Selected Homilies
Selected Homilies
Golden-mouthed preaching on scripture, wealth, poverty, and daily conduct.
About this book
John Chrysostom's selected homilies show why his preaching became famous for force, clarity, and moral urgency. He reads scripture as a demand on ordinary life, pressing hearers on wealth, poverty, anger, prayer, public display, and care for neighbors. These sermons matter because they make theology practical without making it small: doctrine becomes visible in how a city treats the vulnerable.
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- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190101, Part 14461 words
In this chapter, we explore the depth of a seemingly simple scriptural admonition. Prepare to uncover hidden wisdom and confront challenging questions about suffering, virtue, and divine purpose.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190101, Part 24418 words
This chapter explores ten scriptural reasons why God permits the righteous to suffer. Each reason is supported by examples from the lives of biblical figures like Paul, Peter, and Job.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190101, Part 32298 words
This chapter explores why God permits suffering for the faithful, using biblical examples to show that trials are not signs of rejection but opportunities for greater reward.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190103, Part 14345 words
As Bishop Flavian journeys to plead for Antioch before Emperor Theodosius, we reflect on the true nature of fasting-not merely abstaining from food, but turning from sin. This chapter explores the power of intercession and the transformation that genuine repentance brings.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190103, Part 24101 words
This chapter examines the spiritual dangers of slander and evil speech, urging a fast of the tongue alongside bodily discipline. It reveals how words wound souls and damage community, calling us to a higher standard of charity and self-examination.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190120, Part 14389 words
As the Fast draws to a close, we are reminded that mere abstinence is not enough; holiness is required for Communion. Today, we focus on the command to forgive, a virtue that purifies the soul and prepares us for the sacred Table.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190120, Part 24182 words
In this chapter, Chrysostom delivers a stern warning: no one with an enemy should approach the Eucharist. He insists on reconciliation before worship, grounding his argument in Scripture and the Lord's Prayer. The stakes are high-our own forgiveness depends on it.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190120, Part 3825 words
In this chapter, the speaker urges vigilance beyond personal virtue, calling for active correction of others. The focus shifts from individual purity to communal responsibility, warning against complacency and delay.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 1912, Part 14297 words
Chrysostom again confronts the congregation's slack attendance, warning that neglecting to bring others to church invites severe punishment. He urges active care for the salvation of brethren, using the parable of the talents to show that personal piety alone is not enough.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 1912, Part 23729 words
As the congregation prepares to leave, Chrysostom reminds them that true teaching is shown through behavior, not words. He urges them to embody the virtues they have learned, so that even their enemies may be drawn to the faith.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 1912, Part 31006 words
In this chapter, we explore how true wisdom and kindness are shown not just in restraint but in active goodwill toward those who wrong us. The example of David teaches us that forgiveness benefits the forgiver even more than the forgiven.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 1913, Part 14385 words
In this chapter, we explore the power of prayer and the virtue of discreet correction, drawing from ancient examples to illuminate timeless truths. The homily unfolds with careful reasoning, preparing us to receive its insights without anticipating the specific outcomes.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 1913, Part 22019 words
In this chapter, we explore Isaac's twenty-year prayer and the dangers of misdirected earnestness. The discourse challenges our patience and the true purpose of prayer.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 1907, Part 14030 words
As we explore the depths of humility and the power of Paul's bonds, let us prepare our hearts to receive the wisdom of Chrysostom's teaching, without anticipating the specific turns his argument will take.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 1907, Part 22191 words
In this chapter, Chrysostom clarifies that Paul's enemies preached correct doctrine from envy, not heresy. He then turns to the Canaanite woman, using her story to illuminate the power of persistent prayer.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 2001054459 words
In this chapter, we explore how to retain spiritual lessons after worship, using the angel's message to Joseph as a model for engaging with Scripture.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 200116, Part 14382 words
In this chapter, Jesus prepares His disciples for a deeper understanding of the law, addressing their fears that He might abolish it. He reassures them that His mission is to fulfill, not destroy, setting the stage for the higher righteousness He will teach.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 200116, Part 24591 words
In this chapter, Christ deepens the law by addressing anger and insults, showing that even small offenses can lead to greater sin. He emphasizes reconciliation before worship, revealing the heart of His teaching.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 200116, Part 31880 words
This chapter presses home the urgency of reconciliation, showing how even a legal dispute can become a spiritual test. Chrysostom urges immediate action, warning that delay only tightens the grip of conflict and judgment.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 2102014117 words
In this chapter, Paul’s opening words to the Romans unfold layers of meaning-from his title as servant to the gospel’s ancient roots. We explore how he establishes his authority and prepares hearts for the good news.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 210207, Part 14516 words
Paul turns from accusation to grace, showing how the Law and Prophets themselves witness to a righteousness apart from law. He prepares to unveil the surprising way God justifies all who believe.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 210207, Part 23215 words
As we turn to this chapter, we find a call to move beyond mere words into active charity. The text warns of a hidden danger that can undermine even the most earnest efforts, setting the stage for a sobering reflection on the heart's true condition.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 210207, Part 31732 words
In this chapter, Chrysostom contrasts earthly lending with divine investment, urging readers to consider the eternal returns of giving to the poor. He prepares to challenge common priorities around wealth and inheritance.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190101, Part 14461 words
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190101, Part 1883 words
In this chapter, we explore a seemingly simple scriptural instruction that reveals deep spiritual truths. Paul's advice to Timothy about using wine opens questions about suffering, discipline, and divine wisdom.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190101, Part 2996 words
