ACC ~ John 8 v44a

ANOTHER BLOW TO THEIR PATRIMONY

CHRYSOSTOM: He had already driven them out of their relationship to Abraham. And when they dared greater things, he then adds another blow, telling them not only that they are not Abraham’s children but that they are even children of the devil. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 54.3. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:195**.

THEY KEEP CHANGING FATHERS

AUGUSTINE: How long are you going to keep speaking of a father? How often will you change your fathers—at one time Abraham, at another God? Hear the Son of God tell you whose children you are: “You are of your father the devil.” [1] TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 42.9. [2]

[1] Augustine goes on to warn against any type of Manichaean dualism that would assert a certain family of darkness that is equal to the family of God.

[2] NPNF 1 7:237*.

LOVING ONE’S ENEMIES MAKES ONE A CHILD OF GOD

ORIGEN: These words make it very clear that one is not a child of the devil as a result of creation, nor is anyone said to be a son of God because he was so created. It is also clear that one who was previously a child of the devil can become a child of God. Matthew also reveals this when he records that the Savior spoke as follows: “You have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, you shall love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may become children of your Father who is in heaven.” [1] For note that by [obeying] the commands, “Love your enemies” and “Pray for those who persecute you,” he who previously was not a child of the Father in heaven subsequently becomes his child. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 20.106-7. [2]

[1] Mt 5:43-45. Origen is arguing against Gnostic determinism.

[2] FC 89:228-29; SC 290:210-12.