# Chapter XL: The Death of Ioasaph and the Translation of the Relics explained — Barlaam and Ioasaph

> Chapter companion for Barlaam and Ioasaph by Anonymous.

## What happens

Ioasaph buries Barlaam with great sorrow, prays fervently, and receives a vision of heavenly glory. He continues his ascetic life for thirty-five years, dies in peace, and is buried beside Barlaam. King Barachias discovers their incorrupt bodies, translates them with honor, and many miracles and conversions follow.

## Themes in this chapter

### Renunciation of Worldly Wealth

Ioasaph leaves his earthly kingdom and adopts a life of extreme asceticism, crucifying the world to himself.

### Divine Providence and Free Will

Ioasaph's vision and the revelation of his father's salvation highlight God's providence and the efficacy of repentance.

### Fatherhood and Spiritual Guidance

Ioasaph's relationship with Barlaam as a spiritual father is central; Barlaam guides him even after death through visions.

## Character check-ins

### Ioasaph

Buries Barlaam, prays, receives a vision, lives as a hermit for 35 years, dies and is buried beside Barlaam.

### Barlaam

Appears in Ioasaph's vision, chides him for questioning his father's reward, and shows him the heavenly city.

### Abenner

Mentioned in the vision as Ioasaph's father who repented and received a crown.

### Barachias

King of India who retrieves the bodies of Barlaam and Ioasaph and translates them with honor.

## Key lines

> “But,” said he, “if thou persevere bravely, even as I charged thee, in a little while thou shalt come hither, and gain the same habitations, and obtain the same joy and glory, and be my companion forever.”

Barlaam tells Ioasaph that if he continues steadfastly, he will soon join him in heaven and share his eternal joy.

_This is part of Ioasaph's vision after Barlaam's death, encouraging perseverance._

> And he continued to the end, verily leading on earth the life of an angel, and after the death of his aged friend using himself to severer austerity.

Ioasaph lived an angelic life on earth and intensified his ascetic practices after Barlaam's death.

_Describes Ioasaph's monastic discipline following Barlaam's passing._

> Their bodies had not lost their former hue, but were whole and uncorrupt, together with their garments.

The bodies of Barlaam and Ioasaph were found incorrupt, retaining their original color and clothing.

_Highlights the miraculous preservation of the saints' relics._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/chapters/xl
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barlaam_and_ioasaph_se/chapters