ACC ~ John 8 v46a

THE WHOLE HUMAN RACE

ORIGEN: Now, so far as the literal meaning is concerned, the text also involves the Savior’s boldness, since no man could say with the confidence that he had not sinned, “Which of you convicts me of sin?” It is only our Lord “who did not sin,” [1] “who has been tempted in all things like as we are, without sin.” [2] He is the only one able to address these words to all who have ever known him. Now, I understand the words “which of you” to be said not only to those present but also to the whole human race, as if we were to understand it to mean: Who of your race? Or, what sort of person will be able to convict me of sin? But be assured: there is no one. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 20.277-78. [3]

[1] 1 Pet 2:22.

[2] Heb 4:15.

[3] FC 89:263; SC 290:292.

ENEMIES OF TRUTH OFFER CONVICTION

CHRYSOSTOM: You want to kill me, then, because you are enemies of the truth. It is not because you have any fault to find in me, for “which of you convicts me of sin?” HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 54.3. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:195*.

Jn