Today all are afraid to hear about the word ‘kidnap’. Because one ‘kidnapped’ someone for bad purpose. In Church history, we find ‘kidnap’ was carried out for good purpose.
John of Antioch, known as ‘John Chrysostom’ was kidnapped in 398 by a senior military official to a chapel outside the city’s walls. There he was seized by soldiers and transported 800 miles to the capital, where he was forcibly consecrated as ‘Archbishop of Constantinople’.
John’s kidnapping was arranged by Euptropius, a government official, who wanted to adorn the church in the capital city with the best orator in Christianity. John had never sought the office, but he accepted it as God’s providence.
In fact, ‘Chrysostom’ means ‘Golden mouth’. John was called ‘John Chrysostom’ because of his eloquent and uncompromising preaching of the gospel.
Friends, God can reward any of His faithful and spirit-filled children.
May God bless you too.
John of Antioch, known as ‘John Chrysostom’ was kidnapped in 398 by a senior military official to a chapel outside the city’s walls. There he was seized by soldiers and transported 800 miles to the capital, where he was forcibly consecrated as ‘Archbishop of Constantinople’.
John’s kidnapping was arranged by Euptropius, a government official, who wanted to adorn the church in the capital city with the best orator in Christianity. John had never sought the office, but he accepted it as God’s providence.
In fact, ‘Chrysostom’ means ‘Golden mouth’. John was called ‘John Chrysostom’ because of his eloquent and uncompromising preaching of the gospel.
Friends, God can reward any of His faithful and spirit-filled children.
May God bless you too.
