ACC ~ John 3 v27

CHRIST’S WORKS TESTIFY THEY ARE FROM HEAVEN

CHRYSOSTOM: When this question is raised, John does not rebuke his disciples for fear they might leave and turn to some other school. Rather, he replies gently, “A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” Do not be surprised that he seems to speak somewhat humbly of Christ, especially when you consider that it was not appropriate to tell the whole truth to minds prepossessed with such a passion as envy. He only tries at present to alarm them by showing them that they are making war against none other than God himself when they attack Christ…. It is as if he said it is no wonder that Christ does such excellent works and that everyone comes to him when you consider that the one who does it all is God. Human efforts are easily seen through, are feeble and short-lived. These actions of Jesus are not like that. They are not therefore of human but of divine origin. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 29.2. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:101**.

JOHN SPEAKS OF HIMSELF

AUGUSTINE: John is speaking here about himself. “As a man, I have only received” he said, “what I have from heaven.”… You also realize the kind of testimony I provided for him. And now I am supposed to say that he was not the one who I said he was? Because I received something from heaven in order to be something, do you want me now to throw out everything I have received by speaking against the truth? TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 13.9. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 7:90**.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE THAT YOU DID NOT RECEIVE?

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: He says that there is nothing good in humankind, but everything is a gift of God. It is therefore fitting for the creation to hear, “What do you have that you did not receive?” [1] I think then that we ought to be content with the measures allotted to us and to rejoice in the honors assigned to us from heaven. But, by no means, should we stretch out beyond what has been given us, nor in our desire of things greater, appear to be unthankful or to despise the decree from above and fight against the judgment of the Lord…. Whatever God shall deign to honor us with, [let us] value that highly. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 2.1. [2]

[1] 1 Cor 4:7.

[2] HE WORD IN THE BEGINNING | JOHN 1:1