St. John Chrysostom’s Adversus Judaeos

Homily VIII  of John Chrysostom's  Adversus Judaeos  (delivered ca. 387 CE in Antioch) addresses Christians seeking healing from Jewish incantations, amulets, and healers during illnesses like fevers. Chrysostom condemns this as idolatry and betrayal of Christ, urging endurance of suffering as a trial that tests faith—like gold in fire—and can lead to martyrdom. He contrasts biblical figures (...

Homily VII  of John Chrysostom's  Adversus Judaeos  (delivered ca. 387 CE in Antioch) argues that Jewish rituals and worship are permanently invalidated due to the destruction of the Temple and ongoing exile. Chrysostom examines Old Testament rites (e.g., the ordeal of bitter water for suspected adultery from Numbers 5) that required the Temple, altar, and sacrifices—now impossible. He extends...

Homily VI  of John Chrysostom's  Adversus Judaeos  (delivered ca. 387 CE in Antioch) frames the sermon as a tribute to Christian martyrs, who would prefer hearing an attack on Jews over their own praise. Chrysostom argues that rescuing Judaizing Christians from error is a greater act than almsgiving, equating it to victory over godlessness. He intensifies polemic: martyrs especially hate Jews...

Homily V  of John Chrysostom's  Adversus Judaeos  (delivered ca. 387 CE in Antioch) continues his vehement opposition to Judaizing Christians, expressing renewed zeal to address persistent participation in Jewish practices. Chrysostom argues that Jewish rites, once preparatory, are now obsolete and defiling after Christ's coming. He intensifies attacks on synagogues as demonic haunts and J...

Homily IV  of John Chrysostom's  Adversus Judaeos  (delivered ca. 387 CE in Antioch) focuses on deterring Christians from joining Jews in observing the upcoming  Trumpets festival  (Rosh Hashanah) and associated fasts. Chrysostom warns in advance to fortify souls against this "accursed and unlawful" practice, arguing that Jewish fasts lack divine sanction post-Christ and are worse th...

Homily III  of John Chrysostom's  Adversus Judaeos  (delivered ca. 387 CE in Antioch) continues his campaign against Judaizing Christians, expressing frustration that some in his congregation persist in observing Jewish practices despite prior warnings. Chrysostom condemns divisiveness within the Church as worse than external heresies, likening it to tearing Christ's seamless robe. He argu...

Homily II  of John Chrysostom's  Adversus Judaeos  (delivered ca. 386–387 CE, shortly before the Jewish  Day of Atonement  fast) urges Christians in Antioch to avoid participating in Jewish fasts and festivals. Chrysostom rebukes "Judaizing" Christians for clinging to the Old Law beyond its proper time, arguing that true outrage against the Law comes from reverting to it after embrac...

In his first homily (delivered in Antioch around 386-387 CE), John Chrysostom urgently warns Christians against participating in upcoming Jewish festivals, including the Feast of Trumpets, Tabernacles, and fasts. He describes this attraction to Jewish practices as a dangerous "Judaizing disease" that threatens the church, fearing that some congregants—despite professing Christian beliefs...

St. John Chrysostom’s Eight Homilies Against the Jews (Adversus Judaeos), preached in Antioch in 387–388 AD, represent one of the most vehement anti-Jewish polemics in Christian history.