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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
Who was this "one," who cut off the ear? John saith that it was Peter. For the act was of his fervor. But this other point is worth inquiry, wherefore they were bearing swords? For that they bore them is evident not hence only, but from their saying when asked, "here are two." But wherefore did Christ even permit them to have swords? …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Peter was the one who drew the sword, as John says (Jn. 18:10). For he had a sword, having just recently sacrificed the lamb which they ate. But let us not condemn Peter, for it was not on his own behalf, but for his Master, that he acted so zealously. But the Lord converts Peter to the evangelic life lived according to the Gospel, teaching man not to use the sword, not even when presuming to avenge God. Peter cuts off the ear, signifying that the Jews suffered from the infirmity of deafness in that they would neither hear nor heed.
Western Saints
Jerome
And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and striking the high priest's servant, cut off his ear. In another gospel, it is written that Peter did this with the same zeal as the other things. The servant of the high priest is also called Malchus: the ear that was cut off is the right one. By way of a passing remark, it should be said that Malchus, meaning the former king of the Jewish people, became a servant of the impious and devouring priests. …
Hilary of Poitiers
Otherwise; The ear of the High Priest's servant is cut off by the Apostle, that is, Christ's disciple cuts off the disobedient hearing of a people which were the slaves of the Priesthood, the ear which had refused to hear is cut off so that it is no longer capable of hearing.
Thomas Aquinas
Then it is set forth how one disciple attacked the attackers: and behold one of them that were with Jesus, stretching forth his hand, drew out his sword. Who was this? It must be said that it was Peter. Hence, just as above at 16:22 he wanted to prevent the passion of Christ, so also here. And how did he have occasion? From what is found at Luke 22:36, where the Lord commanded them to buy swords, and understanding this, they believed that swords would be necessary; hence they had a knife for cutting the lamb. Therefore Peter had one. …
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