Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series • VOLUME 9
Chrysostom — Priesthood, Ascetic Treatises & Homilies
SECTION 41
14. I know that thou art now admiring the grace of Hermione, and thou judgest that there is nothing in the world to be compared to her comel
14. I know that thou art now admiring the grace of Hermione, and thou judgest that there is nothing in the world to be compared to her comeliness; but if you choose, O friend, you shall yourself exceed her in comeliness and gracefulness, as much as golden statues surpass those which are made of clay. For if beauty, when it occur…
2,908 wordsSECTION 4216. For this reason also the devil, knowing that they who have committed great evils, when they have begun to repent, do this with much zeal
16. For this reason also the devil, knowing that they who have committed great evils, when they have begun to repent, do this with much zeal, inasmuch as they are conscious of their offences, fears and trembles lest they should make a beginning of the work; for after they have made it they are no longer capable of being checked,…
2,373 wordsSECTION 4318. Moreover also the blessed Paul not only welcomes Onesimus the unprofitable runaway thief, because he was converted, but also asks his ma
18. Moreover also the blessed Paul not only welcomes Onesimus the unprofitable runaway thief, because he was converted, but also asks his master to treat him who had repented, on equal terms of honour with his teacher, thus saying: "I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds, who was aforetime unprofita…
2,229 wordsSECTION 44Letter II.
[221] Jer. ix. i. [222] See 1 Cor. iii. 16, 17; and vi. 19. Ignatius the martyr had the name Theophoros, "the God-bearer," which was probably given at the time of his conversion, or of baptism, to remind him continually of his Christian privileges and duties. See note, p. 73. [223] Ps. cxiii. 7-9. [224] Prov. xviii. 3. LXX. …
2,298 wordsSECTION 453. Which of all things in the world seems to you most desirable and enviable? No doubt you will say government, and wealth, and public reput
3. Which of all things in the world seems to you most desirable and enviable? No doubt you will say government, and wealth, and public reputation. And yet what is more wretched than these things when they are compared with the liberty of Christians. For the ruler is subjected to the wrath of the populace and to the irrational im…
2,438 wordsSECTION 46INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTER TO A YOUNG WIDOW.
Be always thinking of these things, and break in pieces the sharp sword of the Evil One, by means of which he destroys many. And this is despair, which cuts off from hope those who have been overthrown. This is the strong weapon of the enemy, and the only way in which he holds down those who have been made captives is by binding…
2,570 wordsSECTION 473. Now if it is not the name of widow which distresses you, but the loss of such a husband I grant you that all the world over amongst men e
3. Now if it is not the name of widow which distresses you, but the loss of such a husband I grant you that all the world over amongst men engaged in secular affairs there have been few like him, so affectionate, so gentle, so humble, so sincere, so understanding, so devout. And certainly if he had altogether perished, and utter…
2,270 wordsSECTION 48And what wonder if most of the generals perished thus, when even the Emperor himself having been blockaded in a certain village with a few s
And what wonder if most of the generals perished thus, when even the Emperor himself having been blockaded in a certain village with a few soldiers did not dare to go out and oppose the assailants, but remained inside and when the enemy had set fire to the building was burnt to death together with all that were therein, not men …
2,443 wordsSECTION 49INTRODUCTION TO THE HOMILIES ON S. IGNATIUS AND S. BABYLAS.
