Punishing John Chrysostom Isn’t Easy

John Chrysostom, the eloquent Church Father, had incurred the wrath of the Byzantine (aka Roman) Emperor Arcadius. Enraged, the emperor consulted his counselors on how to punish the powerful preacher.

“Confiscate his property!” said one. “Whom would that harm?” asked the emperor. “Not Chrysostom, but only the poor, to whom he gives all he has.”

“Cast him into prison!” said another. “What good would that do? He would glory in his chains.”