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Lived Theology
Preaching the Word with John Chrysostom
Learn from the early church's greatest preacher.
John of Antioch, later called "chrysostomos" ("golden mouth"), preached over 600 extant sermons. He was one of the most prolific authors in the early Church, surpassed only by Augustine of Hippo. His example and work has inspired countless Christians through the ages.
In Preaching the Word with Chrysostom, through a combination of storytelling and theology, Gerald Bray reflects upon 1,500 year-old pastoral wisdom from one of church history's most prolific Christ-centered preachers. Chrysostom's eloquent preaching and influence on Christian teaching left a legacy that is still recognized today.
The Lived Theology series explores aspects of Christian doctrine through the eyes of the men and women who practiced it. Interweaving the contributions of notable individuals alongside their overshadowed contemporaries, we gain a much deeper understanding and appreciation of their work and the broad tapestry of Christian history. These books illuminate the vital contributions made by these figures throughout the history of the church.
John of Antioch, later called "chrysostomos" ("golden mouth"), preached over 600 extant sermons. He was one of the most prolific authors in the early Church, surpassed only by Augustine of Hippo. His example and work has inspired countless Christians through the ages.
In Preaching the Word with Chrysostom, through a combination of storytelling and theology, Gerald Bray reflects upon 1,500 year-old pastoral wisdom from one of church history's most prolific Christ-centered preachers. Chrysostom's eloquent preaching and influence on Christian teaching left a legacy that is still recognized today.
The Lived Theology series explores aspects of Christian doctrine through the eyes of the men and women who practiced it. Interweaving the contributions of notable individuals alongside their overshadowed contemporaries, we gain a much deeper understanding and appreciation of their work and the broad tapestry of Christian history. These books illuminate the vital contributions made by these figures throughout the history of the church.
- GenresTheologyChristianity
120 pages, Paperback
Published April 8, 2020
6 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Gerald L. Bray
99 books39 followersGerald L. Bray (Ph.D., University of Paris--Sorbonne) is director of research for the Latimer Trust, based in London, and a research professor at Samford University, teaching in the Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. A priest of the Church of England, Bray has also edited the post-Reformation Anglican canons. He has edited several volumes of the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture and Ancient Christian Texts, as well as volume one of the Ancient Christian Doctrine series, all for IVP Academic. General EditorTimothy George (Th.D., Harvard University) is a renowned Reformation historian and author of Theology of the Reformers, as well as many other theological and historical works. He is founding dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University and an executive editor of Christianity Today.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 4, 2024
John Chrysostom is perhaps the easiest to read of the church fathers. If you have ever had a chance to read him you have perhaps been surprised by how similar his sermons are to good preaching in our own day. Gerald Bray offers an introduction to this historically famous yet presently unknown preacher by focusing on his sermons on Genesis 1-3, Matthew, John, and Romans. That alone got my attention and the chapters on Genesis and Romans were the two I enjoyed the most (his passion for Paul came through splendidly in that chapter). The chapters on Matthew and John seemed to drag a bit, but the content was still good.
Even if you have never read anything about Chrysostom or about preaching you will have no trouble understanding and following this book. Throughout we get a glimpse of the man and his life as well as a solid overview of his preaching, but in such a way that anyone can benefit.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to provide a positive review.
Even if you have never read anything about Chrysostom or about preaching you will have no trouble understanding and following this book. Throughout we get a glimpse of the man and his life as well as a solid overview of his preaching, but in such a way that anyone can benefit.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to provide a positive review.
March 6, 2021
Enjoyable look into early church history for preachers. Bray always does a great job presenting historical material in a way that is engaging but not trite.
August 18, 2020
In a day where sermons and books from gifted and influential preachers are so accessible, why would someone want to spend time reading about a preacher from over 1,500 years ago? While I may not have expressed my doubt in such a naive manner, I admit that I was initially skeptical about how much insight a church father could offer for preaching in the 21st century. However, my assumptions were proven to be extremely inaccurate. As it turns out, John Chrysostom can offer preachers today quite a bit of insight!
In this short book, Gerald Bray does a splendid job of introducing readers to the often neglected works of John of Antioch, who later became known as "chrysostomos," or "golden mouth." Though not one of the most well-known patristic authors, Chrysostom left behind an impressive number of sermons and writings. In fact, over 600 of his sermons remain, including a complete series on Genesis, Isaiah, Matthew, and John, along with a large number of sermons on Acts and all of Paul's epistles and Hebrews.
Bray uses engaging storytelling and historical reflection to present John's life and works to readers. The book consists of four major chapters of about 30 pages each, and is wrapped up with a concluding reflection on Chrysostom. In the first chapter, Bray sketches a short biography and provides an overview of his extant works. He then offers some advice for reading Chrysostom today, laying out his plan for the following chapters: "What I propose to do is to work my way through each of these four texts [Genesis 1-3, Matthew & John, Romans], outlining how John read them himself, how he expounded them to his hearers, and how he applied them to the Christian life" (p. 10). The first chapter concludes with an overview of John Chrysostom's intellectual background and mindset, as well as his hermeneutical approach.
The next three chapters do exactly what Bray said above: They walk through Genesis 1-3 (chapter 2), the Gospels of Matthew and John (chapter 3), and Paul's letter to the Romans (chapter 4). This is where the book became really fun to read. It fascinating to learn the interpretations of an early pastor-theologian, which were (perhaps surprisingly) very sensitive to the "literal sense," rather than overtly allegorical. At the same time, John was unabashedly theological in his exegesis, and he believed that in the Scriptures, God was speaking to those who read in his own day. What I enjoyed more than Chrysostom's interpretation of specific texts, though, was seeing how he preached and applied them to his congregation. This is where the book became very relevant and helpful for anyone involved in preaching and teaching within the church today. Personally, I found great excitement in the pastoral wisdom and homiletical insight this ancient preacher had to offer.
In the last chapter, Bray extends some final thoughts on Chrysostom's legacy. The book also includes a few suggestions for further reading, the endnotes, and two indexes.
Overall, Bray does a masterful job of introducing Chysostom in an accessible and inviting way. This book was an easy read, and the author was a faithful guide for those just beginning to dip their toes in the daunting wealth of patristic writings. When it comes to John of Antioch, the "golden mouthed" preacher from the fourth century, modern Christian preachers can glean a great deal of wisdom. While one may not agree with every single interpretative move he makes, John Chrysostom certainly has a lot offer those involved in church ministry in the 21st century. So before you decide to read that book on preaching from a contemporary author, consider sitting at the feet of one of early church's greatest preachers.
*Note: I received this book for free, courtesy of Lexham Press, but was not required to give a positive review.*
In this short book, Gerald Bray does a splendid job of introducing readers to the often neglected works of John of Antioch, who later became known as "chrysostomos," or "golden mouth." Though not one of the most well-known patristic authors, Chrysostom left behind an impressive number of sermons and writings. In fact, over 600 of his sermons remain, including a complete series on Genesis, Isaiah, Matthew, and John, along with a large number of sermons on Acts and all of Paul's epistles and Hebrews.
Bray uses engaging storytelling and historical reflection to present John's life and works to readers. The book consists of four major chapters of about 30 pages each, and is wrapped up with a concluding reflection on Chrysostom. In the first chapter, Bray sketches a short biography and provides an overview of his extant works. He then offers some advice for reading Chrysostom today, laying out his plan for the following chapters: "What I propose to do is to work my way through each of these four texts [Genesis 1-3, Matthew & John, Romans], outlining how John read them himself, how he expounded them to his hearers, and how he applied them to the Christian life" (p. 10). The first chapter concludes with an overview of John Chrysostom's intellectual background and mindset, as well as his hermeneutical approach.
The next three chapters do exactly what Bray said above: They walk through Genesis 1-3 (chapter 2), the Gospels of Matthew and John (chapter 3), and Paul's letter to the Romans (chapter 4). This is where the book became really fun to read. It fascinating to learn the interpretations of an early pastor-theologian, which were (perhaps surprisingly) very sensitive to the "literal sense," rather than overtly allegorical. At the same time, John was unabashedly theological in his exegesis, and he believed that in the Scriptures, God was speaking to those who read in his own day. What I enjoyed more than Chrysostom's interpretation of specific texts, though, was seeing how he preached and applied them to his congregation. This is where the book became very relevant and helpful for anyone involved in preaching and teaching within the church today. Personally, I found great excitement in the pastoral wisdom and homiletical insight this ancient preacher had to offer.
