Barlaam and Ioasaph · Chapter
Chapter XXIII: The Confessors' Stand and the King's Wrath explained
King Abenner interrogates and tortures a group of seventeen monks who refuse to betray Barlaam's whereabouts.
What happens
King Abenner interrogates and tortures a group of seventeen monks who refuse to betray Barlaam's whereabouts. The monks boldly defend their faith, denounce the king's covetousness and idolatry, and endure brutal mutilation and martyrdom with joy. Later, Araches brings another band of monks before the king, who carries relics of the martyrs. A theological debate ensues over the veneration of relics and the nature of true worship, with the monks remaining steadfast in their confession.
Themes in this chapter
Persecution and Martyrdom
Seventeen monks are tortured and killed for refusing to betray Barlaam and for their Christian confession. Their joyful endurance of suffering is likened to a banquet.
Idolatry vs. True Worship
The monks denounce the king's gods as 'inventors of all wickedness' and contrast them with the one true God, calling the king to abandon his idols.
Renunciation of Worldly Wealth
The monk accuses the king of covetousness, hoarding gold 'more worthless than dung,' and exploiting the people for tribute, while the monks embrace poverty and heavenly philosophy.
Characters to notice
- Abenner
The king interrogates and tortures the monks, ordering their tongues, eyes, hands, and feet to be cut off. He later debates with another group of monks about relics and their faith.
- Barlaam
Though not present, the monks refuse to betray Barlaam's location, and the king demands to know where he is.
- Araches
After many days, Araches brings another group of monks before the king to declare their case.
Key passages
“We are not commanded to fulfil thy hest, O king, but the orders of our Lord and God who teacheth us temperance, that we should be lords over all pleasures and passions, and practise fortitude, so as to endure all toil and all ill-treatment for righteousness’ sake.”
We must obey God, not you, for He teaches us self-control and courage to endure any suffering for what is right.
The monk's response to the king's threat of torture, emphasizing obedience to divine command over royal decree.
“We carry about these clean and holy bones, O king, because we attest in due form our love of those marvellous men to whom they belong: and because we would bring ourselves to remember their wrestlings and lovely conversation, to rouse up ourselves to the like zeal.”
We carry these relics to honor the martyrs, to remember their struggles and holy lives, and to inspire ourselves to imitate their devotion.
The monk explains the purpose of venerating relics to the king.