Fathers

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What the Fathers say

John 18:10

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

And one might wonder why they did not seize them with Him, and cut them to pieces, especially when Peter had exasperated them by what he did to the servant. Who then restrained them? No other than that Power which cast them backward. And so the Evangelist, to show that it did not come to pass through their intention, but by the power and decree of Him whom they had seized, has added, "That the saying might be fulfilled which He spake," that "not one," etc. …

Homily on the Gospel of John 83 ↗

Cyril of Alexandria

What was it, someone may say, that induced the inspired Evangelist to make mention of this, and point out to us the disciple using a sword, contrary to his wont, against those who came to take Christ, and stirred to a |573 hotter and more precipitate fit of wrath than was meet, and Christ thereupon rebuking him? This narrative may, perhaps, seem superfluous; but it is not so. …

Commentary on the Gospel of John, Book 11 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Peter saw that the Lord had cast them to the ground; the Lord's words "let them go" filled him with boldness, and he thought that the time had come to take revenge, so he draws his sword and strikes the servant. If you ask why he had a sword, he who was commanded to have "neither bag nor two coats" (Matt. 10:10), know that he needed it for slaughtering the lamb, carried it with him even after the supper; or else, fearing an attack, he had prepared the sword beforehand for such an occasion. …

Commentary on John ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

"Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. And the servant's name was Malchus." This is the only evangelist who has given us the very name of this servant, as Luke is the only one who tells us that the Lord touched his ear and healed him. The interpretation of Malchus is, one who is destined to reign. …

Tractates on John 112 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

2286 The Evangelist has shown how ready Christ was to suffer his betrayal since he willingly offered himself. He now shows this same readiness because Christ forbade a disciple to resist. First, he mentions the resistance of the disciple; secondly, his being restrained (v 11). In regard to the first he does two things: first, he shows the zeal of the disciple in striking the servant; secondly, we see the name of the servant. …

Commentary on John ↗

Bonaventure

But Simon Peter. Here the fourth sign is noted, that he was apprehended voluntarily: because he restrained Peter who was resisting. The fervor of Peter in defending the Lord is therefore indicated in this, that "having a sword, he drew it," as if unable to restrain himself, "and struck the servant of the high priest," as if not discerning the person, "and cut off his right ear." Chrysostom: "He indicates the impetuosity of the Apostle, because he made his assault at the very head." "And the name of the servant was Malchus"; this, as …

Commentary on John, Chapter 18 ↗