John Chrysostom

Preacher, Biblical Interpreter, and Archbishop of Constantinople

c. AD 347–407
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

John Chrysostom was a fourth-century Christian preacher, pastor, biblical interpreter, and archbishop of Constantinople. His name Chrysostomos means “golden-mouthed,” a title given to him because of his exceptional eloquence. He is remembered as one of the greatest preachers of the early church and as an influential interpreter of both the Gospels and the letters of Paul.

John was born in Antioch in Roman Syria, probably around AD 347. His father died while John was young, and he was raised by his mother, Anthusa. He received an excellent classical education and studied rhetoric, apparently under the celebrated pagan teacher Libanius. Rather than pursue a career in law or public speaking, however, John embraced Christianity with increasing seriousness and was baptized as a young adult.

For several years he practiced an austere form of monastic life, first within a Christian community and later as a hermit. His severe disciplines damaged his health and eventually forced him to return to Antioch. He was ordained a deacon and then, in 386, a priest. During the following twelve years, John became famous for his preaching. His sermons combined close attention to the biblical text with direct application to ordinary Christian life. He spoke against greed, luxury, exploitation of the poor, sexual immorality, religious hypocrisy, and neglect of Scripture.

Among his best-known sermons are the Homilies on the Statues, delivered after citizens of Antioch rioted and destroyed imperial images in 387. John urged repentance, calmed public fear, and appealed for mercy. He also preached extensive series on Genesis, the Psalms, Matthew, John, Acts, Romans, and other Pauline letters. His surviving homilies constitute one of the largest bodies of biblical preaching from the ancient church. (New Advent)

In 398 John was brought to Constantinople and appointed archbishop. There he attempted to reform clergy, reduce extravagance, improve care for the poor, and confront corruption among the powerful. His uncompromising preaching created enemies at the imperial court and among other church leaders. Conflict with Empress Eudoxia and Theophilus, bishop of Alexandria, contributed to his deposition and exile. Although briefly recalled after popular unrest, he was exiled again in 404.

John continued to write letters of pastoral encouragement during exile. His health deteriorated as he was forced to travel under harsh conditions. He died in 407 near Comana in Pontus. His final recorded words were traditionally remembered as, “Glory to God for all things.” His remains were later returned ceremonially to Constantinople. (ORA)

John’s legacy must also be assessed critically. In Antioch he delivered eight highly hostile sermons against Christians who participated in Jewish festivals and attended synagogues. Although his immediate target was Christian involvement in Jewish practices, his language about Jews and Judaism was inflammatory and deeply harmful. These sermons contributed to the long history of Christian anti-Judaism and must be rejected rather than excused.

As a conversation partner, Chrysostom is valuable for his close exposition of Scripture, pastoral urgency, concern for the poor, and insistence that biblical teaching must shape daily conduct. He also warns readers that brilliant preaching can be seriously compromised by hostile rhetoric and theological prejudice. His work should therefore be received with gratitude, discernment, and constant testing against Scripture.

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.”
—2 Timothy 4:2