John Chrysostom on the Trilateral Reality of Baptism and the Efficacy of Tears

Abstract

Paul in Rom 6:2 asks, “How can we who died to sin go on living in it?” Commenting on this, John Chrysostom (ca. 349–407 CE) takes the opportunity to speak about participation in the death and resurrection of Christ. Christ died in the body, while the believer dies to sin. This participation takes place in baptism. Both Christ's death and a person's baptism are two complementing realities for any believer. This article argues that baptism for Chrysostom is not simply a moment of faith but a dynamic mystery in the believer's life. For post-baptismal sins, tears are the new baptism.