Commentary on Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist: Homilies 1–47
Overview
The homilies on St. John’s Gospel come from the period in which Chrysostom attained his greatest fame as pulpit orator, the years of his simple priesthood at Antioch (386–397). This was the peaceful period in Chrysostom’s life that preceded his elevation to the episcopacy as patriarch of Constantinople (398), wherein adverse imperial and ecclesiastical reaction to his program of moral reform led to his deposition, banishment, and all but martyr’s death (407).
The 88 homilies, which date from about 390, work systematically through the text of St. John’s Gospel and thus form a commentary upon it. In his exposition Chrysostom reflects his youthful Antiochene training in the interpretation of Holy Scripture through his emphasis upon the literal or historical meaning of the sacred text. The exposition focuses sharply on practical morality and thus often supplies telling information about fourth-century life and times. The homilies show the flowering of Chrysostom’s intensive study of rhetoric and are especially commendable for their command of imagery. The first 47 homilies carry Chrysostom’s commentary through chap. 6.54–72; the remaining 41, extending the commentary through to the end of the Gospel, are contained in vol. 41 of this series.
Key Features
- Contains the first part of John Chrysostom’s homilies on the Gospel of John
- Provides practical exposition of John through chapter 6
- Includes an introduction with background on the author and era
Top Highlights
“Now, though I have spoken at such length by way of preamble, I have not yet come to the study of these texts16 for the following reason: in order that each one, having put aside every kind of weakness, may enter into them as if he were entering into heaven, purged of anger and worldly cares and strivings, and free from all other passions. Otherwise, unless the soul has been thus purified, it is not possible to derive any great profit from them.” (Page 9)
“making it plain that the Son proceeds from the Father, and that this occurs effortlessly.” (Page 21)
“I have come to bring a new method of procreation. I did fashion [man] of earth and water; that which was fashioned did not become useful but the vessel was perverted. I no longer wish to fashion him of earth and water, but of water and the Spirit.’” (Page 244)
“It is possible, not in five days only, but in one moment of time, to change one’s whole life.” (Page 9)
“Let us not, then, beloved, think that faith suffices for our salvation. If we do not give evidence of purity of life, but present ourselves clad in a garment unworthy of this blessed invitation, nothing will prevent us also from enduring the same sufferings as that wretched man. It is absurd that, while He who is both God and King is not ashamed to invite men who are worthless and beggars and good for nothing, but brings them even from the crossroads to His banquet, we show such indifference as not to become better because of such an honor. But even after the invitation we remain in the same wickedness, acting offensively toward the ineffable mercy of our host.” (Page 102)
- Title: Commentary on Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist: Homilies 1–47
- Author: John Chrysostom
- Series: The Fathers of the Church
- Volume: 33
- Publisher: Catholic University of America
- Print Publication Date: 1957
- Logos Release Date: 2014
- Pages: 505
- Era: era:nicene
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. N.T. John › Sermons; Sermons, Early Christian; Sermons, Greek
- ISBNs: 0813210240, 9780813210247
- Resource ID: LLS:CMMSNTJHNPSTLVN1
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:25:17Z