Tractates on the Gospel of John 28–54 (The Fathers of the Church, Volume 88)
Tractates on the Gospel of John 28–54 (The Fathers of the Church, Volume 88)
ST. AUGUSTINE
Translated by JOHN W. RETTIG
Series: Fathers of the Church
Copyright Date: 1993
Published by: Catholic University of America Press
https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344
Pages: 336
https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt32b344
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Tractates on the Gospel of John 28–54 (The Fathers of the Church, Volume 88)
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eISBN: 978-0-8132-1188-6
Subjects: Religion
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  1. Front Matter
    Front Matter (pp. i-iv)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.1
  2. Table of Contents
    Table of Contents (pp. v-vi)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.2
  3. ABBREVIATIONS
    ABBREVIATIONS (pp. vii-viii)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.3
  4. SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
    SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY (pp. ix-x)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.4
  5. TRACTATE 28 On John 7.1–13
    TRACTATE 28 On John 7.1–13 (pp. 3-13)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.5

    In this section of the Gospel, brothers, our Lord Jesus Christ has very much commended himself to our faith according to his humanness. For he always in his words and works effects this, that he be believed as God and man, God who made us, man who sought after us, God with the Father forever, man with us in time. For he would not seek after that which he had made unless he himself became what he had made. But remember this and do not dismiss it from your hearts: that Christ was made man in such a way that...

  6. TRACTATE 29 On John 7.14–18
    TRACTATE 29 On John 7.14–18 (pp. 14-21)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.6

    Let us also look next at what follows in the Gospel and was read today, and from it let us say what God has bestowed. Yesterday it had been read up to this point: that, although they had not seen the Lord Jesus in the temple during the festival day, they still were talking about him. “And some were saying, ‘He is a good man.’ But others were saying, ‘No, but he seduces the crowds.’”¹ For this was said for the solace of those who, later on, preaching the word of God, would be as seducers and yet truthful men.²...

  7. TRACTATE 30 On John 7.19–24
    TRACTATE 30 On John 7.19–24 (pp. 22-29)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.7

    Today’s reading, which has just been read, follows the reading of the holy Gospel about which we spoke to you, my beloved people, a few days ago. Both the disciples and the Jews were listening to the Lord speaking; both the truthful and the lying were listening to the Truth speaking. Both friends and enemies were listening to Love speaking; both the good and the evil were listening to the Good speaking. They were listening, but he was distinguishing [among them]; and he saw and foresaw to whom his sermon was and would be profitable. He saw it among those...

  8. TRACTATE 31 On John 7.25–36
    TRACTATE 31 On John 7.25–36 (pp. 30-40)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.8

    You remember, my beloved people, that in the previous sermons¹ it was both read in the Gospel and discussed by us, as well as we could, that the Lord Jesus went up to the festival day as if secretly, not because he feared that he who had the power not to be arrested, might be arrested, but that he might signify even on the very festival day which was celebrated by the Jews that he was hidden and that the mystery [of it] was his own.

    (2) In today’s reading what was accounted timidity appeared as power, for he was...

  9. TRACTATE 32 On John 7.37–39
    TRACTATE 32 On John 7.37–39 (pp. 41-50)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.9

    Amid the disputes and doubts of the Jews about the Lord Jesus Christ among the other things that he said by which some were confounded [and] others were taught, on that “last day ofthe festivity” (for these things were being done then) which is called Scenopegia, that is, the building of tents—and you remember, my beloved people, this festivity has previously been discussed¹—the Lord Jesus Christ calls, and this not merely by speaking, but by crying out, that he who thirsts may come to him. If we thirst, let us come, and not on foot,² but in our...

  10. TRACTATE 33 On John 7.40–53: 8.1–11
    TRACTATE 33 On John 7.40–53: 8.1–11 (pp. 51-59)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.10

    You remember, my beloved people, that in the previous sermon, as a result of the circumstances presented in the reading of the Gospel, we spoke to you about the Holy Spirit. When the Lord had invited those who believed in him to this drinking, speaking among those who were thinking about laying hold of him, and who desired to kill him but were unable because he did not will it, when, therefore, he had said these things, a disagreement about him sprang up in the crowd, since some thought that he was the very Christ and others said that the...

