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Golden Mouth: The Story of John Chrysostom
"No other author has delved so deeply into the life and work of this complex, influential, and tragic figure of the fourth century and produced such a far-ranging but precise, solidly researched, and eminently readable account.... Chrysostom emerges as a sympathetic and tragic figure of great integrity, whose human failings contributed and perhaps led to his downfall.... Kelly has used a careful analysis of many of John's writings and sermons to present new insights and to confirm details of Chrysostom's life previously considered doubtful; his comments and summaries stimulate one to turn to the originals. Those who are interested in Chrysostom or in this historical period must read this book."―Catholic Historical Review "A rewarding... read as well as a rich mine of historical information.... [The book] is peppered with new, revisionist insights about... Chrysostom's life."―Bryn Mawr Classical Review"A monumental achievement, which examines with fairness and thoroughness both the primary sources and continuing scholarship on John and his often-stormy episcopacy in Constantinople."―Christian Century
Hardcover
First published June 29, 1995
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About the author
J.N.D. Kelly
15 books19 followersJohn Norman Davidson Kelly FBA (1909–1997) was a prominent academic within the theological faculty of Oxford University and Principal of St Edmund Hall, Oxford between 1951 and 1979 during which the Hall transformed into an independent constituent college of the University and later a co-educational establishment.
Early life
John Kelly was born in Bridge of Allan, Perthshire on 13 April 1909 and was the fourth of five children to his Scottish schoolmaster father and English mother. John was home-schooled by his father and graduated initially at the University of Glasgow after which he went up to Queen’s College, Oxford having secured a scholarship. At Queen’s he read classical moderations, Greats, and theology and graduated with first-class honours. Despite an upbringing as a Presbyterian he was confirmed into the Church of England and entered the ministry, attending St Stephen's House, Oxford before being made deacon in Northamptonshire.
Academic achievements
John Kelly was prominent in the theology faculty throughout his association with St Edmund Hall. He was speaker’s lecturer in biblical studies from 1945 to 1948 and subsequently held a university lectureship in patristic studies until 1976. He published widely, writing on the development of the early Christian Creeds and doctrines, his Early Christian Creeds and Early Christian Doctrines becoming standard secondary works and seminary textbooks; commentaries on the pastoral epistles; biographical studies, including studies of St Jerome and St John of Chrysostom; and The Oxford Dictionary of Popes . He was working on a companion volume to the Oxford Dictionary about archbishops when he died.
In the ecclesiastical world, he became a canon of Chichester Cathedral in 1948, a position he held until 1993. He presided over the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Commission on Roman Catholic Relations from 1963 until 1968 and accompanied the archbishop, Michael Ramsey on his historic visit to Rome in 1966. He was a founder member of the Academic Council of the Institute for Advanced Theological Studies in Jerusalem.
He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1951 and fellowship of the British Academy in 1965. He died a bachelor on 31 March 1997 and his cremated remains are interred in the antechapel of St Edmund Hall.
Early life
John Kelly was born in Bridge of Allan, Perthshire on 13 April 1909 and was the fourth of five children to his Scottish schoolmaster father and English mother. John was home-schooled by his father and graduated initially at the University of Glasgow after which he went up to Queen’s College, Oxford having secured a scholarship. At Queen’s he read classical moderations, Greats, and theology and graduated with first-class honours. Despite an upbringing as a Presbyterian he was confirmed into the Church of England and entered the ministry, attending St Stephen's House, Oxford before being made deacon in Northamptonshire.
Academic achievements
John Kelly was prominent in the theology faculty throughout his association with St Edmund Hall. He was speaker’s lecturer in biblical studies from 1945 to 1948 and subsequently held a university lectureship in patristic studies until 1976. He published widely, writing on the development of the early Christian Creeds and doctrines, his Early Christian Creeds and Early Christian Doctrines becoming standard secondary works and seminary textbooks; commentaries on the pastoral epistles; biographical studies, including studies of St Jerome and St John of Chrysostom; and The Oxford Dictionary of Popes . He was working on a companion volume to the Oxford Dictionary about archbishops when he died.
In the ecclesiastical world, he became a canon of Chichester Cathedral in 1948, a position he held until 1993. He presided over the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Commission on Roman Catholic Relations from 1963 until 1968 and accompanied the archbishop, Michael Ramsey on his historic visit to Rome in 1966. He was a founder member of the Academic Council of the Institute for Advanced Theological Studies in Jerusalem.
