Barlaam and Ioasaph · Chapter
The Conversion of King Abenner explained
King Abenner, moved by his son Ioasaph's teachings and the grace of God, renounces his false gods and writes a letter expressing his repentance and desire for instruction.
What happens
King Abenner, moved by his son Ioasaph's teachings and the grace of God, renounces his false gods and writes a letter expressing his repentance and desire for instruction. Ioasaph rejoices, prays fervently, and goes to his father, where he expounds the Christian faith, leading to Abenner's conversion.
Themes in this chapter
Conversion and Baptism
King Abenner's renunciation of idols and his subsequent conversion to Christianity, guided by Ioasaph's teaching and prayer.
Idolatry vs. True Worship
Abenner explicitly renounces his false gods and acknowledges the one true God revealed in the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Divine Providence and Free Will
God's grace opens Abenner's heart in response to Ioasaph's prayer, yet Abenner freely chooses to repent and believe.
Characters to notice
- Ioasaph
Instructs his father about the kingdom of heaven and judgment; receives his father's letter of repentance; prays and then goes to the palace to teach his father the Christian faith.
- Abenner
Renounces his false gods, writes a letter of repentance to his son, and is ultimately converted after receiving instruction from Ioasaph.
Key passages
“I see our state vanishing, like as smoke vanisheth, but thy religion shining brighter than the sun; and I have come to my senses, and know that the words which thou hast ever spoken unto me are true.”
I realize that our former way of life is fleeting and worthless, while your faith is radiant and true; I now understand that you have been speaking the truth all along.
Abenner's letter expresses his awakening to the truth of Christianity.
“But a new cloud of despair would overshadow it; despair at the multitude of mine offences, because I am now abominable and unacceptable to Christ, being a rebel and a foeman unto him.”
Yet I am overwhelmed by despair over my many sins, fearing that I am too wicked and hostile to Christ to be accepted by him.
Abenner struggles with guilt and fear of rejection despite his repentance.
“I thank thee, Lord, thou lover of men, and God of pity, that thou hast been, and art, long-suffering towards our offences, and hast suffered us until now to go unpunished.”
I give thanks to you, Lord, who loves humanity and is merciful, for your patience with our sins and for not punishing us as we deserve.
Ioasaph's prayer of gratitude for God's forbearance.