By Pauline Allen and Wendy Mayer

This is part of the The Early Church Fathers Series

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 as increasingly it came to exert its influence. Just as often Christian group fought against Christian group for power and influence. From the midst of this turmoil a number of outstanding figures arose to dominate the ecclesiastical and political landscape. One of the most remarkable was John Chrysostom.

This book examines John Chrysostom's role as preacher and his pastoral activities as deacon, presbyter and bishop. The authors 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 sermons and letters which allow John Chrysostom to speak on these topics in his own words.

John Chrysostom presents a valuable introduction to the process of Christianization, the roles of elites in the church, the offices of presbyter, the place of the church in late antique society.