He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1951 and fellowship of the British Academy in 1965. He died a bachelor on 31 March 1997 and his cremated remains are interred in the antechapel of St Edmund Hall.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 12, 2015
How does an academic Englishman write a biography on a church father and make it read like a soap opera at times? I don't know, but JND Kelly does it. Kelly tells the story of Chrysostom's upbringing in Antioch, his development as a monk, then a preacher and finally as an exiled bishop. The most important moment in Chrysostom's life was the arrival of the Tall Brothers, which began a series of events that resulted in his dying in exile.
Kelly addresses several controversial aspects. Was Chrysostom really an anti-semite? No. His remarks on the Jews, while unfortunate today, would have applied to any counter-religious group, Christian or otherwise. He saw his sheep defecting to Judaism and so preached a series of sermons rebutting Judaism. His language is extreme at times, but no different than any other preacher.
The truly tragic aspect of his ministry was his relationship with Emperor Arkadia and Empress Eudoxia. But more on that later.
The Origenist Controversy:
When Patriarch Theophilus exiled some Origenist monks for attacking more illiterate monks who held to Anthropomorphitism (e.g., God has a body), the monks, known as the Tall Brothers, came to Constantinople. This was a problem. Origenism taught heretical views but not on this point. Theophilius, patriarch of the most important city in the world, moved in for the kill. One thing led to another, which also tied in with John's making enemies, and John found himself in exile. He later returned and was later exiled again.
Some notes from John's career:
John’s Younger Life
Two main influences:
1. Julian the Apostate’s removal of the martyr Babylas’s relics (Kelly 9)
2. Julian’s granting the Jews privileges to negate Christians.
Married Sexuality
While John stays well within the Patristic orbit on sexual ethics for the Christian (i.e., better to remain single and celibate), he does occasionally strike new and healthier tones. Patristic writers had long known they could not say married sex was bad. That was Gnostic. However, they did occasionally hint that the pleasure in sex was frowned upon and the point of sex was procreation.
John says something new. According to Kelly’s reading, “It is the pleasure involved in the act, he emphasizes, which welds the two together; and even if no child results, the two still become one flesh” (Kelly 134, quoting Chrysostom, In Col. hom. 12.5-6 (PG 62.388))
Conclusion
Whatever else you may say about Byzantium, no one has ever accused it of being boring. JND Kelly is literally able to take church business meetings and give them "spy flavor" quality all the while maintaining that subtle British humor.
This book's importance goes beyond itself. Later historians of Origenism and Coptic Christianity (Tim Vivian) draw upon Kelly's analysis.
Kelly addresses several controversial aspects. Was Chrysostom really an anti-semite? No. His remarks on the Jews, while unfortunate today, would have applied to any counter-religious group, Christian or otherwise. He saw his sheep defecting to Judaism and so preached a series of sermons rebutting Judaism. His language is extreme at times, but no different than any other preacher.
The truly tragic aspect of his ministry was his relationship with Emperor Arkadia and Empress Eudoxia. But more on that later.
The Origenist Controversy:
When Patriarch Theophilus exiled some Origenist monks for attacking more illiterate monks who held to Anthropomorphitism (e.g., God has a body), the monks, known as the Tall Brothers, came to Constantinople. This was a problem. Origenism taught heretical views but not on this point. Theophilius, patriarch of the most important city in the world, moved in for the kill. One thing led to another, which also tied in with John's making enemies, and John found himself in exile. He later returned and was later exiled again.
Some notes from John's career:
John’s Younger Life
Two main influences:
1. Julian the Apostate’s removal of the martyr Babylas’s relics (Kelly 9)
2. Julian’s granting the Jews privileges to negate Christians.
Married Sexuality
While John stays well within the Patristic orbit on sexual ethics for the Christian (i.e., better to remain single and celibate), he does occasionally strike new and healthier tones. Patristic writers had long known they could not say married sex was bad. That was Gnostic. However, they did occasionally hint that the pleasure in sex was frowned upon and the point of sex was procreation.
