Barlaam and Ioasaph · Chapter
Barlaam's Exhortation and the Parable of the Nightingale explained
Ioasaph, deeply moved by Barlaam's teachings, asks what he must do to be saved.
What happens
Ioasaph, deeply moved by Barlaam's teachings, asks what he must do to be saved. Barlaam urges him to repent and be baptized, warning against idolatry and worldly vanities. He illustrates the folly of idol worship with the parable of the nightingale and the fowler, and expounds the doctrine of the Trinity, calling Ioasaph to renounce all and follow Christ.
Themes in this chapter
Conversion and Baptism
Barlaam calls Ioasaph to repent and be baptized for remission of sins, promising the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Idolatry vs. True Worship
Barlaam condemns idol worship as senseless, using the parable of the nightingale and scriptural references to contrast idols with the one true God in Trinity.
Renunciation of Worldly Wealth
Barlaam warns that pomp, luxury, and riches quickly pass away, urging Ioasaph to renounce everything and cleave only to God.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Never try to attain to the unattainable: never regret the thing past and gone: and never believe the word that passeth belief.”
Do not strive for what is impossible, do not dwell on what is lost, and do not trust in unbelievable claims.
The three precepts given by the nightingale to the fowler, illustrating the folly of idolaters.
“All the things that thou seest today, wherein thou gloriest—pomp, luxury, riches, and all the deceitfulness of life—quickly pass away; and they shall cast thee hence whether thou wilt or no.”
All worldly pleasures and wealth are fleeting; death will take you away from them against your will.
Barlaam's warning to Ioasaph about the transience of earthly life.