Chapter XXI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Renunciation of Worldly Wealth

  Barlaam refuses money and new clothing, accepting only old hair shirts, emphasizing the rejection of material possessions.

• Fatherhood and Spiritual Guidance

  Barlaam delivers a final fatherly lesson and prayer, calling Ioasaph 'brother beloved' and 'son,' and Ioasaph laments the loss of his spiritual guide.

• Persecution and Martyrdom

  Zardan's fear of King Abenner's deadly hatred of Christians and the threat of punishment highlight the ongoing persecution.

Characters to notice

• Barlaam

  Delivers his final lesson and prayer, refuses worldly gifts, exchanges garments, and departs from the palace.

• Ioasaph

  Grieves Barlaam's departure, attempts to persuade Zardan, and offers gifts which Barlaam declines.

• Zardan

  Expresses fear of the king's wrath, confronts Ioasaph about Barlaam's visits, and is unmoved by Ioasaph's exhortation.

Key passages

• “Brother beloved, and dearest son, whom I have begotten through the Gospel, thou knowest of what King thou art the soldier, and with whom thou hast made thy covenant.”

  Barlaam addresses Ioasaph as a beloved brother and son in faith, reminding him of his commitment to God.

  Barlaam's final exhortation emphasizes Ioasaph's spiritual allegiance.

• “And who shall fill thy place, O my father? And whom like unto thee shall I find to be shepherd and guide of my soul's salvation?”

  Ioasaph laments that no one can replace Barlaam as his spiritual guide.

  Ioasaph's grief at the separation underscores the depth of their bond.

• “If thou be well disposed to him, on no account reveal this matter to him until a convenient season.”

  Ioasaph advises Zardan not to inform the king about Barlaam's visits until the right time.

  Ioasaph attempts to protect both Barlaam and himself from the king's wrath.