John says something new. According to Kelly’s reading, “It is the pleasure involved in the act, he emphasizes, which welds the two together; and even if no child results, the two still become one flesh” (Kelly 134, quoting Chrysostom, In Col. hom. 12.5-6 (PG 62.388))
Conclusion
Whatever else you may say about Byzantium, no one has ever accused it of being boring. JND Kelly is literally able to take church business meetings and give them "spy flavor" quality all the while maintaining that subtle British humor.
This book's importance goes beyond itself. Later historians of Origenism and Coptic Christianity (Tim Vivian) draw upon Kelly's analysis.
September 2, 2020
This is one of the best biographies ever written of anyone so far removed historically from our time and yet so relevant for the Christian Church, especially the East. Part of the reason for this is Dr. Kelly's refreshing engagement with primary sources such as Sozomen, Palladios, and Sokrates, and his astuteness in drawing careful conclusions based on his comparison and contrast of these works. St. John Chrysostom's life, his prolific literary contributions in theology, biblical exegesis, spirituality, and pastoral care, his pastoral and personal letters, his ever-memorable homilies, his tenure in Antioch and later in Constantinople before and after his first exile, and his tragic final exile and death are described with a precision and readability that makes this volume a joy to possess in one's library. But this is not a dry run of history by any stretch of the imagination. Instead, we see Chrysostom's vulnerability and struggles, his weaknesses and strengths, and all the qualities that made him a beloved celebrity and pastor to most, a despised enemy to his accusers. In the end, we see, simultaneously, the loftiness and the repulsive nature of humanity, but also the justice and mercy of God who supports those who, despite their faults, suffer and struggle for righteousness' sake and who, in the end, bear their toils and sufferings with dignity. My only complaint: I wish the rating scale for GoodReads went beyond 5 stars – this stellar biography simply outdoes excellence. All you ever wanted to know about the man and the saint, you will joyfully find here.
March 12, 2022
This is a re-read from my patristics reading craze in the early 2000s. I've had this in my library for years and read it a few times, but never got around to reviewing here, so here we go.
This is a biography of the Church Father, theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople and, above all, sermon writer, St. John Chrysostom (the Golden-Tongued). Written by J.N.D. Kelly, a giant in patristics from the last couple of generations, this is a thorough biography of this brilliant, if controversial figure. Kelly does a good job with the abundant sources for John's life (his own sermons and treatises, the histories of the big three fourth century church historians- Socrates Scholasticus, Sozomon and Theodoret of Cirrhus, as well as assorted saint's lives etc). He pieces together John's dramatic life, especially in his dealing with the imperial court of Arcadius.
It is a good, readable biography which explains much about John's career. The reconstructions make sense, although a thorough review would involved a lot of reading. It is a good introduction to this fascinating early Christian writer. Now, go out and find some of St. John's sermons, because they are worth reading on their own.
This is a biography of the Church Father, theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople and, above all, sermon writer, St. John Chrysostom (the Golden-Tongued). Written by J.N.D. Kelly, a giant in patristics from the last couple of generations, this is a thorough biography of this brilliant, if controversial figure. Kelly does a good job with the abundant sources for John's life (his own sermons and treatises, the histories of the big three fourth century church historians- Socrates Scholasticus, Sozomon and Theodoret of Cirrhus, as well as assorted saint's lives etc). He pieces together John's dramatic life, especially in his dealing with the imperial court of Arcadius.
It is a good, readable biography which explains much about John's career. The reconstructions make sense, although a thorough review would involved a lot of reading. It is a good introduction to this fascinating early Christian writer. Now, go out and find some of St. John's sermons, because they are worth reading on their own.
September 25, 2020
It would be hard to find a more thoroughly researched biography on John Chrysostom than what J. N. D. Kelly provides here. Chrysostom is revealed in all of his glorious devotion and obstinate bullheadedness. The book is academic and dense, someone looking for an unambiguous chronology had better look elsewhere. But the reader looking for the most accurate portrayal possible of John and the corresponding historical events surrounding his life will appreciate Kelly’s careful attention to detail.
October 31, 2025
Well researched and very detailed in biographical details. Information on Chrysostom's doctrine and preaching was greatly lacking though
November 12, 2015
There are books that one has difficulty putting down. This is not one of them--sections of the book are compelling--but much of it is academic and superfluously detailed--especially in regard to chronology. The intended audience, I gather, is the Chrysostom scholar, not the general reader. However, Kelly comprehensively details this man's dramatic life, exile and death. Chrysostom is one of my heroes. Even after his death the details of his burial site and his followers, "Johnites," impact the church, the world, and the Roman Empire. What I love most about Chrysostom is his unwavering commitment to do what is right before the Lord--even if it upsets the empress next door.