This chapter explores why God allows the righteous to suffer, offering ten reasons grounded in Scripture. Each reason reveals a deeper purpose behind trials, inviting us to see affliction not as punishment but as part of a divine plan.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190101, Part 3537 words
This chapter explores the paradox of suffering after good deeds, urging gratitude and steadfastness. It calls for active correction of blasphemy as a form of martyrdom, promising communal reform through individual zeal.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190103, Part 1949 words
As the congregation reflects on their bishop's departure, they face a test of faith and patience. The chapter explores how fasting and prayer can transform fear into hope.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190103, Part 2889 words
This chapter explores the spiritual discipline of fasting from harmful speech, urging us to examine how our words affect others and ourselves.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190120, Part 1967 words
This chapter explores the true preparation for Communion, emphasizing that fasting alone is insufficient without holiness and reconciliation.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190120, Part 2965 words
This chapter confronts a hard truth: approaching the Eucharist while holding an enemy is not just unwise-it is forbidden. Chrysostom calls us to examine our hearts before the altar, urging reconciliation as the only worthy preparation.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190120, Part 3251 words
This chapter shifts to a direct call for action, urging each person to correct others as part of their faith. The speaker warns against complacency and emphasizes personal responsibility in teaching and reforming those around us.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 1912, Part 1966 words
Chrysostom confronts a sparse congregation, urging them to bring others-even enemies-to church. He warns that neglecting this duty invites divine punishment, setting the stage for a stirring call to active faith.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 1912, Part 2863 words
As the sermon draws to a close, Chrysostom turns from interpretation to application, urging the congregation to embody the teachings they have heard. The challenge of loving enemies remains, but the path forward is illuminated by the example of David and the wisdom of Paul.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 1912, Part 3257 words
This chapter explores David's restraint toward Saul as a model for forgiveness. It challenges us to examine our own responses to enmity and the deeper wisdom of choosing mercy over vengeance.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 1913, Part 1980 words
This chapter explores how spiritual medicine heals covertly, using prayer and the example of barren women to prepare hearts for the miracle of the Virgin birth.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 1913, Part 2458 words
In this chapter, we explore the depth of persistence in prayer and the danger of misdirected zeal. Isaac's twenty-year wait challenges our own impatience.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 1907, Part 1815 words
This chapter explores humility as the bedrock of virtue and clarifies a misunderstood passage from Paul. Chrysostom contrasts the Pharisee and publican to reveal how pride undermines even great righteousness.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 1907, Part 2510 words
Paul's enemies preached Christ, but from envy, hoping to provoke Nero. Chrysostom clarifies their motive was corrupt, not their doctrine. He then uses the Canaanite woman to show how persistent prayer transforms unworthiness into worth.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 200105992 words
Chapter 16 explores how to retain spiritual zeal after worship, using the example of Joseph's obedience and the prophecy of Emmanuel. It challenges us to prioritize Scripture and repentance over complacency.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 200116, Part 1992 words
As Christ prepares to deepen the law, He first reassures His hearers that He comes not to destroy but to fulfill. This chapter explores how His new commandments complete the old, addressing the tension between continuity and transformation.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 200116, Part 21011 words
Chapter 18 explores the deeper meaning behind Christ's commandments, showing how they fulfill rather than abolish the law. Jesus' authority as legislator is revealed through His teachings on anger and reconciliation.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 200116, Part 3428 words
In this chapter, Chrysostom urges swift reconciliation with an adversary, warning of the consequences of delay. He draws from present realities to motivate obedience.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 210201914 words
In this chapter, Paul opens his letter to the Romans with a profound declaration of his calling and the gospel's divine origin. His words invite us to explore the depths of servanthood, apostleship, and the promised good news.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 210207, Part 11029 words
Paul confronts both Jews and Gentiles with their universal sinfulness, quoting Scripture to silence every mouth. He then unveils a righteousness apart from the Law, witnessed by the Law and Prophets, available through faith in Christ.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 210207, Part 2695 words
As we explore the call to a life worthy of grace, this chapter confronts the hidden poison of envy. Prepare to see how charity demands action, not words, and how envy corrupts the soul more than open conflict.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 210207, Part 3405 words
In this chapter, Chrysostom explores the paradox of lending to God through charity, promising rewards far greater than earthly wealth. He challenges our impatience and invites us to trust in divine repayment.
- John Chrysostom Selected Homilies Chrysostom 190101, Part 1883 words
- Why God Permits Suffering and the Call to Reconciliation1300 words
This chapter explores Paul's counsel to Timothy and the deeper reasons behind suffering. We examine why even great saints endure affliction, drawing from scripture to understand God's purposes.
- Exhortations to Worship and Virtuous Living1313 words
As the congregation gathers in the absence of their beloved bishop, Chrysostom turns their attention to the true purpose of the fast: not merely abstaining from food, but reconciling with enemies and purifying the heart.
- Humility, Persistence in Prayer, and Avoiding Judgment1066 words
The soul is a surgery, and God's word works in secret to heal without shame. Today we explore humility, persistent prayer, and reconciliation-virtues that transform even the unworthy into vessels of grace.
- Genuine Charity, Avoiding Envy, and Spiritual Investment676 words
This chapter explores the nature of true charity and the dangers of envy. Chrysostom challenges believers to move beyond mere profession and practice genuine love through works, warning that envy is a destructive sin that separates us from God.
- Why God Permits Suffering and the Call to Reconciliation1300 words
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Chrysostomus spreekt tot een stedelijke christelijke gemeenschap; Augustinus denkt breder over stad, rijk en uiteindelijke trouw.
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Chrysostomus' preekstem krijgt een feller contrast naast Tertullianus: beiden spreken publiek, maar met een ander doel en temperament.
Genre kin
- Five Theological Orations
Chrysostomus en Gregorius laten samen zien hoe Grieks christelijk denken niet alleen redeneert, maar ook spreekt en overtuigt.