Homilies against Jews and Judaizing Christians John Chrysostom

during first 2 years presbyter in antioch (386–387), john denounced jews , judaizing christians in series of 8 homilies delivered christians in congregation taking part in jewish festivals , other jewish observances. disputed whether main target judaizers or jews in general. homilies expressed in conventional manner, utilizing uncompromising rhetorical form known psogos (greek: blame, censure).

one of purposes of these homilies prevent christians participating in jewish customs, , prevent perceived erosion of chrysostom s flock. in homilies, john criticized judaizing christians , participating in jewish festivals , taking part in other jewish observances, such shabbat, submitted circumcision , made pilgrimage jewish holy places.

john claimed synagogues full of christians on shabbats , jewish festivals, of christian women, because loved solemnity of jewish liturgy , enjoyed listening shofar on rosh hashanah, , applauded famous preachers in accordance contemporary custom. more recent theory instead tried persuade jewish christians, centuries had kept connections jews , judaism, choose between judaism , christianity.

in greek homilies called kata ioudaiōn (Κατὰ Ιουδαίων), translated adversus judaeos in latin , against jews in english. original benedictine editor of homilies, bernard de montfaucon, gives following footnote title: discourse against jews; delivered against judaizing , keeping fasts them [the jews].

according patristics scholars, opposition particular view during late 4th century conventionally expressed in manner, utilizing rhetorical form known psogos, literary conventions vilify opponents in uncompromising manner; thus, has been argued call chrysostom anti-semite employ anachronistic terminology in way incongruous historical context , record. not preclude assertions chrysostom s theology form of anti-jewish supersessionism.