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Bitesize Biographies
John Chrysostom
It is good that Christ reigns over all, particularly in his church. Otherwise, biblical Christianity would disappear from the earth. Chrysostom is proof positive that the mediatorial Lord of heaven and earth rules and overrules in the affairs of men and that he sometimes takes his servants through dark and soul-jarring providences to cause his Word to triumph at last. Chrysostom also demonstrates that men of God can faithfully (by the sustaining power and grace of Christ) expound the whole counsel of God and leave a lasting mark upon Adam's fallen race, even when wicked people and all the forces of Hell converge against their souls. As long as the history of Christianity is studied, the name Golden Mouth, this preacher mighty in the Word, will never be forgotten.
127 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 17, 2021
I applaud the effort behind this book but the execution was frustrating.
Evangelicals need well-written church history, and though this was more readable than other early church biographies I've read in recent years, it just wasn't helpful. We can't simply eulogise those figures we want to elevate, we need to be thorough and credible in our history writing.
There were no foot/endnotes, nor a bibliography or suggested further reading. This was perhaps revealing. This book simply did not read like a thoroughly researched historical project, and this reader noticed several inaccuracies.
Overall, disappointed, but frustratingly not surprised given the way church history is treated more often than not.
Evangelicals need well-written church history, and though this was more readable than other early church biographies I've read in recent years, it just wasn't helpful. We can't simply eulogise those figures we want to elevate, we need to be thorough and credible in our history writing.
There were no foot/endnotes, nor a bibliography or suggested further reading. This was perhaps revealing. This book simply did not read like a thoroughly researched historical project, and this reader noticed several inaccuracies.
Overall, disappointed, but frustratingly not surprised given the way church history is treated more often than not.
January 4, 2026
This is a good popular level introduction to one of church histories great figures. It has some historical inaccuracies and assertions I would quibble with. It is certainly not a great work of history. However, I love Chrysotom and wish more Christians would read him. I think this little book would make someone want to read his sermons. I wouldn’t recommend it for someone who is already used to engaging the patristics.
December 14, 2020
A clear, short and engaging recounting of the life of Chrysostom.
The author ends with a couple of helpful points on what we can learn from Chrysostom today.
The author ends with a couple of helpful points on what we can learn from Chrysostom today.
May 17, 2024
I thought I was going to read a short history book, instead I got a long press release.
June 3, 2024
A good introduction but missing the footnotes and appendix that I wanted in order to read more.
February 15, 2025
Loved it. Writing a historical paper on Chrysostom. Great concise book that made me compelled to live like this man!
August 10, 2024
A well written biography of a very interesting guy!
September 13, 2016
This book offers a short and mediocre introduction to the life and works of John Chrysostom. It's written by a pastor who apparently has no clue of historiography. First of all there is no bibliography, nor footnotes.
Furthermore, Earl M. Blackburn's book has some minor inaccuracies but also big blunders such as: "John’s body was then taken in triumphal procession through the city and interred at the Church of the Holy Apostles, the traditional burying place for bishops and emperors. There it remained until the capture of Constantinople by the Turks during the Fourth Crusade in 1204."
This is an unforgivable mistake, even for somebody with no degree in history. Constantinople was not captured by the Turks during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. It was sacked by fellow Christians, incited by the Venetians. The Turks took the city 250 years later. Such a mistake is inexcusable.
In the last chapter, the mask of Blackburn as a pseudo historian falls off and he shows his real nature: a pastor of the Heritage Baptist Church. With 15 arguments he tries to convince the reader that Chrysostom’s life and ministry are filled with many lessons that can be easily learned by both the minister and layperson, if there is the exertion of the slightest effort.
I would not recommend this book. There must be better biographies: more neutral and written by a real historian. Or read the original sermons of Chrysostom ... go back to the source, like real historians do (I just downloaded them)!
Furthermore, Earl M. Blackburn's book has some minor inaccuracies but also big blunders such as: "John’s body was then taken in triumphal procession through the city and interred at the Church of the Holy Apostles, the traditional burying place for bishops and emperors. There it remained until the capture of Constantinople by the Turks during the Fourth Crusade in 1204."
This is an unforgivable mistake, even for somebody with no degree in history. Constantinople was not captured by the Turks during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. It was sacked by fellow Christians, incited by the Venetians. The Turks took the city 250 years later. Such a mistake is inexcusable.
In the last chapter, the mask of Blackburn as a pseudo historian falls off and he shows his real nature: a pastor of the Heritage Baptist Church. With 15 arguments he tries to convince the reader that Chrysostom’s life and ministry are filled with many lessons that can be easily learned by both the minister and layperson, if there is the exertion of the slightest effort.
I would not recommend this book. There must be better biographies: more neutral and written by a real historian. Or read the original sermons of Chrysostom ... go back to the source, like real historians do (I just downloaded them)!
November 3, 2012
This book stands as a simple introduction into the life of John Chrysostom and should not be judged as being expected to produce any more than that. Great application of Chrysostom's life is given for modern application.
I have one problem with this book: Give me footnotes or endnotes! Help me out here EP Books! I got this books as a good intro before digging into Bauer or Kelly's lengthy ones, and I could really use source info from Blackburn.
I have one problem with this book: Give me footnotes or endnotes! Help me out here EP Books! I got this books as a good intro before digging into Bauer or Kelly's lengthy ones, and I could really use source info from Blackburn.
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January 3, 2017An orthodox, short introduction to the life of a preacher dedicated to the love of God and His Truth, the Word.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews