The second half of the fourth century was a turbulent time. Bishops came and went, monks rioted, and Christianity struggled to gain a foothold against competing religions. One of the most remarkable figures that came to dominate the ecclesiastical and political landscape was John Chrysostom. This book examines Chrysostom's role as a preacher and his pastoral activities as deacon, presbyter, and bishop. Mayer and Allen draw together the latest research on preaching, the preacher's audience, and pastoral care in a comprehensive introduction. They also provide fresh and lively translations of a key selection of John Chrysostom's sermons and letters.
A valuable introduction to the processes of early Christianization
Close examination of the place of the church in late antique society