Barlaam and Ioasaph · Chapter
Chapter XVI explained
Ioasaph questions Barlaam about the prevalence of true doctrine, and Barlaam explains that in his father's kingdom the truth is suppressed, but elsewhere it shines in the Catholic Church.
What happens
Ioasaph questions Barlaam about the prevalence of true doctrine, and Barlaam explains that in his father's kingdom the truth is suppressed, but elsewhere it shines in the Catholic Church. Barlaam then tells a parable of a king and his wise counsellor who uses a vision of a poor but joyful couple to teach the king about the vanity of worldly glory and the eternal kingdom. The king is moved and resolves to seek the truth. Ioasaph, inspired, renounces the world and desires to follow Barlaam. Barlaam then tells another parable of a rich youth who rejects a wealthy marriage, finds a poor but wise virgin, and through her father's test inherits great riches, symbolizing the renunciation of worldly wealth for spiritual treasure.
Themes in this chapter
Renunciation of Worldly Wealth
The parable of the rich youth who rejects a wealthy marriage and embraces poverty to gain spiritual riches exemplifies the theme of renouncing material wealth for eternal treasures.
Idolatry vs. True Worship
The king in the parable is initially an idolater, and the counsellor uses a vision to contrast the false glory of worldly life with the true worship of God.
Divine Providence and Free Will
Barlaam emphasizes that God can save Ioasaph's father, showing divine providence, while the king's free choice to incline to evil is also highlighted.
Characters to notice
- Ioasaph
Questions Barlaam about the spread of true doctrine and expresses his desire to renounce the world and follow Barlaam.
- Barlaam
Explains the suppression of truth in Abenner's kingdom, tells two parables to instruct Ioasaph, and encourages him to consider saving his father.
- Abenner
Mentioned as the tyrannical father who persecutes Christians and suppresses the preaching of the knowledge of God.
Key passages
“For like as this couple were accounted fools by us, so much the more are we, who go astray in this world and please ourselves in this false glory and senseless pleasure, worthy of lamentation and tears in the eyes of those who have tasted of the sweets of the bliss beyond.”
Just as we considered that poor couple foolish, those who have experienced heavenly joy see us as even more pitiable for chasing worldly illusions.
The counsellor uses the contrast between earthly and heavenly perspectives to awaken the king to the vanity of his life.
“A kingdom that knoweth no succession, a life that is not subject unto death, riches that dread no poverty: joy and gladness that have no share of grief and vexation; perpetual peace free from all hatred and love of strife.”
The eternal kingdom is unchanging, life is immortal, wealth is secure, joy is untainted by sorrow, and peace is free from conflict.
Description of the eternal blessings that await those who follow God, contrasting with temporal worldly goods.
“The things that are impossible with men are possible with God. For how knowest thou whether thou shalt save thy sire, and in wondrous fashion be styled the spiritual father of thy father?”
What seems impossible for humans is possible for God; perhaps you will be the means of your father's salvation and become his spiritual father.
Barlaam encourages Ioasaph to hope for his father's conversion, echoing the biblical theme of divine possibility.