ACC ~ John 6 v6

QUESTION MEANT TO INSTILL DOUBT

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: Through his question to Philip, he intended to expose his disciples to doubt, so that they might observe more clearly the miracle he would do. Even though he appears to speak to one disciple only, his words concerned all for the common benefit. By explaining the purpose of that question the evangelist added: “He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do.” “To test him,” he says, but he means, rather, to provide the proof. Indeed, he first kept Philip in doubt and difficulty because of the shortage of food, but then, when Philip would see the miracle accomplished, he would learn that everything must always be committed to God and that he should never feel embarrassed because of any shortage. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 3.6.5. [1]

[1] CSCO 4 3:130-31.

WEAKNESS OF FAITH

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Smallness of faith is the worst sickness and surpasses all evil. If God works or promises to do anything, then let it be believed in simple faith. Just because we are powerless to accomplish anything, we should not let God be accused by our inability to understand how he will accomplish things beyond our understanding…. What is then beyond our comprehension is received by faith and not by investigation. Therefore, just as one who believes is admired, so also one who doubts is not free from blame. The Savior himself testifies about this when he says, “He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already.” [1] COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 3.4. [2]

[1] Jn 3:18.

[2] LF 43:324-25**.

Jn