In the last chapter, Bray extends some final thoughts on Chrysostom's legacy. The book also includes a few suggestions for further reading, the endnotes, and two indexes.
Overall, Bray does a masterful job of introducing Chysostom in an accessible and inviting way. This book was an easy read, and the author was a faithful guide for those just beginning to dip their toes in the daunting wealth of patristic writings. When it comes to John of Antioch, the "golden mouthed" preacher from the fourth century, modern Christian preachers can glean a great deal of wisdom. While one may not agree with every single interpretative move he makes, John Chrysostom certainly has a lot offer those involved in church ministry in the 21st century. So before you decide to read that book on preaching from a contemporary author, consider sitting at the feet of one of early church's greatest preachers.
*Note: I received this book for free, courtesy of Lexham Press, but was not required to give a positive review.*
July 3, 2022
Chrysostom is an endlessly fascinating early Church Father, and Bray is a sympathetic and necessarily critical reader of him. Bray clearly loves Chrysostom, which is infectious and makes this book easy and enjoyable to read. I think this book's biggest flaw is that it doesn't dive into all the aspects of Chrysostom that make him interesting. Most of Bray's reflections don't penetrate into the depths of Chrysostom's preaching and thought. That being said, this is a good book and well worth your time.
He opens the book with an excellent initial chapter on "John the Man," which rightly locates a doctrine of accommodation at the heart of Chrysostom's theology and interpretive practices. The remainder of the book is Bray's reflections on Chrysostom's homilies. For Bray, Chrysostom was, above all, a preacher and pastor, one who thought preaching was an irreplaceable part of God's economy of redemption. I loved this quote from Bray on Chrysostom's own pastoral heart:
"It was pastoral work that really moved John, as we can see from his sermons on Romans 16. To most modern commentators, the last chapter of Romans is an appendix to the rest of the epistle, which is where the heart of Paul's gospel can be found. John did not deny that, but for him, the list of names in Romans 16 had a special importance . . . Far from being an appendix, the last chapter was the culmination of the whole, the justification for everything that had gone before. Paul was not just expounding doctrine--he was writing to particular people, and what he had to say to them was for their benefit. That is what John was doing in his own ministry, and what attracted him most to the example set by the great apostle." (99-100).
Bray's book is worth reading if you're interested in this interesting Church Father.
A small rant: I didn't love how Bray seemed to pit the Cappadocians against Chrysostom, writing, "The Cappadocians were intellectuals writing to and for other intellectuals" (98). This is a simple misreading and mischaracterization of the Cappadocians. While Bray acknowledges Chrysostom is not un- or anti-intellectual, he does not consistently draw out the very sophisticated rhetorical features of his homilies. If Bray dove a bit deeper into Chrysostom (and the Cappadocians), it would've been more evident how theology, pedagogy, and preaching were requisite parts of each of their pastoral programs. The Cappadocians, like Chrysostom, wrote and preached for their congregants.
He opens the book with an excellent initial chapter on "John the Man," which rightly locates a doctrine of accommodation at the heart of Chrysostom's theology and interpretive practices. The remainder of the book is Bray's reflections on Chrysostom's homilies. For Bray, Chrysostom was, above all, a preacher and pastor, one who thought preaching was an irreplaceable part of God's economy of redemption. I loved this quote from Bray on Chrysostom's own pastoral heart:
"It was pastoral work that really moved John, as we can see from his sermons on Romans 16. To most modern commentators, the last chapter of Romans is an appendix to the rest of the epistle, which is where the heart of Paul's gospel can be found. John did not deny that, but for him, the list of names in Romans 16 had a special importance . . . Far from being an appendix, the last chapter was the culmination of the whole, the justification for everything that had gone before. Paul was not just expounding doctrine--he was writing to particular people, and what he had to say to them was for their benefit. That is what John was doing in his own ministry, and what attracted him most to the example set by the great apostle." (99-100).
Bray's book is worth reading if you're interested in this interesting Church Father.
A small rant: I didn't love how Bray seemed to pit the Cappadocians against Chrysostom, writing, "The Cappadocians were intellectuals writing to and for other intellectuals" (98). This is a simple misreading and mischaracterization of the Cappadocians. While Bray acknowledges Chrysostom is not un- or anti-intellectual, he does not consistently draw out the very sophisticated rhetorical features of his homilies. If Bray dove a bit deeper into Chrysostom (and the Cappadocians), it would've been more evident how theology, pedagogy, and preaching were requisite parts of each of their pastoral programs. The Cappadocians, like Chrysostom, wrote and preached for their congregants.
