Commentary on the Gospel of John, Book 1 · Cyril of Alexandria

011 - Chapter 9 part 2

·27 min·2 clips

Why did the world remain ignorant of its own maker despite being constantly enlightened by him?

This episode presents a continuation of Cyril of Alexandria's theological commentary on the Gospel of John, specifically analyzing verses concerning the Word as the creator and light of the world. The text is a public domain LibriVox recording of a translation by Rev. Philip Edward Pusey, offering a deep dive into early Christian exegesis. Cyril, a 5th-century Archbishop of Alexandria, provides a foundational patristic perspective on Johannine theology. The commentary examines the statement "the world was made by him" to argue the Son is distinct from and the creator of the universe, not a part within it like the sun or moon. Cyril asserts that confusing the creator with the creature would erroneously elevate creation to divine status or lower the creator. He addresses a potential objection: if the Word is light and was always in the world, why was he unknown? The evangelist's answer, "the world knew him not," shifts blame to the world's weakness, not the light's inadequacy. Cyril compares this to the sun shining on blind eyes, citing Paul's concept of the "god of this world" blinding unbelievers' minds. The law is presented as a divine aid meant to rekindle this obscured light within humanity. The analysis distinguishes between the Gentiles, who lost knowledge of God, and Israel, who knew him through the law and prophets but "received him not" during the Incarnation. Cyril argues Israel's rejection was more severe, leading to grace being transferred to the believing Gentiles. He references Moses and Pharaoh to establish Israel as God's "firstborn" and special portion. The episode interprets "as many as received him" as granting believers the "power to become the sons of God" through faith, an adoption by grace. This sonship is carefully distinguished from the Son's natural, eternal generation from the Father. A significant portion argues that believers, begotten of God through the Spirit, become "partakers of the divine nature," with the Spirit indwelling them as a temple. Cyril uses this to argue against those who claim the Holy Spirit is a creature, stating that only a Spirit who is God by nature could confer such divinity. The discourse connects this indwelling to Christ's promise that he and the Father will make their home with the believer. The tone is academic, doctrinal, and homiletical, structured as a verse-by-verse theological exposition aimed at correcting heresy and instructing the faithful. This episode would deeply interest students of early church history, patristic literature, and detailed biblical theology. Listeners seeking casual storytelling or modern practical application would likely find it too dense and specialized.

As heard by us

A grave, layered argument about creation, election, and Israel's reception of the Word.

Cyril treats the opening of John as a severe, methodical argument about the Word through whom the world was made and about Israel's special place before God.

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Why you'd press play

You want a stern, scripture-heavy commentary on John 1 that argues who truly belongs to God.

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