FRAGMENTS ON JOHN 14. [1]
[1] JKGK 9.
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