August 8, 2024
Really cool concept. Bray works through Chrysostom's preaching, his relationship to Jesus and Paul, and his legacy.
For me, this was a three star book mostly because I enjoy reading Chrysostom's sermons, and there was too much mediation happening.
Bray babied it down just a little too much.
However, if I understand correctly, this is supposed to be an intro to this era. Barrett, I think, said in the recommendations section that you should read this, and then go read Chrysostom's actual works. I think that is perfect advice.
So, if you know who Chrysostom is, skip this. If not, read this, and then go and read Chrysostom.
B. Grizenko
For me, this was a three star book mostly because I enjoy reading Chrysostom's sermons, and there was too much mediation happening.
Bray babied it down just a little too much.
However, if I understand correctly, this is supposed to be an intro to this era. Barrett, I think, said in the recommendations section that you should read this, and then go read Chrysostom's actual works. I think that is perfect advice.
So, if you know who Chrysostom is, skip this. If not, read this, and then go and read Chrysostom.
B. Grizenko
June 2, 2020
Great preachers have gone before us. There is much to learn from their lives. In Preaching the Word with John Chrysostom, Gerald Bray reflects on the theology and life of the early church’s greatest preacher.
Golden Mouthed
Author Gerald Bray is Research Professor of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He writes in an informative yet personable tone. It is clear that he understands Chrysostom, and I often felt like he writes as if he knew him personally.
Interestingly, we have a way of knowing Chrysostom due to his prolific writing and preaching. Born to a Christian family in Antioch around AD 349, he became a preacher of over 600 sermons. Chrysostom - meaning “golden mouthed” - was actually a name he had been given and known for after his death because of his gift for preaching. He undoubtedly an influencer in the early church.
History and Biography
In 5 chapters and less than 150 pages, Bray paints a picture of Chrysostom by revealing what he believed about God and his word. The chapters are themed by (1) his life, (2) what John believed about the Creation and the Fall, (3) John’s portrait of Jesus, (4) how he followed in the footsteps of Paul the Apostle, and (5) the legacy he has left us.
What I found most interesting was how Chrysostom actually had a lot of poor theology. Understandingly, he was a preacher in the early church before the Reformation. Bray does not hesitate to point out the poor theology, and he does not give Chrysostom an easy pass, but he helps us with perspective on how he might have come to his conclusions.
Theology and Doxology
Also, it seems as if Chrysostom had an almost sacrilegious affection for the Apostle Paul. He would embellish his sermons by putting words into Paul’s mouth, almost elevating him to a superhuman extreme. I found it to be almost comical, but also a bit somber because he related to Paul’s persecutions. Nevertheless, I can appreciate the passion that he had in the pulpit.
This is a fascinating read for anyone interested in church history. It will take you into the mind of the early church’s greatest preacher. It will cause you to respect and appreciate the past, be thankful for the progress we have made, and long to learn and know more of Jesus Christ.
I received a media copy of Preaching the Word with John Chrysostom and this is my honest review.
Golden Mouthed
Author Gerald Bray is Research Professor of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He writes in an informative yet personable tone. It is clear that he understands Chrysostom, and I often felt like he writes as if he knew him personally.
Interestingly, we have a way of knowing Chrysostom due to his prolific writing and preaching. Born to a Christian family in Antioch around AD 349, he became a preacher of over 600 sermons. Chrysostom - meaning “golden mouthed” - was actually a name he had been given and known for after his death because of his gift for preaching. He undoubtedly an influencer in the early church.
History and Biography
In 5 chapters and less than 150 pages, Bray paints a picture of Chrysostom by revealing what he believed about God and his word. The chapters are themed by (1) his life, (2) what John believed about the Creation and the Fall, (3) John’s portrait of Jesus, (4) how he followed in the footsteps of Paul the Apostle, and (5) the legacy he has left us.
What I found most interesting was how Chrysostom actually had a lot of poor theology. Understandingly, he was a preacher in the early church before the Reformation. Bray does not hesitate to point out the poor theology, and he does not give Chrysostom an easy pass, but he helps us with perspective on how he might have come to his conclusions.
