ACC ~ John 9 v4

CHRIST AND THE FATHER’S WORK IS THE SAME

CHRYSOSTOM: He says here, “I must reveal myself and do those things that may show that I do the same things with the Father”—not things “similar” but “the same.” This is an expression that marks greater invariability and that is used of those who do not differ even a little. Who then, after this, will face him when he sees that he had the same power with the Father? For not only did he form or open eyes; he also gave the gift of sight. This is proof that he also breathed in the soul. If that [soul] did not work, the eye, though perfected, could never see anything. He gave both the energy, [1] which is from the soul, and gave the member also, possessing all things, both arteries and nerves and veins, and all things of which our body is composed. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 56.2. [2]

[1] Or “noble birth.”

[2] NPNF 1 14:202**.

BEYOND LIFE IS NEITHER FAITH, LABOR NOR REPENTANCE

CHRYSOSTOM: “While it is day” means I must work while people can still believe on me as long as this life lasts. “The night comes,” that is, the future, “when no one can work.” He did not say, “when I cannot work” but “when no one can work,” that is, when there is no longer faith, labors or repentance. For to show that he called faith a “work,”… he replied, “This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he has sent.” Why then can no one do this kind of work in the future world? Because there is no faith there, but all, whether willingly or unwillingly, will simply submit. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 56.2. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:202**.

GOD PREFERS HOLY ACTION OVER IDLE SPECULATION

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Here Jesus is saying, “Why do you ask questions that are better left unsaid? Or why, leaving what suits the time, do you hurry to learn things beyond the capacity of people? It is not a time for such curiosity,” he says, “but for intense work. I think it is more appropriate to pass by such questions and instead zealously execute God’s commands.” COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 6.1. [1]

[1] LF 48:16**.

AFTER THE RESURRECTION COMES THE NIGHT FOR UNBELIEVERS

AUGUSTINE: After the resurrection of the living and the dead, when he will say to those placed at his right hand, “Come, you blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom,” and to those at his left, “Depart into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels,” [1] then shall be the night when no one can work but only get back what he has previously done. There is a time for working, another for receiving; for the Lord shall render to every one according to his works. [2] While you live, do something if you are to be doing anything at all. For then that appalling night shall come to envelop the wicked it its folds. But even now every unbeliever, when he dies, is received within that night: there is no work to be done there. In that night was the rich man burning and asking a drop of water from the beggar’s finger. [3] … Unhappy man! When you were living, that was the time for working. Now you are already in the night in which no one can work. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 44.6. [4]

[1] Mt 25:34, 41.

[2] Mt 16:27.

[3] Lk 16:24-28.

[4] NPNF 1 7:247*.