# The Conversion of King Abenner explained — Barlaam and Ioasaph

> Chapter companion for Barlaam and Ioasaph by Anonymous.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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