Theology and Doxology
Also, it seems as if Chrysostom had an almost sacrilegious affection for the Apostle Paul. He would embellish his sermons by putting words into Paul’s mouth, almost elevating him to a superhuman extreme. I found it to be almost comical, but also a bit somber because he related to Paul’s persecutions. Nevertheless, I can appreciate the passion that he had in the pulpit.
This is a fascinating read for anyone interested in church history. It will take you into the mind of the early church’s greatest preacher. It will cause you to respect and appreciate the past, be thankful for the progress we have made, and long to learn and know more of Jesus Christ.
I received a media copy of Preaching the Word with John Chrysostom and this is my honest review.
July 30, 2020
A delightful little book. Bray is a master story-teller and here he tells the story of a truly underrated Church Father. John Chrysostom is a great “gateway drug” into the patristics, because his hermeneutic is meticulous and historical, like the best part of contemporary hermeneutics, but it was still robustly and unabashedly theological (and even, at times, allegorical—a thoroughly chastened version of course). The value of John and his legacy is summed up well in Bray’s concluding chapter:
“In Western Europe he was less well known, because his works were mostly not translated into Latin, but they were rediscovered on the eve of the Protestant Reformation. To the men who launched the movement he was a hero, the one who had confronted the powers that be and ultimately triumphed over them, even at the cost of his own life. But what the Reformers appreciates most was that John was a man of the Bible, whose mission was to expound the word of God and apply it to his hearers as the chief. Sans by which they would grow in Christ” (pg. 115-116)
*I received this copy from Lexham Press but was not expected to leave a positive review.
“In Western Europe he was less well known, because his works were mostly not translated into Latin, but they were rediscovered on the eve of the Protestant Reformation. To the men who launched the movement he was a hero, the one who had confronted the powers that be and ultimately triumphed over them, even at the cost of his own life. But what the Reformers appreciates most was that John was a man of the Bible, whose mission was to expound the word of God and apply it to his hearers as the chief. Sans by which they would grow in Christ” (pg. 115-116)
*I received this copy from Lexham Press but was not expected to leave a positive review.
November 30, 2022
Fantastic little book (127 pages) which outlines some of the historical and theological influences upon the homilies (sermons) of John Chrysostom. Exploring the homilies of Chrysostom, Bray outlines the Christian understanding of Chrysostom in relation to creation, the Gospels and the book of Romans. Whilst the language of Chrysostom my be archaic, his sermons attempt to expound scripture with application, to the average paritioner. The strengths of Chrysostom is his Nicene orthodoxy, exegetical abilities and
accord with substitutionary atonement. Whilst Chrysostom is not immune to the influences of his era, an awareness of these (thanks to Dr. Bray) will make reading Chrysostom both rewarding and a pleasure.
accord with substitutionary atonement. Whilst Chrysostom is not immune to the influences of his era, an awareness of these (thanks to Dr. Bray) will make reading Chrysostom both rewarding and a pleasure.
July 23, 2020
This is a wonderful, easy-to-read - and not that long - book that introduces you to John Chrysostom - covering not only a brief biography, but an encouraging insight into his theology and his understanding of the Scriptures, of the Gospel and of Paul. Whilst I have liked Chrysostom for some time, this little book encourages me to get more into the man.
The Author does a fine job of encouraging us to get back into Church History, and I thank him for that :)
Well indexed and referenced, plus a good though short further reading list (which is often absent in smaller books).
Highly recommended!
The Author does a fine job of encouraging us to get back into Church History, and I thank him for that :)
Well indexed and referenced, plus a good though short further reading list (which is often absent in smaller books).
Highly recommended!
February 27, 2021
This short volume was recommended as I am being trained for ordination.” Preaching the word “ is given as a title but that is only sparingly during the book. It is more of a survey or overview of a Church Father who is not read nearly as much as he should. Attention towards the end is given to how he interpreted Scripture. Bray also is a well rounded scholar even pointing out the error in the theology of John Chrysostom
February 13, 2023
This was a wonderful introduction to Chrysostom's writing. Reading about someone else's writings can be quite tedious but Bray provided enough background, summary, and quotes to keep it interesting and moving. I am interested in other works in this series.
January 11, 2023
A nice and easy introduction to the life and work of John Chrysostom.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews