Barlaam and Ioasaph · Chapter
Chapter XXXVI explained
Ioasaph, having fulfilled his ministry and brought his father to Christ, resolves to abdicate the throne and pursue a life of monastic solitude.
What happens
Ioasaph, having fulfilled his ministry and brought his father to Christ, resolves to abdicate the throne and pursue a life of monastic solitude. Despite the pleas and protests of his people, he appoints Barachias as king, delivers a farewell address, and departs from the palace, finally escaping into the desert.
Themes in this chapter
Renunciation of Worldly Wealth
Ioasaph empties his coffers and abdicates the throne to avoid the burden of money hindering his entry into the narrow gate.
Fatherhood and Spiritual Guidance
Ioasaph acts as a spiritual father to his people, teaching them godliness and appointing Barachias as their shepherd before departing.
Divine Providence and Free Will
Ioasaph's decision to abdicate is portrayed as fulfilling his promised service to God, while the people's free will is exercised in their pleas and eventual acceptance.
Characters to notice
- Ioasaph
Resolves to abdicate the throne, appoints Barachias as king, and departs for the desert despite the people's pleas.
- Barachias
Appointed by Ioasaph as the new king, initially reluctant but eventually accepts the crown.
- Abenner
Mentioned as having died like any beggar, his death prompting Ioasaph's final actions.
- Nachor
Referenced in the context of Barachias's earlier support during the debate with the philosophers.
Key passages
“If it be good to be king, keep the good to thy self: but, if it be a stone of stumbling and rock of offence to thy soul, why put it in my pathway and seek to trip me up?”
If being king is a good thing, keep it for yourself; but if it is a spiritual obstacle, why place it in my path to cause me to stumble?
Barachias's response to Ioasaph's offer of the throne, highlighting the spiritual danger of worldly power.
“I have fulfilled my ministry toward you, and have omitted naught, neither have I kept back anything that was profitable unto you, in failing to show or teach you, testifying to all the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and pointing out the paths of repentance.”
I have completed my service to you, holding back nothing that was beneficial, teaching you faith in Jesus Christ and showing you the way to repentance.
Ioasaph's farewell declaration, emphasizing his complete fulfillment of his spiritual duties.
“For it is with kingdoms as with ships. If one of the sailors blunder it bringeth but small damage to the crew. But if the steersman err, he causeth the whole ship to perish.”
Kingdoms are like ships: a sailor's mistake harms few, but the steersman's error sinks the entire vessel.
Ioasaph's analogy to Barachias about the heavy responsibility of kingship.