JOHN CHRYSOSTOM: Preach the Word

In the late 4th century, the archbishop of Constantinople would stand against cultural evils and ecclesiastical corruption becoming known as “The Goldenmouth,” one of the greatest preachers in the early church.

As a young man, John Chrysostom found that, "the vain verbosity of law practice would send me on a search thirsting for living knowledge."

At the age 18 he dedicated his life to Christ and his unusual speaking skills rapidly advanced him to leadership in the church. His sermons were practical, passionate and stood boldly against the corruption of Empress Eudoxia which led to his banishment, exile and eventual death.

2 Tim 4:2 says, “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”

The pastor of any church who fulfills the call to preach biblical truth from the pulpit should realize that he will often run counter to the self-centered, materialistic ideals of modern culture.

Chrysostom was unafraid, even amidst persecution, to utilize the pulpit as the God ordained vehicle through which biblical truth rings forth; confronting and transforming society and individual lives.