ACC ~ John 8 v46b

JESUS CONVICTS THE LEADERS OF THE PEOPLE

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: We must not think that all the Jews were utterly immersed in ill-tempered foolishness. [1] Rather, some had “a zeal for God,” as Paul said, “but it was not yet enlightened,” [2] and these therefore delayed a little regarding the faith. But regarding those who were thus disposed we shall blame the unholy scribes and Pharisees… whose boundless unbelief stirred the others to wrath and intemperately kindled them to bloodthirstiness. For the scribes and Pharisees were the leaders and the ones who persuaded their subjects to go along with their sacrilege. It is fitting therefore that they are accused as having “taken away the key of knowledge,” [3] and neither entering themselves, they hinder others. Therefore, when Christ says, “Why do you not believe me?” he is primarily speaking against the leaders. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 6.1. [4]

[1] A decisive passage for contemporary relevance to Jewish-Christian dialogue. See also comments on 7:40-49.

[2] See Rom 10:2.

[3] Lk 11:52.

[4] LF 43:660**.