But observe the wisdom of the Evangelist, how he is not ashamed to parade their former ignorance. That it was written they knew, that it was written of Him they knew not. For it would have offended them if He being a King were about to suffer such things, and be so betrayed.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century
Besides, they could not at once have taken in the knowledge of the Kingdom of which He spake; for another Evangelist saith, that they thought the words were spoken of a kingdom of this world. (Matt. xx. 21.)
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century
When the fullness of the ages had come (cf. Gal. 4:4), as the prophets foretold, He [the Son] emptied Himself, took our human form for our sake, was conceived by the ever-virgin Mary through the gracious will of the Father and the co-operation of the Holy Spirit, and was conceived and was born. He was truly made man and became like us in everything apart from sin (cf. Heb. 4:15), while remaining true God in one Person even after His incarnation. He acted as God in all divine matters, as man in all human matters, subjecting Himself to such human passions as are blameless. Although as God He was and remained above suffering and immortal, as man He chose to suffer in the flesh for our sake, to be crucified, to die and to be buried. He rose again on the third day and by His Death and Resurrection He destroyed him that had the power of death. After the Resurrection He showed Himself, ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of the Father, sharing the same honour and throne with Him, thereby making our nature equal with God. He will come once more in glory with this same human substance to judge the living and the dead brought back to life by the power of His Coming, and He will repay each one according to his works.
St. Gregory Palamas
Homilies Vol. 1, Homily Eight para. 8; Saint Tikhon's Seminary Press pg. 87, 14th century
For though the Apostles themselves modestly ascribe it all to this cause, declaring that they did these things in the name of Christ, yet at the same time the life and noble conduct of the men helped to produce this effect. "And believers were more added unto the Lord, multitudes both of men and women." Observe, how he now no longer tells the number of them that believe; at such a rate was the faith making way even to an immense multitude, and so widely was the Resurrection proclaimed. So then "the people magnified them:" but they were now no longer lightly to be despised as once they were: for in a little moment, at a single turn of the scale, such have been the effects produced by the fisherman and by the publican! Earth was become a heaven, for manner of life, for boldness of speech, for wonders, for all besides; like Angels were they looked upon with wonder:
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 12 on Acts IV, 4th Century