ACC ~ John 5 v14

JESUS IS BETRAYED BY THE HEALED MAN

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: After the paralytic apologized, saying that another had ordered him to take up his mat on a sabbath, the Jews turned their rage against the one who had given the order…. When he pointed Jesus out to such an enraged and furious people, however, he did not act as a friend. Rather, in order to comply with the rules of the Jews, he betrayed his own benefactor. Nor can one excuse his actions as being done out of necessity because he felt pressured by the violence of the questioners. Therefore when our Lord came to him in the temple, he spoke these words to the healed man, who had [already] demonstrated his inclination to sin. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 2.5.12-15. [1]

[1] CO 4 3:102.

PEDAGOGICAL PUNISHMENT OF THE BODY

CHRYSOSTOM: Here we learn in the first place that his disease was the consequence of his sins. Second, we learn that there is really a hell; third, that it is a place of lasting and infinite punishment…. But someone might ask, “Do all diseases proceed from sin?” Not all, but most do. Some proceed from different kinds of loose living, since gluttony, intemperance and sloth produce similar sufferings…. But why is it that in the case of these paralytics [1] Christ mentions their sins?… I know that some slander this paralytic, asserting that he was an accuser of Christ and that therefore this speech was addressed to him. [2] But what about the paralytic in Matthew who heard nearly the same words? For Christ also told him, “Your sins are forgiven you.” And so it is clear that this man was not addressed in this way because of what they allege…. Rather, Jesus was securing him against future sins.

In healing others, however, he makes no mention of sins at all. And so, it would seem to be the case that the diseases of these men had arisen from their sins, whereas those of the others had come from natural causes only. Or perhaps through these, Jesus is admonishing everybody else…. Or he may have admonished this man, knowing his great patience of mind, anticipating that he would bear an admonition, keeping him healthy both by the benefit of the healing and the fear of future ills…. It is also a disclosure too of his divinity, for he implies in saying, “Sin no more,” that he knew what sins he had formerly committed. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 38.1-2. [3]

[1] See also Mt 9:2, since Chrysostom is speaking about both accounts.

[2] See previous comment of Theodore.

[3] NPNF 1 14:131-32*.

HEALED TO A NEW LIFE IN GOD

GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS: Yesterday you were flung upon a bed, exhausted and paralyzed, and you had no one to put you into the pool when the water should be troubled. Today you have him who is in one person man and God, or rather God and man. You were raised up from your bed, or rather you took up your bed and publicly acknowledged the benefit. Do not again be thrown on your bed by sinning…. But as you now are, so walk, mindful of the command…. Sin no more lest a worse thing happen to you if you prove yourself to be evil after the blessing you have received. ON HOLY BAPTISM, ORATION 40.33. [1]

[1] NPNF 2 7:372*.