[334] 2 Cor. i. 3. [335] Hosea vi. 2. [336] Ps. cxlvi. 9. [337] Ps. lxviii. 5. [338] 2 Cor. xiii. 3. [339] 1 Tim. v. 9, 11. [340] Libanius. [341] 1 Tim. v. 10. [342] 1 Tim. v. 11. [343] 1 Tim. v. 6, 5. [344] 1 Cor. vii. 40. [345] Phil. i. 33. [346] According to Ammianus Marcellinus, B. xxxiv., this Theodore was a nat…
2,392 wordsSECTION 50He held true converse with the apostles and drank of spiritual fountains. What kind of person then is it likely that he was who had been rea
He held true converse with the apostles and drank of spiritual fountains. What kind of person then is it likely that he was who had been reared, and who had everywhere held converse with them, and had shared with them truths both lawful and unlawful to utter, and who seemed to them worthy of so great a dignity? The time again ca…
1,989 wordsSECTION 514. And I will speak of a fourth crown, arising for us out of this episcopate. What then is this? The fact that he was entrusted with our own
4. And I will speak of a fourth crown, arising for us out of this episcopate. What then is this? The fact that he was entrusted with our own native city. For it is a laborious thing indeed to have the oversight of a hundred men, and of fifty alone. But to have on one's hands so great a city, and a population extending to two hun…
2,203 wordsSECTION 52Not only to-day, therefore, but every day let us go forth to him, plucking spiritual fruits from him. For it is, it is possible for him who
Not only to-day, therefore, but every day let us go forth to him, plucking spiritual fruits from him. For it is, it is possible for him who comes hither with faith to gather the fruit of many good things. For not the bodies only, but the very sepulchres of the saints have been filled with spiritual grace. For if in the case of E…
2,250 wordsSECTION 53The dead body then is not a pollution O Apollo, but to persecute a maiden who wishes to be modest, and to outrage the dignity of a virgin, a
The dead body then is not a pollution O Apollo, but to persecute a maiden who wishes to be modest, and to outrage the dignity of a virgin, and to lament at the failure of the shameless deed, this is worthy of accusation, and punishment. There were at all events, many wonderful and great prophets among ourselves, who spake also m…
1,223 wordsSECTION 54Homily concerning lowliness of mind; and commentary on philippians I. 18.
Homily concerning lowliness of mind; and commentary on philippians I. 18. translated by r. blackburn, m.a., rector of selham, sussex, and late fellow of brasenose college, oxford. concerning lowliness of mind. ------------------------ HOMILY. Against those who improperly use the apostolic declaration which says, "Whether …
2,318 wordsSECTION 555. For do not tell me that this or that man is a runaway slave, or a robber or thief, or laden with countless faults, or that he is a mendic
5. For do not tell me that this or that man is a runaway slave, or a robber or thief, or laden with countless faults, or that he is a mendicant and abject, or of low value and worthy of no account; but consider that for his sake the Christ died; and this sufficeth thee for a ground for all solicitude. Consider what sort of perso…
2,256 wordsSECTION 5610. He therefore does not say this--that they were bringing in heresies; but that it was not from a right motive, nor through piety [456] th
10. He therefore does not say this--that they were bringing in heresies; but that it was not from a right motive, nor through piety [456] that they were preaching what they did preach. For it was not they might increase the gospel that they were doing this; but that they might wage war against him, and throw him into greater dan…
2,207 wordsSECTION 57[420] Ekata Theon ?g?pe, "Ó gar k<ta Theon lupe met?noian eis soterian erg?zetai." 2 Cor. vii. 10.
