ACC ~ John 5 v30

THE SON WORKS THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY TRINITY

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Since the Son is of one essence with the Father, by his nature he possesses all the characteristics of him who begat him and essentially attains to one Godhead with him by reason of [his] nature. He is in the Father, and likewise he has the Father in himself. Thus, he [properly] attributes to the Father the power of his own works, not excluding himself from the power of doing them but attributing all things to the operation of the one Godhead. For there is one Godhead in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit…. Since he was made man and in the form of a servant he, who as God and Lord is the lawgiver, is himself also made under the law. Therefore, sometimes he exists as though under the law and sometimes as though above the law—and has undisputed authority for both. But, he is speaking now with the Jews as a law-abiding man, as one who is not able to transgress the commands ordered from above or venturing to do anything of his own mind that is contrary to the divine law. This is why he says, “I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge.” COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 2.9. [1]

[1] LF 43:276, 278**.

THE JUDGMENT OF THE FATHER IS THAT OF THE SON ALSO

CHRYSOSTOM: Christ’s meaning is nothing other than this: I do not have a will different and apart from that of the Father. Rather, if [the Father] desires anything, then I do as well. If I desire it, then so does he. Since therefore no one could object to the Father judging, so neither may anyone object to me, for the sentence of each is given from the same mind.” And if [Jesus] utters these words rather as a man, do not be surprised that they still considered him to be a mere man…. “For as in the case of people, [he might say], one who is free from selfishness cannot be justly charged with having given an unfair decision, so neither will you now be able to accuse me. One who has his own ends in view may incur suspicion of injustice, but one who does not have his own interests at heart cannot be suspected of such injustice.” HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 39.4. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:141-42**.

WE WANT TO DO OUR OWN WILL

AUGUSTINE: The only Son says, “I seek not my own will,” and yet we want to do our own will! See how low the one who is equal to the Father humbles himself!… Let us then do the will of the Father, Christ and Holy Spirit, for this Trinity has one will, power and majesty. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 22.15. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 7:150*.