Homilies on the Gospel of John

“They hated Me without a cause.”

3. Which Paul does also. For when many wondered how that the Jews believed not, he brings in Prophets foretelling it of old, and declaring the cause; that their wickedness and pride were the cause of their unbelief. “Well then; if they kept not Your saying, neither will they keep ours; if they persecuted You, therefore they will persecute us also; if they saw signs, such as none other man wrought; if they heard words such as none other spoke, and profited nothing; if they hate Your Father and You with Him, wherefore,” says one, “have You sent us in among them? How after this shall we be worthy of belief? Which of our kindred will give-heed to us?” That they may not therefore be troubled by such thoughts, see what sort of comfort he adds.