[420] Ekata Theon ?g?pe, "Ó gar k<ta Theon lupe met?noian eis soterian erg?zetai." 2 Cor. vii. 10. [421] 'Ek ton ouranon. Chrysostom seems to use ek and not en, in reference to ?nothen preceding. This is the Greek idiom; ?utou eni Troie, Il. B. 237, but ?utothen ex oedres, T. 77. [422] Philip. i. 12. [423] Prov. xviii. 19. In…
2,448 wordsSECTION 582. For he who is about to approach these holy and dread mysteries must be awake and alert, must be clean from all cares of this life, full o
2. For he who is about to approach these holy and dread mysteries must be awake and alert, must be clean from all cares of this life, full of much self-restraint, much readiness; he must banish from his mind every thought foreign to the mysteries, and on all sides cleanse and prepare his home, as if about to receive the king him…
2,915 wordsSECTION 595. But in order that we may not by saying everything at once to-day, confuse your minds, we put before you one custom, namely, about the avo
5. But in order that we may not by saying everything at once to-day, confuse your minds, we put before you one custom, namely, about the avoidance of oaths, saying this much by way of preface, and speaking plainly--that if you do not avoid oaths, I say not perjury merely, but those too which happen in the cause of justice, we sh…
2,242 wordsSECTION 60This too he has bidden thee do according to thy power, with what has been entrusted to thee, to extend the holiness which thou hast received
This too he has bidden thee do according to thy power, with what has been entrusted to thee, to extend the holiness which thou hast received, and to make the righteousness which comes from the laver brighter, and the gift of grace more radiant; even as therefore Paul did, increasing all the good things which he received by his s…
2,641 wordsSECTION 614. And not only is this the wonderful thing that he remits our sins, but that he not even reveals them nor makes them manifest and patent, n
4. And not only is this the wonderful thing that he remits our sins, but that he not even reveals them nor makes them manifest and patent, nor compels us to come forward into the midst, and to tell out our errors, but bids us make our defense to him alone, and to confess ourselves to him. And yet among secular judges, if any tel…
2,646 wordsSECTION 62Homily i
[519] Catechism, or oral instruction, "Catechesis," in Greek is called by that name. Chrysostom says, a word derived from eche, a sound, in order that it may "resound" in your minds eneche. It is impossible to preserve the play upon words in the translation consistently with an exact rendering. [520] Ps. xcv. 8. [521] This is …
1,023 wordsSECTION 63Homily I.
Homily I. Against those who say that demons govern human affairs, and who are displeased at the chastisement of God, and are offended at the prosperity of the wicked and the hardships of the just. I indeed was hoping, that from the continuance of my discourse, you would have had a surfeit of my words: but I see that the contra…
2,416 wordsSECTION 64Wouldest thou learn too from the mother of this man, what a good result the expulsion from the life of Paradise had, compare what Eve was be
Wouldest thou learn too from the mother of this man, what a good result the expulsion from the life of Paradise had, compare what Eve was before this, and what she became afterwards. Before this indeed, she considered that deceiving Devil, that wicked Demon to be more worth believing than the commandments of God, and at the mere…
2,336 wordsSECTION 656. Fearing these things for them who reproach God, I speak now, in order that they may not kick against the pricks, and cover their own feet
6. Fearing these things for them who reproach God, I speak now, in order that they may not kick against the pricks, and cover their own feet with blood, that they may not throw stones to heaven, and receive wounds on their own head. But I have somewhat else far beyond this to say. For omitting to ask (I say this by way of conces…
2,430 wordsSECTION 668. Taking this then into thy mind, cease charging the master; learning that it is not by way of deserting him does God let such an one suffe
8. Taking this then into thy mind, cease charging the master; learning that it is not by way of deserting him does God let such an one suffer ill, but through desire to crown him, and make him more distinguished. And if thou seest a sinner punished, remember the paralytic who passed thirty eight years on his bed. For that that m…
831 wordsSECTION 67Homily II.
Homily II. Against those who object because the devil has not been put out of the world: and to prove that his wickedness does no harm to us--if we take heed: and concerning repentance. 1. When Isaac, in old time, was desirous to eat a meal at the hands of his son, he sent his son forth from the house to the chace. But when th…
2,270 wordsSECTION 684. Dost thou wish that we should exercise the argument in the case of Jesus Christ? What is equal to that salvation? what more profitable th
4. Dost thou wish that we should exercise the argument in the case of Jesus Christ? What is equal to that salvation? what more profitable than that presence? But this very saving presence, so profitable, became an additional means of chastening to many. "For for judgment" saith he "came I into this world, that they which see not…
1,756 wordsSECTION 69Homily III.
