A City in Uproar
Constantinople was in an uproar. As the new capital of the Roman Empire, the city was a lush center of Christianity ever since Constantine the Great consecrated it in AD 330. The clergy were mostly well-fed, clever men who played in the politics and the intrigue of the church. The new bishop, however, was not an obvious choice. He had no friends in high power, and had not flattered, manipulated, or coerced his way to the top. He did not even want the office of bishop—in fact, he had to be actually kidnapped from his post in Antioch and forcibly transferred to Constantinople to accept the post of bishop!
The Golden-Tongue Preacher
But Constantinople always wanted the best of the best, and John Chrysostom was famous for his bold, biblical preaching. His name, Chrysostom, meant “golden-tongue,” and his sermons bore witness to his skill. As one biographer writes, “Chrysostom was a born orator; and, from the very beginning, conquered and charmed the people of Antioch. He is certainly one of the greatest of all the masters of rhetoric, whether sacred or profane.”
A Reformer at Heart
However, the city’s religious officials soon realized that they might have gotten more than they bargained for. John Chrysostom’s fame continued to spread, yes, but sometimes at the cost of the comfortable, rich church! Instead of living in opulence and throwing extravagant parties, like his predecessor, John Chrysostom sold the contents of his house, used the money for charity, and urged others to do the same.
At the very outset of his career, when he first arrived at Constantinople, he was shocked by the laxity which had crept even into the ranks of the clergy; he wished to correct it without delay. His predecessor, Nectarius, was a lordly bishop who rivalled the civil authorities in display—kept open house, and spent enormous sums of money. Now, John’s first act was to put up for sale the precious things which filled the bishop’s house, to close the door against the idle and the men of the world, to make an end of the custom of those luxurious banquets.
To be continued…
Date: 11th May 2024
Martyr: John Chrysostom
Location: Not specified
Source: God’s Generals, the martyrs
Author: Richard Liardon
Suffering Saturday 090
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