Barlaam and Ioasaph · Chapter
Chapter XVIII explained
Barlaam explains the true nature of spiritual wealth versus material poverty, and the meaning of true life in Christ.
What happens
Barlaam explains the true nature of spiritual wealth versus material poverty, and the meaning of true life in Christ. He refuses Ioasaph's offer of money and garments for his monks, teaching that they are already rich in virtue. Barlaam reveals his age according to spiritual reckoning, and discusses the concept of death as a passage to eternal life. Ioasaph, moved by Barlaam's wisdom, expresses his desire to be baptized and to follow him, but Barlaam advises him to remain in his country for now, trusting in God's timing.
Themes in this chapter
Renunciation of Worldly Wealth
Barlaam contrasts the insatiable desire for material riches with the true wealth of virtue and trust in God, urging Ioasaph to give to the poor and store up heavenly treasure.
Spiritual Warfare
Barlaam exhorts Ioasaph to put on the whole armor of the Spirit—truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the word of God—to fight against ungodliness and the devil.
Divine Providence and Free Will
Barlaam advises Ioasaph to abide in his country according to God's will, trusting that the Lord will provide an opportunity for them to be together in the future.
Characters to notice
- Ioasaph
Expresses desire to be baptized and to follow Barlaam into the desert; questions Barlaam about his age and the nature of true life.
- Barlaam
Teaches Ioasaph about spiritual wealth, true life, and the meaning of death; refuses material gifts, explaining that his companions are already rich in virtue.
Key passages
“to curb the passion for it, but insatiably to covet more and more, betokeneth the extreme of poverty.”
Never being satisfied and always wanting more is the true sign of poverty.
Barlaam redefines poverty as insatiable desire, not lack of possessions.
“But those who despise the present for love of the eternal and count it but dung, if only they win Christ... may more fitly be termed rich than thou, or any other earthly kingdom.”
Those who reject worldly goods for Christ's sake are truly richer than any earthly king.
Barlaam contrasts earthly and spiritual riches.
“For to be ever adding money to money, and never to curb the passion for it, but insatiably to covet more and more, betokeneth the extreme of poverty.”
Constantly accumulating wealth without restraint is the worst kind of poverty.
Barlaam explains that greed is a form of poverty.
“But now the world hath been crucified to me, and I to the world, and I have put off the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and live no longer to the flesh, but Christ liveth in me.”
I am dead to worldly desires, and Christ lives in me.
Barlaam describes his spiritual transformation.
“For a wise man hath fitly called sin the death of the immortal soul.”
Sin is the death of the soul, which is meant to live forever.
Barlaam teaches that sin kills the soul.
“I desire to depart and be with Christ.”
I long to leave this life and be with Christ.
Barlaam quotes Paul's desire for union with Christ after death.