Church Fathers Commentary John 4:25-26

"The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh (he that is called Christ): when he is come, he will declare unto us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am [he]." — John 4:25-26 (ASV)

St. John Chrysostom: The woman was astonished by the loftiness of His teaching, as her words show: The woman said to Him, I know that Messias comes, which is called Christ.

St. Augustine of Hippo: "Unctus" is the term in Latin, "Christ" in Greek, and "Messiah" in Hebrew. She knew, then, who could teach her, but did not yet know Who was teaching her. When He is come, He will tell us all things. It is as if she said, "The Jews now contend for the temple and we for the mountain; but He, when He comes, will level the mountain, overthrow the temple, and teach us how to pray in spirit and in truth."

St. John Chrysostom: But what reason did the Samaritans have to expect the Messiah's coming? They acknowledged the books of Moses, which foretold it. Jacob prophesies of Christ, The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from beneath his feet, until Shiloh come. And Moses says, The Lord your God shall raise up a Prophet from the midst of you, of your brethren.

Origen of Alexandria: It should be known that just as Christ arose from among the Jews, not only declaring but also proving Himself to be the Christ, so also among the Samaritans a man named Dositheus arose, who claimed that he was the prophesied Christ.

St. Augustine of Hippo: It is a confirmation for discerning minds that the five husbands signified the five senses, given that the woman makes five carnal answers before finally mentioning the name of Christ.

St. John Chrysostom: Christ now reveals Himself to the woman. Jesus said to her, I that speak to you am He. If He had told the woman this at the beginning, it would have seemed vain. Now, having gradually awakened her to the thought of Christ, His disclosure of Himself is perfectly opportune. He was not so open with the Jews, who asked Him, If You be the Christ, tell us plainly. This was because they did not ask in order to learn, but to harm Him; whereas she spoke from the simplicity of her heart.