63. It is the Spirit that quickeneth. By these words Christ shows the reason why the Jews did not profit by his doctrine to be, that, being spiritual and
quickening, it does not find ears well prepared. But as this passage has been variously expounded, it will be of importance first to ascertain the natural meaning of the words; from which it will be easy to perceive Christ’s intention. When he affirms that
the flesh profiteth nothing, Chrysostom improperly, in my opinion, refers it to the Jews, who were
carnal I readily acknowledge that in heavenly mysteries the whole power of the human mind is utterly unavailing; but the words of Christ do not bear that meaning, if they be not violently tortured. Equally forced would be that opinion, as applied to the apposite clause; namely, it is the illumination of
the Spirit that quickeneth. Nor do I approve of the views of those who say, that
the flesh of Christ profiteth, so far as he was crucified, but that, when it is eaten, it is of no advantage to us; for, on the contrary, we must eat it, that, having been crucified, it may
profit
Augustine thinks that we ought to supply the word
only, or
by itself, as if it had been said, “
The flesh alone, and by itself,
profiteth not,”
173173 “Comme s’il estoit dit, La chair seule et par soy ne profite de rien.” because it must be accompanied by
the Spirit This meaning accords well with the scope of the discourse, for Christ refers simply to the manner of eating. He does not, therefore, exclude every kind of usefulness, as if none could be obtained from his
flesh; but he declares that, if it be separated from
the Spirit, it will then be useless. For whence has
the flesh power to
quicken, but because it is spiritual? Accordingly, whoever confines his whole attention to the earthly nature of
the flesh, will find in it nothing but what is dead; but they who shall raise their eyes to the power of
the Spirit, which is diffused over the flesh, will learn from the actual effect and from the experience of faith, that it is not without reason that it is called
quickening
We now understand in what manner
the flesh is truly food, and yet
it profiteth not It
is food, because by it life is procured for us, because in it God is reconciled to us, because in it we have all the parts of salvation accomplished. It
profiteth not, if it be estimated by its origin and nature; for the seed of Abraham, which is in itself subject to death, does not bestow life, but receives from
the Spirit its power to feed us; and, therefore, on our part also, that we may be truly nourished by it, we must bring the spiritual mouth of faith.
As to the sentence breaking off in so abrupt a manner, it is probable that this was done because Christ saw that it was necessary to act in this manner towards unbelievers. By this clause, therefore, he suddenly closed the sermon, because they did not deserve that he should speak to them any longer. Yet he did not overlook those who are godly and teachable; for they have here, in a few words, what may abundantly satisfy them.
The words which I speak to you. This is an allusion to the preceding statement, for he now employs the word
Spirit in a different sense. But as he had spoken of the secret power of
the Spirit, he elegantly applies this to his doctrine, because it is spiritual; for the word
Spirit must be explained to mean
spiritual Now the word is called
spiritual, because it calls us upwards to seek Christ in his heavenly glory, through the guidance of the Spirit, by faith, and not by our carnal perception; for we know that of all that was said, nothing can be comprehended but by faith. And it is also worthy of observation, that he connects
life with
the Spirit He calls his word
life, from its effect, as if he had called it quickening; but shows that it will not be
quickening to any but those who receive it
spiritually, for others will rather draw death from it. To the godly, this commendation bestowed on the Gospel is most delightful, because they are certain that it is appointed for their eternal salvation; but at the same time, they are reminded to labor to prove that they are genuine disciples.