Homily III. That evil comes of sloth, and virtue from diligence, and that neither wicked men, nor the devil himself, are able to do the wary man any harm. The proof of this from many passages, and amongst others from those which relate to Adam and to Job. 1. The day before yesterday we set on foot our sermon concerning the Dev…
2,240 wordsSECTION 70How then was the end not the same? Because the purpose did not permit it. For this alone made the difference. On this account the one set we
How then was the end not the same? Because the purpose did not permit it. For this alone made the difference. On this account the one set went to Gehenna, but the other to the Kingdom. But if the Devil were the cause to them of their sins, these would not be destined to be chastened, when another sinned and drove them on. Dost t…
2,756 wordsSECTION 716. But if thou thinkest that this is sufficient for consolation, thou wilt thyself also be able to experience this comfort. And even if thou
6. But if thou thinkest that this is sufficient for consolation, thou wilt thyself also be able to experience this comfort. And even if thou dost not suffer any of these misfortunes at the hands of God but owing to the insolence of men; and yet givest thanks and dost not blaspheme him who is able to prevent them indeed, but who …
1,051 wordsSECTION 72Homily
Homily on the passage (Matt. xxvi. 19), "father if it be possible let this cup pass from me," etc., and against marcionists and manichæans. translated by rev. w. r. w. stephens, m.a., prebendary of chichester cathedral, and rector of woolbeding, sussex. against marcionists and manichæans. ------------------------ On the p…
2,866 wordsSECTION 733. He then who calls the thing glory, and rebukes the disciple because he was trying to hinder Him, and proves that what constitutes the goo
3. He then who calls the thing glory, and rebukes the disciple because he was trying to hinder Him, and proves that what constitutes the good shepherd is his sacrificing himself on behalf of the sheep, and declares that he earnestly longs for this thing, and willingly goes to meet it, how is it that He beseeches it may not come …
2,784 wordsSECTION 74Homily
[629] This was such a very common topic with Chrysostom that it affords no clue to the date of the Homily. [630] John x. 15. [631] Gen. xlix. 9. Septuagint rendering. [632] Ibid. [633] John x. 18. [634] John ii. 19. [635] Matt. xxvii. 4. [636] Matt. xxvii. 19. [637] Ps. xxii. 17. [638] Ps. xxii. 18. [639] Ps. xxii. 19.…
2,623 wordsSECTION 753. Moreover it is possible to discern His forethought and consideration not only from this, but also from that which seems to be a rebuke. F
3. Moreover it is possible to discern His forethought and consideration not only from this, but also from that which seems to be a rebuke. For He did not make a public exposure of his sins, but yet He told him that he suffered what he did suffer on account of his sins, but what those sins were He did not disclose; nor did He say…
2,471 wordsSECTION 765. There are indeed some who say that this man was healed merely because they who brought him believed; but this is not the fact. For "when
5. There are indeed some who say that this man was healed merely because they who brought him believed; but this is not the fact. For "when He saw their faith" refers not merely to those who brought the man but also to the man who was brought. Why so? "Is not one man healed," you say, "because another has believed?" For my part …
2,635 wordsSECTION 777. See moreover He makes a second proof of His power of forgiving sins. For to forgive sins is a very much greater act than to heal the body
7. See moreover He makes a second proof of His power of forgiving sins. For to forgive sins is a very much greater act than to heal the body, greater in proportion as the soul is greater than the body. For as paralysis is a disease of the body, even so sin is a disease of the soul: but although this is the greater it is not palp…
2,161 wordsSECTION 78Homily
Homily to those who had not attended the assembly: and on the apostolic saying, "if thine enemy hunger, feed him, etc. (rom. xii. 20), and concerning resentment of injuries. translated by rev. w. r. w. stephens, m.a., prebendary of chichester cathedral, and rector of woolbeding, sussex. to those who had not attended the ass…
2,232 wordsSECTION 793. Now these remarks of mine are not so much directed to them, as to you who do not bring them forward, do not rouse them from their indolen
3. Now these remarks of mine are not so much directed to them, as to you who do not bring them forward, do not rouse them from their indolence, and draw them to this table of salvation. Household slaves indeed when they have to discharge some service in common, summon their fellow slaves, but you when you are going to meet for t…
2,452 wordsSECTION 805. Bear in mind then the things which are said here, that when you have gone out and the devil lays hold of you either by means of anger or
5. Bear in mind then the things which are said here, that when you have gone out and the devil lays hold of you either by means of anger or vainglory, or any other passion, you may call to remembrance the teaching which you have received here and may be able easily to shake off the grasp of the evil one. Do you not see the wrest…
2,595 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.