# Chapter XXIV: The False Barlaam and the Prince's Confession explained — Barlaam and Ioasaph

> Chapter companion for Barlaam and Ioasaph by Anonymous.

## What happens

King Abenner, having failed in his first plan, devises a second scheme with his councillor Araches to capture a false Barlaam (Nachor) and present him as the real Barlaam. The king confronts his son Ioasaph, accusing him of abandoning the gods and following a deceiver. Ioasaph boldly confesses his Christian faith, defends his conversion, and urges his father to repent and turn to the true God. The king is left astonished and angry.

## Themes in this chapter

### Idolatry vs. True Worship

Ioasaph contrasts the worship of 'impure devils' with the service of the one true God, urging his father to abandon idolatry.

### Persecution and Martyrdom

The king's threats and the prince's fearless confession evoke the spirit of martyrdom, as Ioasaph faces potential death for his faith.

### Renunciation of Worldly Wealth

Ioasaph contrasts the fleeting pleasures and glory of the world with the eternal rewards of the kingdom of God, urging his father to choose the latter.

## Character check-ins

### Ioasaph

The prince boldly confesses his Christian faith to his father, defending his conversion and urging the king to repent.

### Abenner

The king devises a plot to capture a false Barlaam and confronts his son, accusing him of abandoning the gods.

### Araches

The chief councillor executes the king's plan, capturing a man disguised as Barlaam and presenting him to the king.

### Barlaam

A false Barlaam (Nachor) is captured and presented to the king as part of the plot.

### Nachor

The man summoned to impersonate Barlaam; he is instructed and captured by Araches.

## Key lines

> I have fled from darkness and run to the light: I have left error and joined the household of truth: I have deserted the service of devils, and joined the service of Christ, the Son and Word of God the Father.

I have abandoned darkness for light, error for truth, and the service of demons for the service of Christ.

_Ioasaph's bold declaration of his conversion to his father._

> Wilt thou not understand this, my father? Wilt thou not haste past the things which haste pass thee, and attach thyself to that which endureth?

Will you not realize, my father, and hurry past the fleeting things to cling to what is eternal?

_Ioasaph urges his father to prioritize eternal values over temporal ones._

## Links

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