===============
Nothing more truly characterizes the man who believes in and loves Christ than that he is concerned for his brothers and exerts himself for their salvation. Let all the monks who have withdrawn to the mountain peaks and have crucified themselves to the world heed these words. JC (35)
He was already, and for the rest of his career was to remain, scornfully impatient of anything less than total commitment to the gospel. (43)
One must walk on burning coals without being scorched, on a naked sword without being wounded, since lust is as overpowering as fire and steel. JC (45)
Is nothing chillier than a Christian who is not trying to save others. JC (85)
A rich man is good when he distributes his wealth… But he is not good so long as he keeps it to himself. JC (99)
For the moment we should note the John's great interest in promoting Christianity among barbarians and outside the borders of the empire was at this time unusual, not to say unprecedented. (144)
If her friends are victims of unjust treatment, confiscations, false accusations, banishment itself, all these apparent disasters are only transitory; the one thing which should be dreaded and make one downcast is sin. (266-67)
A golden crown does not bring so much honor to the head that wears it as his chains do to the prisoner whose right hand has been fettered in God's service . . never cease giving glory to God in all things. JC (254)
===============
Nothing more truly characterizes the man who believes in and loves Christ than that he is concerned for his brothers and exerts himself for their salvation. Let all the monks who have withdrawn to the mountain peaks and have crucified themselves to the world heed these words. JC (35)
He was already, and for the rest of his career was to remain, scornfully impatient of anything less than total commitment to the gospel. (43)
One must walk on burning coals without being scorched, on a naked sword without being wounded, since lust is as overpowering as fire and steel. JC (45)
Is nothing chillier than a Christian who is not trying to save others. JC (85)
A rich man is good when he distributes his wealth… But he is not good so long as he keeps it to himself. JC (99)
For the moment we should note the John's great interest in promoting Christianity among barbarians and outside the borders of the empire was at this time unusual, not to say unprecedented. (144)
If her friends are victims of unjust treatment, confiscations, false accusations, banishment itself, all these apparent disasters are only transitory; the one thing which should be dreaded and make one downcast is sin. (266-67)
A golden crown does not bring so much honor to the head that wears it as his chains do to the prisoner whose right hand has been fettered in God's service . . never cease giving glory to God in all things. JC (254)
March 14, 2011
I'm sure a church historian, or historian in general would find this book interesting, but I am neither. John Chrysostom is an intriguing figure in Christianity and Easter Church History. He became famous for his oratory skills and leadership from the pulpit. He wrote several pamphlets, books, and commentaries dealing with the social and theological issues of his day. He fearlessly preached against wealth and "vain glory."
April 15, 2013
I gave it four stars not because I terribly enjoyed the book, but because it was very well done.
This is a good historically biography, amazingly well researched, and actually quite interesting. It was also fairly dry so for enjoyment alone I probably would have given this three stars, but as I appreciate quality as well and the book was very educational I think four is appropriate.
This is a good historically biography, amazingly well researched, and actually quite interesting. It was also fairly dry so for enjoyment alone I probably would have given this three stars, but as I appreciate quality as well and the book was very educational I think four is appropriate.
May 3, 2010
Kelly is a master historian, and his careful and exacting research in this book is combined with a masterful narrative effort, to provide a very readable and compelling account of Chrysostom's life. Thoroughly enjoyable throughout.
February 9, 2013
Reading this book was like accompanying John Chrysostom through his life from Antioch to Constantinople into exile in Armenia. By the end of it John and I became good friends. I now know why he is known as "Golden Mouth". Kelly writes history at its best.
October 16, 2012
Best biography I have read. Very good language and style of writing. Also very professional and unbiasedly written, however sympathy for St. John Chrysostom is felt nevertheless.
April 12, 2014
This book (being written in 1995) is a little outdated, based on recent work in Chrysostom. Nevertheless, it is a great biographical source for Chrysostom's life, ministry, and exile.
August 1, 2015
Dry and slow, but nonetheless informative about an important character in Christian history.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews