At the Feet of the Fathers—St. John Chrysostom: Do Not Let Confusing Scriptures Confuse You

At the Feet of the Fathers

Monday, March 14, 2023

St. John Chrysostom

John Chrysostom (c. AD  347 – 14 September AD 407) was an important early Church father who served as archbishop of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey). He is known for his preaching, public speaking, his stand against abuses both among secular authorities and in the church, and his Divine Liturgy, used to this day in Eastern Orthodoxy. The name Chrysostom means "golden-mouthed" in Greek and was given to him for his celebrated eloquence. Chrysostom was one of the most prolific authors in the early Christian Church.

Do Not Let Confusing Scriptures Discourage You

But (someone objects) are the parts containing the signs and wonders and histories also clear and plain to everyone?

This is a pretense, and an excuse, and a mere cloak of idleness. You do not understand the contents of the book? But how can you ever understand while you are not even willing to look carefully?

Take the book in your hand. Read the whole history; and, retaining in your mind the easy parts, peruse frequently the doubtful and obscure parts; and if you are unable, by frequent reading, to understand what is said, go to someone wiser; betake yourself to a teacher; confer with him about the things said. Show great eagerness to learn: then, when God sees that you are using such diligence, he will not disregard your perseverance and carefulness; but if no human being can teach you what you seek to know, God himself will reveal the whole.

-St. John Chrysostom, Four Discourses, 3.3