This is my second attempt to attack the text.  If any one has a better interpretation to give, and can consistently with true religion amend what I say, let him speak and let him amend, and the Lord will reward him for me.  There is no jealousy in my heart.  I have not approached this investigation of these passages for strife and vain glory.  I have done so to help my brothers, lest the earthen vessels which hold the treasure of God should seem to be deceived by stony-hearted and uncircumcised men, whose weapons are the wisdom of folly. Basil also refers to this passage in the treatise, C. Eunomium i. 20:  “Since the Son’s origin (ἀρχή) is from (ἀπό) the Father, in this respect the Father is greater, as cause and origin (ὡς αἴτιος καὶ ἀρχή).  Whence also the Lord said thus my Father is greater than I, clearly inasmuch as He is Father (καθὸ πατήρ).  Yea; what else does the word Father signify unless the being cause and origin of that which is begotten by Him?”  And in iii. 1:  “The Son is second in order (τάξει) to the Father, because He is from Him (ἀπό) and in dignity (ἀξιώματι) because the Father is the origin and cause of His being.”  Quoted by Bp. Westcott in his St. John in the additional notes on xiv. 16, 28, pp. 211 seqq., where also will be found quotations from other Fathers on this passage.