ACC ~ John 4 v46

CHRIST’S PRESENCE CONFIRMS THE EARLIER MIRACLE

CHRYSOSTOM: On a former occasion our Lord attended a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Now he goes there to convert the people and confirm by his presence the faith that his miracle had produced. He leaves his own country of Capernaum and goes to Cana as a self-invited guest this time, showing his preference for Cana as he tries to draw them closer to him. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 35.2. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:123**.

A SECOND VISIT TO CONVERT CANA

AUGUSTINE: There [i.e., Cana], as John himself writes, “his disciples believed on him.” Though the house was crowded with guests, the only persons who believed in consequence of this great miracle [1] were his disciples. He therefore visits the city again [in order to try a second time to convert them]. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 16.3. [2]

[1] Changing water into wine.

[2] NPNF 1 7:108**.

AN OFFICER OF HEROD’S?

ORIGEN: A guileless person will think that this royal officer was King Herod’s man; another, equally simple, will say that he was of Caesar’s household, performing some duty concerning Judea at the time. He is clearly not found to be a Jew. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 13.395. [1]

[1] FC 89:153**; SC 222:252.

MATTHEW’S CENTURION?

CHRYSOSTOM: This person certainly was of royal lineage or possessed some dignity from his office, which is why the title “noble” was attached to it. Some think that he is the same centurion who is mentioned in Matthew. [1] But it is clear that he is a different person from the fact that when Christ wanted to come to the centurion’s house in Matthew, the centurion there did not entreat him…. The official here in John brought Christ to his house, although he had received no promise of a cure…. And the centurion in Matthew met Jesus on his way from the mountain to Capernaum, whereas the official in John came to Jesus in Cana. Notice also that the Matthaean centurion’s servant was laid up with the palsy. The Johannine official’s son had a fever. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 35.2. [2]

[1] Mt 8:5-15.

[2] NPNF 1 14:123-24**.