The gospel was alive and well in fourth-century Cappadocia. It was located in what is today east-central Turkey. One of its most famous early theologians was Gregory of Nazianzus (330-390). He was renowned for his preaching and his defense of the doctrine of the Trinity.
Gregory was for a time the bishop of Constantinople. His preaching resulted in a revival of faith among the people. They respected his call to reverence, simplicity, and modesty in an age when many clerics were obsessed with power, wealth and ostentation.
Gregory’s writings were infused with biblical knowledge with which he sought to instruct the young. He also wrote with intellectual and philosophical rigor to defend the Christian faith against the arguments of pagan thinkers. He was one of the bishops who presided at the second great ecumenical council (Constantinople) which clarified the church’s teaching on the Holy Spirit.
Gregory boldly proclaimed the gospel. He believed Christ’s death was an expiatory sacrifice to satisfy God’s righteous law. In one of his orations, he said of Jesus, “For my sake, he was made a curse, who destroyed my curse, and sin… .”
I pass along to you today what Gregory wrote and preached in 381. Gregory’s preaching of the gospel is as relevant today as it was in the fourth century.
He began his ministry by being hungry, yet he is the Bread of Life.
Jesus ended his earthly ministry by being thirsty, yet he is the Living Water.
Jesus was weary, yet he is our rest.
Jesus paid tribute, yet he is the King.
Jesus was accused of having a demon, yet he cast out demons.
Jesus wept, yet He wipes away our tears.
Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver, yet he redeemed the world.
Jesus was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, yet he is the Good Shepherd.
Jesus died, yet by his death, he destroyed the power of death.
