ACC ~ John 6 v38

CHRIST MANIFESTS OBEDIENCE

HILARY OF POITIERS: It was not that he himself was unwilling but that he might manifest his obedience as the result of his Father’s will. For his own will is to do his Father’s. His will is to carry out the Father’s will. ON THE TRINITY 3.9. [1]

[1] NPNF 2 9:64. See also On the Trinity 9.49, where he insists Christ’s will was not controlled by necessity. For further discussion of Christ’s will, see also On the Trinity 9.74; 11.30.

WE ARE PROVOKED TO DO GOD’S WILL

TERTULLIAN: If [Christ] himself proclaimed that he did not his own but the Father’s will, without doubt those things that he used to do were the Father’s will. We are now encouraged to do these exemplary things too: to preach, to work, to endure even to the point of death. And we need the will of God so that we may be able to fulfill these duties…. [Christ] himself was the will and the power of the Father. And yet, for the demonstration of the patience that was due, he gave himself up to the Father’s will. ON PRAYER 4. [1]

[1] ANF 3:682-83.