  11. TRACTATE 34 On John 8.12
    TRACTATE 34 On John 8.12 (pp. 60-70)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.11

    I do not doubt that we all tried also to understand what we have just now heard and attentively received when the Holy Gospel was read; and each of us took what he could according to his own capacity from so great a matter which has been read. And when the bread of the word has been served, there is no one who complains that he has tasted nothing. But again I do not doubt that there is rarely anyone who has understood the whole. Nevertheless, even if there is someone who understands well all the words of our Lord...

  12. TRACTATE 35 On John 8.13–14
    TRACTATE 35 On John 8.13–14 (pp. 71-80)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.12

    You who were present yesterday remember that we discussed for some time the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, where he says, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”! And if we should still desire to discuss that light, we can speak at length; for we cannot explain it in brief. And so, my brothers, let us follow Christ, the Light of the world, that we may not walk in darkness. Darkness must be feared—of character, not of eyes, and if of eyes,...

  13. TRACTATE 36 On John 8.15–18
    TRACTATE 36 On John 8.15–18 (pp. 81-94)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.13

    In the four Gospels, or rather the four books of the one Gospel, the holy Apostle John, not unjustly compared to an eagle¹ because of his spiritual understanding, has elevated his preaching more highly and much more sublimely than the other three. And in this elevation of his, he also wanted our hearts to be elevated. For the three other evangelists, as though they were walking on earth with the Lord, a man, said few things about his divinity; but this [evangelist], as if he loathed to walk upon the earth, as he thundered at the very beginning of his...

  14. TRACTATE 37 On John 8.19–20
    TRACTATE 37 On John 8.19–20 (pp. 95-104)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.14

    That is said briefly in the holy Gospel ought not to be explained briefly, so that what is heard may be understood. For the words of our Lord are few, but great, to be judged not by their number but by their weight; they should not be scorned because they are few, but should be examined precisely because they are great.

    (2) You who were present yesterday heard, and we discussed, as well as we could, from what the Lord said: “You judge according to the flesh; I do not judge anyone. But even if I do judge, my judgment...

  15. TRACTATE 38 On John 8.21–25
    TRACTATE 38 On John 8.21–25 (pp. 105-115)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.15

    The reading of the holy Gospel which preceded today’s had concluded thus: “The Lord, teaching in the treasury, spoke” what he wanted and what you heard; “and no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.”¹ From this our discourse which he himself deigned to grant was delivered on the Lord’s day. We suggested to you, my beloved people, why it was said, “His hour had not yet come”—so that no impiety would dare wrongfully to suspect that Christ had been put under some necessity of fate. For the hour had not yet come in which, by...

  16. TRACTATE 39 On John 8.25–27
    TRACTATE 39 On John 8.25–27 (pp. 116-123)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.16

    The words of our Lord Jesus Christ which he exchanged with the Jews, so controlling his language that the blind might not see and the believers might open their eyes, which were read aloud from the holy Gospel today are these: “Therefore the Jews said, ‘Who are You?’” For the Lord had said before, “If you do not believe that I am, you will die in your sins.”¹ To this, then, they [answered], “Who are You?”, as if seeking to know in whom they ought to believe, that they might not die in their sin. He answered those who were...

  17. TRACTATE 40 On John 8.28–32
    TRACTATE 40 On John 8.28–32 (pp. 124-134)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.17

    From the holy Gospel according to John, which you see us carrying in our hands, you have already heard, my beloved people, many things which we have discussed, God granting, as best we could, especially showing you that this Evangelist had chosen to speak about the Lord’s divinity by which he is equal to the Father and is the only Son of God; and for this reason the Evangelist has been compared to an eagle; for, of course, no bird is said to fly higher.¹ Accordingly, to those things which follow in order, as the Lord grants us to treat...

