The Eyes of Faith See the Portrayal Clearly from Afar. Chrysostom:
Since Christ was crucified not in the Galatians’ territory but in Jerusalem,
what does he mean by this phrase “before whose eyes?” He is illustrating the
power of faith, which is able to see even things far off. And he said not
“crucified” but “portrayed as crucified,” showing that with the eyes of faith
they saw more accurately than those who were there and witnessed the events.… And
he says this both to reprimand and to commend them. He commends them for having
received the facts with such enthusiasm. He blames them because, having seen
Christ stripped, crucified, nailed, spat on, mocked, drinking vinegar, insulted
by thieves, pierced with a spear … they have forsaken this man and run back to
the law, showing no awareness of Christ’s sufferings. Homily on Galatians 3.1. (Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, ed. M.
J. Edwards [Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture [Downers Grove, Ill.:
InterVarsity Press, 1999], 35)
