John Chrysostom
Overview
John Chrysostom could perhaps be called an enigma of his day. He had neither desire for politics nor ambition for ecclesiastical advancement. He preferred to live the simple life of an ascetic and had no cravings for the fame, riches, or luxuries that came with life in the metropolitan cities of his day. However, in God’s great providence, he is now recognized as one of the doctors of the church. What has made him so revered and remembered?
In this short biography, Earl Blackburn examines the life and times of this great preacher who has left such a mark upon the Christian church to this day.
- Provides an enlightening look at the life of the “church doctor”
- Includes a timeline that provides a succinct overview
- Illustrates how God used John Chrysostom to further his kingdom
- The Times of the Man
- The Days of His Youth
- Monasticism and Ministerial Ordination
- Bishop of Constantinople
- Missions and Triumphs
- Treachery and Exile
- Preaching and Theology
- Lessons to Learn
Top Highlights
“Fashionable Christianity has always been the blight of biblical Christianity.” (Page 16)
“John was born, raised, converted and ordained under the plain-style teaching of the Antiochene discipline, and it fundamentally moulded his entire life and ministry.” (Page 23)
“It was then that he came to repentance and faith in Christ, and throughout the remainder of his life he would call Christianity the true philosophy.” (Page 28)
“You may kill us, but you will not destroy us. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church’” (Page 14)
“It was here that he endeavoured to memorize the entire Bible, both the Old and New Testaments. Little did John realize that this strenuous activity would prove to be the most profitable of all his ascetic practices.” (Page 35)
This is truly a charming, informative, and inspiring book. Blackburn, as an experienced pastor himself, has sought out those aspects of Chrysostom’s ministry that show the strengths—courage, humility, faithfulness, doctrinal integrity, confidence in the power of proclamation—that every pastor should covet, while pointing to the weaknesses and troubles endemic to the historical context of bishop John. I found not only the subject, but the style of presenting it, to be engaging and provocative of high thoughts.
—Tom J. Nettles, professor of church history, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
This biographical treatment, far from being a dry and aloof account of an obscure figure, is delightful and engaging. My old friend, Earl Blackburn, has succeeded in introducing and endearing me to my new friend, John Chrysostom.
—Arden Hodgins, pastor, Trinity Reformed Baptist Church, La Mirada, CA
- Title: John Chrysostom
- Author: Earl M. Blackburn
- Publisher: Evangelical Press
- Publication Date: 2012
- Pages: 127