Commenting on John 8:24, Augustine had some brilliant reflections on Jesus’ words: Unless you believe that I am [εγω ειμι] you will die in your sins. Note below how Augustine went back to Exodus 3 to explain Jesus’ words in John 8. (Side note: this is why non-Christian groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons tend to avoid Augustine):
There is much implied in His only saying “I Am;” for so also had God said to Moses, “I Am who Am.” Who can adequately express what that AM means?
…Perhaps it was too much even for Moses himself, as it is too much for us also, and much more so for us, to understand the meaning of such words, “I am who am;” and, “He who is hath sent me to you.” And supposing that Moses comprehended it, when would those to whom he was sent comprehend it? The Lord therefore put aside what man could not comprehend, and added what he could; for He said also besides, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” This thou canst comprehend; for “I am who am,” what mind can comprehend?
…The Lord Jesus Christ, I think, said nothing else by these words, “If ye believe not that I am;” yea, by these words I think He meant nothing else than this, “If ye believe not that I am” God, “ye shall die in your sins.” Well, God be thanked that He said, “If ye believe not,” and did not say, “If ye comprehend not.” For who can comprehend this?
In other words, Jesus is not telling people to comprehened what it means that he is “I AM,” but to believe it!
(The above quote is found in Augustine of Hippo, “Lectures or Tractates on the Gospel according to St. John,” in vol. 7, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, p. 220-221)
Shane Lems
Hammond, WI, 54015