  18. TRACTATE 41 On John 8.31–36
    TRACTATE 41 On John 8.31–36 (pp. 135-149)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.18

    The end of the previous reading which has been read aloud to us from the holy Gospel, I put off speaking about on that occasion because I had already said many things; and one ought not to discuss cursorily nor carelessly the freedom into which the grace of the Savior calls us. With the Lord’s help, we intend to speak to you about this today.

    (2) Now those to whom the Lord Jesus Christ was speaking were Jews, a great part of them indeed his enemies, but also a certain part of them had already become, and were soon to...

  19. TRACTATE 42 On John 8.37–47
    TRACTATE 42 On John 8.37–47 (pp. 150-162)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.19

    Our lord, promised freedom to those believing in him in the form of a servant certainly, but not a servant. Yet certainly the Lord was in the form of a servant,¹ that form of the flesh was servile, but although there was a likeness of sinful flesh,² there was not the sinful flesh. But the Jews, as if taking pride in their own freedom, disdained to become free, although they were the slaves of sin. But the reason why they said that they were free was that they were the seed of Abraham.³ We heard, then, when today’s reading was...

  20. TRACTATE 43 On John 8.48–59
    TRACTATE 43 On John 8.48–59 (pp. 163-174)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.20

    In the passage of the holy Gospel which was read today, we learn patience from power. For what are we, servants to the Lord, sinners to the Just, a creature to the Creator? Nevertheless, just as if we are something evil, we are of ourselves, so whatever good we are, we are from him and through him.

    (2) And nothing does a man so seek as power. He has the Lord Christ, a great power; but first let him imitate his patience that he may come to power. Who of us would listen patiently if it were said to someone,...

  21. TRACTATE 44 On John 9
    TRACTATE 44 On John 9 (pp. 175-186)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.21

    The day will not be long enough if we should try to explicate the whole of the lengthy reading just heard concerning the man born blind, whom the Lord Jesus enlightened, in accordance with its own worth, considering each detail as best we are able. And so I ask each of you and I advise you, my beloved people, that you not require of us a discourse on those matters which are clear; for it will be too tedious to tarry on every point. Therefore, I present briefly the mystery of the enlightenment of this blind man. Of course, those...

  22. TRACTATE 45 On John 10.1–10
    TRACTATE 45 On John 10.1–10 (pp. 187-202)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.22

    The lord’s discourse to the Jews began from the enlightenment of that man who was born blind. You ought, therefore, to know and be reminded, my beloved people, that today’s reading is closely connected with that one. For when the Lord had said, “I came into the world for judgment that they who do not see may see, and they who see may become blind,”—and we explained this at that time when it was read, insofar as we could—some of the Pharisees said, “Are we also blind?” And he answered them, “If you were blind, you would not...

  23. TRACTATE 46 On John 10.11–13
    TRACTATE 46 On John 10.11–13 (pp. 203-211)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.23

    The lord jesus, speaking to his sheep, both the present ones and the future ones who were then there (for [there] where those already his sheep were, there were those who were going to be his sheep), just so to the present ones and to the future ones, both to those and to us and even to as many as after us will be his sheep, he showed who was sent to them. Therefore, all hear the voice of their Shepherd, saying, “I am the good shepherd.” He would not add “good” unless there were evil shepherds. But the evil...

  24. TRACTATE 47 On John 10.14–21
    TRACTATE 47 On John 10.14–21 (pp. 212-227)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.24

    You who listen to our Lord’s discourse, not only willingly but also attentively, undoubtedly remember our promise. For the same Gospel reading was also read today which had been read on the last Lord’s day because, by spending time on certain unavoidable points, we were unable to discuss all the things which we owed to your understandings. Accordingly, the things which have already been said and expounded we do not bring up today lest, by still repeating the same things, we may not at all be allowed to reach those points which have not yet been stated.

    (2) You already...

  25. TRACTATE 48 On John 10.22–42
    TRACTATE 48 On John 10.22–42 (pp. 228-237)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.25

    As i have already shown you, my dear people, you ought to keep it firmly in mind that the holy Evangelist John wishes us not to be always nourished with milk but to feed upon solid food. But whoever is still less fit for taking the solid food of God’s word, let him be nourished with the milk of faith and let him not hesitate to believe the word which he cannot understand. For faith is a meritorious act, understanding a prize. In the very effort of concentration our mind’s eye works hard to remove the stains of human mistiness...

  26. TRACTATE 49 On John 11.1–54
    TRACTATE 49 On John 11.1–54 (pp. 238-259)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.26

    Among all the miracles which our Lord Jesus Christ performed, the resurrection of Lazarus is especially proclaimed. But if we should observe who did it, we ought to be delighted, rather than struck with wonder. He who made the man raised a man; for he is the only one of the Father through whom, as you know, all things were made.¹ If, therefore, all things were made through him, what wonder is it if one person arose through him since so many are born through him every day? It is a greater thing to create persons than to resurrect them....

  27. TRACTATE 50 On John 11.55–12.11
    TRACTATE 50 On John 11.55–12.11 (pp. 260-270)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.27

    Today’s reading, about which we shall speak what the Lord will give, follows yesterday's reading of the holy Gospel, about which we spoke what the Lord gave. Certain sentences in the Scriptures are so evident that they ask for a listener rather than an exegete; we need not delay on these so that there is sufficient time for the ones on which we must necessarily spend time.

    2. “Now theJewish Passover was near.” The Jews wished to have that feast day stained with the Lord’s blood. On that feast day the Lamb was slaughtered, who by his blood has consecrated the...

  28. TRACTATE 51 On John 12.12–26
    TRACTATE 51 On John 12.12–26 (pp. 271-279)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.28

    After the Lord had raised up the man dead for four days to the astonishment of the Jews, some of them believing by seeing, and some perishing by envying, because of the good fragrance which is to some for life and to others for death;¹ after he had reclined at table in the house together with Lazarus who was resuming his place at the table, the one who had been raised up from the dead; after the perfume was poured over his feet and the house was filled with its fragrance; after the Jews in their corrupt heart conceived a...

  29. TRACTATE 52 On John 12.27–36
    TRACTATE 52 On John 12.27–36 (pp. 280-289)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.29

    After the Lord Jesus Christ in the words of yesterday’s reading encouraged his servants to follow him when he had predicted his passion in these words, “Unless the grain of wheat, falling into the earth, dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces much fruit,”¹ wherein he stirred up those who wished to follow him to the kingdom of heaven to hate their life² in this world if they were thinking of keeping it to eternal life, he again tempered his feeling to our weakness and he said—the point where today’s reading begins—“My soul is troubled...

  30. TRACTATE 53 On John 12.37–43
    TRACTATE 53 On John 12.37–43 (pp. 290-300)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.30

    After the Lord Christ had foretold his passion and his fruitful death in the lifting up of the cross, where he said that he would draw all things after himself, since the Jews had understood that he had spoken about his death and had asked him how he could say that he would die since they heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever, he encouraged them that, while yet a little light was in them, by which they had learned that Christ was eternal, they might walk that they might learn the whole in order that they not...

  31. TRACTATE 54 On John 12.44–50
    TRACTATE 54 On John 12.44–50 (pp. 301-308)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.31

    When our Lord Jesus Christ was speaking with the Jews and working such great, miraculous signs, some, predestined for eternal life, whom he called his sheep, believed; but some did not believe, nor could they believe because they had been blinded and hardened¹ by the hidden and yet not unjust judgment of God, since he who resists the proud but gives favor to the humble² abandoned them. Moreover, of those who believed, some confessed to such an extent that they took up branches of palm and met him as he came, rejoicing in the same confession of praise; but others...

  32. GENERAL INDEX
    GENERAL INDEX (pp. 311-320)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.32
  33. INDEX OF HOLY SCRIPTURE
    INDEX OF HOLY SCRIPTURE (pp. 321-326)
    https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b344.33
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