John Chrysostom: The Preacher in the Emperor’s Court

by Dayspring Macleod

There was something about John Chrysostom and the words he spoke that lit up his world.

He was an important leader of the early church, known so much for his preaching and public speaking that he was given the nickname Golden Mouth. He spoke his mind and followed his convictions. He refused to host the lavish social gatherings that his predecessors had laid on. This meant that John Chrysostom really annoyed the wealthy citizens of Constantinople. He spoke out against how many influential Christians cared little for the poor.

“It is madness to fill your cupboards with clothing while other human beings stand naked and trembling with the cold so that they can hardly hold themselves upright.”

It didn’t matter if you were rich or poor John spoke the truth – emphatically. Even the empress fell under his criticism which eventually led to his exile and death.

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2019

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic. A book about a person I knew nothing about, and he was awesome. He railed against abusing power, abusing the poor, living in excess, he fought the emperor of Rome, fought the clergy who were abusing their powers, lived humbly and accepted their false accusations without attacking back.

John of Antioch sought to live as Christ lived and as Christians are called to live, this book was inspiring and his is certainly another name to add to the list of amazing Christians throughout history. He lived within the power of Christ, and his testimony was worth reading.

[Elizabeth Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life of John of Antioch is inspiring. He was a humble man who showed kindness to those who sought to harm him.

[Laura McCarty-Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that he got to go up to heaven.

I didn't like that he was exiled two times.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

A challenge to us comfort-loving people today. He had his priorities right.