John Chrysostom: On the Incomprehensible Nature of God

by John Chrysostom

Publisher:

Catholic University of America

, 1984

Overview

10 of the 12 homilies of St. John Chrysostom presented here were delivered at Antioch over a period of several years beginning in AD 386. The final two homilies were delivered in 398 after Chrysostom became patriarch of Constantinople.

All but one of the homilies aim at refuting the Anomoeans, heretics who revived the most radical tenets of Arius and blatantly claimed that man knows God in the very same way that God knows himself. Chrysostom’s refutations and instructions to the faithful are based on the Scriptures rather than on human reasoning. He departed from this series of refutations only in the sixth homily, which he delivered on December 20, 386, again at Antioch. It consists of a panegyric of St. Philogonius, bishop of Antioch ca. AD 319–323, who before his episcopal ordination had led a very exemplary life, practiced law and contracted a marriage that was blessed with a daughter.

In addition to their theological content, these homilies contain many other points of interest. On one occasion, people applauded the speaker and were very attentive to the homily but then left the church so that when Christ is about to appear in the holy mysteries the church becomes empty (Hom III.32; Hom VII.2). During another homily, pickpockets plied their trade so that Chrysostom urged “let no one come into the church carrying money” (Hom IV.46). Chrysostom also indicates that people kept talking to one another at the sacred moment when Christ becomes present (Hom IV.36). He also mentions that chariot races often proved more enticing than going to church (Hom VII.1). Finally, valuable information on fourth-century Eastern liturgies is found in Hom III.41, 42, and Hom IV.32.

Key Features

• Presents 12 homilies by John Chrysostom
• Refutes the Anomoeans
• Includes an introduction of the author and era

Contents

Top Highlights

“Therefore, let us never stop making intercession on their behalf. For prayer is a mighty weapon, an unfailing treasure, a wealth which is never expended, a harbor that is always calm, a foundation for tranquility. Prayer is the root and source and mother of ten thousand blessings. It is more powerful than the empire itself.” (Page 156)

“However, it is no humility to think that you are a sinner when you really are a sinner. But whenever a man is conscious of having done many great deeds but does not imagine that he is something great in himself, that is true humility. When a man is like Paul and can say: ‘I have nothing on my conscience,’ and then can add: ‘But I am not justified by this,’⁹¹ and can say again: ‘Christ Jesus came to save sinners of whom I am the chief,’⁹² that is true humility. That man is truly humble who does exalted deeds but, in his own mind, sees himself as lowly.⁹³ However, in his ineffable loving-kindness, God welcomes and receives not only the humble-minded but also those who have the prudence to confess their sins. Because they are so disposed toward him, he is gracious and kind to them.” (Pages 158–159)

“When you hear me say that the Law was imperfect, do not think that I am accusing him who made the Law. The Law was not imperfect because of its own nature; it became imperfect with the passage of time. At the time it was made, the Law was quite perfect and exactly suited to the natures of those who received it. But when, through Christ’s instruction, nature thereafter advanced to a more perfect state, the old Law became less perfect, not because of its own nature but because of the progress in virtue which came from the instructions Christ gave.” (Page 258)

Product Details

• Title: John Chrysostom: On the Incomprehensible Nature of God
• Author: John Chrysostom
• Series: The Fathers of the Church
• Volume: 72
• Publisher: Catholic University of America
• Print Publication Date: 1984
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 371
• Era: era:nicene
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: God › Knowableness--Sermons; Eunomianism › Sermons; Sermons, Greek › Translations into English; Sermons, English › Translations from Greek
• ISBNs: 0813210275, 9780813210278
• Resource ID: LLS:NCMPRHNSBLNTRGD
• Resource Type: text.monograph.sermons
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T20:25:38Z

About John Chrysostom

John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, was an important Early Church Father. He is known for his eloquence in preaching and public speaking, his denunciation of abuse of authority by both ecclesiastical and political leaders, the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and his ascetic sensibilities. After his death (or, according to some sources, during his life) he was given the Greek surname chrysostomos, meaning “golden mouthed,” rendered in English as Chrysostom.