ACC ~ Matthew 3 v5

THE TONE OF JOHN’S PROPHETIC SPEECH

CHRYSOSTOM: See how great was the power of the coming of the prophet! He stirred up the people. He called them to consider the meaning of their own sins. It was indeed worthy of wonder to behold his remarkable human form, his great freedom of speech, the strength of his reproof of all as if they were children and the abundant grace beaming out from his countenance. The appearance of a prophet after such a great interval of time increased their amazement. The prophetic gift that had been absent for a long time was now returning. The very tone of his prophetic speech was strange and unusual. For they had heard none of those things of which the prophets were accustomed to speak: of wars and battles and victories below, of famine and pestilence, of the Babylonians and Persians, and the taking of the city, and the other things with which they were familiar; of heaven and its kingdom, of punishment in hell. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 10.5. [1]

[1] PG 57:189; NPNF 1 10:65**. John renewed the tone and voice of prophetic preaching.

A MAN SENT FROM GOD

THEODORE OF HERACLEA: When the crowds heard of his manner of life, far surpassing normal human life, they longed to see him. For this reason, when they heard that John was nearby, they all simultaneously ran to him, as to “a man sent from God.” [1] They confessed their sins in his presence so that, like a priest, he might offer up sacrifices on their behalf. FRAGMENT 13. [2]

[1] Jn 1:6.

[2] MKGK 60.

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