ACC ~ John 5 v38

THE WORD IS THE FORM OF HIS FATHER

ATHANASIUS: It is most appropriate that he joins the “Word” to the “form” here to show that the Word of God is himself the image and expression and form of his Father. The Jews who did not receive the one who spoke to them thus did not receive the Word, which is the form of God. This too was who the patriarch Jacob saw when he received a blessing from him and the name of Israel instead of Jacob. [1] … And this is he who said, “He who has seen me has seen the Father,” [2] and “I in the Father and the Father in me” [3] and “I and the Father are one.” [4] For in this way God is one and so is the faith in the Father and the Son. For even though the Word is God, the Lord our God is one Lord. DISCOURSES AGAINST THE ARIANS 3.25.16. [5]

[1] See Gen 32:28-29 (32:29-30 LXX).

[2] Jn 14:9.

[3] Jn 14:11.

[4] Jn 10:30.

[5] NPNF 2 4:403*.

SCRIPTURES EVERYWHERE TELL THEM OF CHRIST

CHRYSOSTOM: It was not even in their power to assert what they boasted the most about, that is, that they had received and obeyed God’s commands. Therefore he adds, “You do not have his word abiding in you,” that is, the commandments, the Law and the Prophets. Although God instituted them, you do not have them. For if the Scriptures everywhere tell you to believe in me and you still do not believe, it is clear that his word has departed from you. “For you do not believe him whom he has sent.” HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 40.3. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:146**.