JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
John Chrysostom (AD 347-404) is argued to be “the greatest pulpit orator and commentator of the Greek Church, and still deservedly enjoys the highest honor in the whole Christian world.”[1] In his Treatise on the Christian Priesthood, Chrysostom highlights the importance of understanding the spiritual warfare that rages around humanity. He describes a massive and comprehensive military battle in human terminology, only to relate that if one could see the “devil’s most gloomy battle array” they would realize it to be a “far greater and more formidable conflict.”[2] He argues that no man must be unaware of “the wounds given by the devil” lest “his danger becomes the greater for his insensibility.”[3]
Chrysostom refers to demons as “unclean spirits” that “will not cease assaulting to the last breath” and as creatures that hold “many forms of craft and deceit.”[4] He holds that humans have two options in life, “either to fall and perish unarmed, or to stand equipped and ever watchful.”[5] Chrysostom continues to elaborate on the devil and his demons, explaining that he gives so much attention to this doctrine because it “is full of security for you. For he is an enemy and a foe, and it is a great security to know clearly, the tactics of your enemies.” He describes spiritual warfare as “not ordinary matters” but a complicated battlefield that pits the “faithful against unbelievers” but also “the faithful against the faithful.”[6] The controversial nature of spiritual warfare is one which begs the depth of consideration that Chrysostom gives it. In series of sermons on demons, Chrysostom communicates,
alternately the note of warning and encouragement,—warning against that weakness, indolence, languor of moral purpose which occasions a fall,—encouragement to use to the full all the powers with which man is gifted, in reliance on God’s forbearance and love, and on His willingness to help those who do not despair of themselves.[7]
The Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers communicate a biblically balanced reminder and warning of the importance of understanding spiritual warfare. Their descriptions are mostly in line with those of the early church era.
[1]Chrysostom, Prolegomena (NPNF1 9:6), accessed December 30, 2013, http://www.ccel.org/ ccel/schaff/npnf109.iii.ii.html.
[2]Chrysostom, Treatises Concerning the Christian Priesthood (NPNF1 9:74), accessed December 30, 2013, http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf109.iv.viii.html.
[3]Ibid.
[4]Chrysostom, Treatises Concerning the Christian Priesthood (NPNF1 9:74).
[5]Ibid.
[6]Chrysostom, Three Homilies Concerning the Power of Demons (NPNF1 9:178), accessed December 30, 2013, http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf109.x.ii.html.
[7]W. R. W. Stephens, “Introduction to The Three Homilies Concerning the Power of Demons” (NPNF1 9:177), accessed December 30, 2013.