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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
As though they had heard nothing, they said, "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" This they said, not that they might learn and do them, (as the sequel shows,) but to induce Him again to supply them with food, and desiring to persuade Him to satisfy them.
Cyril of Alexandria
Not of good purpose is the enquiry, nor yet as one might suppose does the question proceed from desire of knowledge on their part, but is rather the result of exceeding arrogance. For as if they would deign to learn nought beyond what they knew already, they well nigh say something of this sort, Sufficient, good Sir, to us are the writings of Moses: we know as much as we need of the things at which he who is skilful in the works of God ought to aim. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
The Jews want to learn about the work of God not in order to perform it, but in order to obtain an occasion for talk.
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
Therefore they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" For He had said to them, "Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that which endureth unto everlasting life." "What shall we do?" they say; by observing what, shall we be able to fulfil this precept?
Hilary of Poitiers
For the Lord had said in the gospels, Work not for the meat which perisheth, but for the meat which abideth unto life eternal, which the Son of Man shall give unto you: for Him the Father, even God, hath sealed. They said therefore unto Him, What must we do that we may work the works of God? And He said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him Whom He hath sent. …
Bede
I. e. By keeping what commandments shall we be able to fulfil the law of God?
Translation