ACC ~ John 4 v12

TWO REASONS SAMARITANS CLAIMED JACOB

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The Samaritans then were aliens (for they were colonists of the Babylonians), but they call Jacob their father for two reasons. They inhabited a country bordering on Jewish land and so, as neighbors, they were influenced by their worship and were accustomed to boast of the Jews’ ancestors. Besides, it was really true that the greater number of the inhabitants of Samaria were sprung from the root of Jacob. For Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, having gathered together ten tribes of Israel and the half-tribe of Ephraim, departed from Jerusalem in the time of the kingdom of the son of Solomon, and took Samaria and built houses and cities there. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 2.4. [1]

[1] LF 43:208**.

JESUS IS GREATER THAN JACOB

CHRYSOSTOM: When the woman objects, “Are you greater than our father Jacob?” Jesus does not reply, “Actually, I am greater,” which would make him sound like he is boasting since there was no proof at this point. Nonetheless, his answer implies it…. It is as if he said, If Jacob is honored because he gave you this water, what would you say if I give you far better water than this?… He makes the comparison, however, not to put Jacob down but to honor himself. Notice, Jesus does not say that the water is inferior or vile. Rather, he asserts a simple fact of nature: whoever drinks of this water shall thirst again. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 32.1. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:111-12**.

THE BEST WELL AROUND

CHRYSOSTOM: It is as if she said, you cannot say that Jacob gave us this spring and then used another for himself. For he and his descendants drank from it, which they would not have done if they had another well that was better. Therefore, you cannot then give me water from this spring. And you do not have a better spring, unless you confess that you are greater than Jacob. Where then does the water come from then that you promise to give us? HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 31.4. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:110*.