Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Matthew 27:39

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

But nevertheless not even here doth their contumely stop, but after having stripped and crucified Him, and offered Him vinegar, they proceeded still further, and beholding Him impaled upon the cross, they revile Him, both they themselves and the passers by; and this was more grievous than all, that on the charge of being an impostor and deceiver He suffered these things, and as a boaster, and vainly pretending what He said. …

Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 87 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

And they that passed by reviled Him, shaking their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save Thyself. If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; Himself he cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him: for He said, I am the Son of God. …

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

They revile him because they passed by that way, and would not walk in the true way of the Scriptures. They wagged their heads, because they had just before shifted their feet, and stood not upon a rock.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then the mockery of the crucified is treated: "and they that passed by blasphemed him"; and first, that which came from the people is treated; second, that which came from the rulers; third, that which came from the thieves. Concerning the first, first the blasphemers are described; second, the blasphemies. …

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Rabanus Maurus

Had He then been prevailed on by their taunts to leave the cross, He would not have proved to us the power of endurance; but He waited enduring their mockery; and He who would not come down from the cross, rose again from the tomb.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