The history of Christianity is rich and exciting. From the early letters of Clement of Rome to the Medieval debates between Ratramnus and Radbertus, the Western world has been profoundly shaped by Christian figures. While names like Augustine, Athanasius, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, and Edwards have made their marks on the world more broadly, there are four Christians from the past who have shaped and influenced my faith more specifically.
Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna
Polycarp was a second-century disciple of the apostle John. He is known mostly for his unwavering love and kindness in the face of persecution at the age of 86.
The Martyrdom of Polycarp recounts his arrest:
They closed in [to arrest] Polycarp late at night, and found him in bed in an attic… everyone there was struck by his age and his calmness, and surprised that the arrest of such an old man could be so urgent. In spite of the lateness of the hour he at once ordered them to be given all the food and drink they wanted; and then asked if he might be allowed an hour to pray undisturbed. When they consented, he got to his feet and prayed; so full of the grace of God, that two whole hours went by before he could bring himself to be silent again. All who heard him were struck with awe, and many of them began to regret this expedition against a man so old and saintly.
It’s hard to imagine a more graceful response to persecution. Polycarp’s reaction was not righteous indignation or bitterness. He did not insist on his rights. Instead, he fed his enemies. He prayed. His life is a profound reminder that unfair criticism, anger, hatred, and scorn are not occasions for anger or bitterness. They are occasions to show love and kindness to those who persecute us.
John Chrysostom
John Chrysostom was most well-known for his faithful public teaching and preaching (the Greek word Chrysostomos, means "golden-mouthed"). Fearlessly speaking to powerful men and women in Antioch who had forsaken worship on Good Friday to watch horse races, Chrysostom admonished his hearers:
You have not even shown respect for the very day on which the sacraments of the salvation of mankind were celebrated. But on Good Friday, when your Lord was being crucified on behalf of the world, and such a sacrifice was being offered, and paradise was being opened…when the curse was being undone and sin was made to vanish…on that very day, when it was necessary to fast and give glory, and to raise prayers of thanksgiving for the good things in the world to the one who created them, instead you left the church and the spiritual eucharist, and the assembly of the brothers, and the solemnity of the fast, and as a prisoner of the devil were you dragged off to that spectacle? Can this be tolerated? Can this be accepted? I shall not stop saying these things constantly, and assuaging my pain that way, not by suppressing it with silence, but by bringing it out into public view and putting it in front of your eyes.
The bold witness of Chrysostom in the face of such worldly power reinforces the greater power that exists in God’s word. It also reminds me that when we teach, we are given faithfulness by God himself who will empower us to speak his truth, no matter who is in earshot.
Carter Crenshaw and Duane Cory
It is likely that few, if any, readers of Core Christianity know these two men. These men were simply local church pastors who modeled the joy, patience, and goodness of Jesus.
Carter Crenshaw was the founding pastor of West End Community Church in Nashville, Tennessee. He was best known for “walking the mall” with members of his congregation and evangelizing over lunches at Cheesecake Factory. He spent countless hours patiently listening to the struggles and hurts of his congregation. He joyfully welcomed and talked with employees of Green Hills Mall. And, most importantly, he lived day-by-day in the goodness of his Savior, Jesus. He once told me, “I am a theologian of the streets!” He reminds me that ministry is inherently relational. It can only be done by joyfully and patiently walking with people through the trials and hardships of their lives.
Duane Cory was my predecessor, the founding pastor of Deer Creek Church in Littleton, Colorado. I had the privilege of serving as his assistant pastor for over four years before I succeeded him as senior pastor. Above all other men I have known, Duane has shaped my faith and understanding of what it looks like to have peace with God. During our succession process, Duane intentionally and humbly allowed me to lead our church in preaching, teaching, shepherding, and counseling. Even though he had led the church faithfully for over 35 years, he graciously allowed me to make mistakes. He was open and honest about the challenge of handing off leadership and stepping down from leadership positions. It was in those moments that I realized there is only one way to pastor well. It is by having your identity and peace in Jesus alone. Just like John the Baptist, that peace can only come by allowing others to increase, while you decrease (John 3:30).
It's no surprise why these men have had such a profound impact on me. They simply allowed God to bear fruit in their lives by his Sprit. These men are tangible reminders of the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22, 23)—Polycarp’s love and kindness to his enemies, Chrysostom’s faithfulness in the face of power, Carter Crenshaw’s joy and patience toward his congregation, and Duane Cory’s peace with God through retirement. I am grateful to God for these faithful men who have influenced my faith—those who are recorded in history books, and those whom others may never know.
Footnotes
Staniforth, Maxwell, and Polycarp. “Martyrdom of Polycarp.” Essay. In Early Christian Writings: The Apostolic Fathers. New York: Barnes & Noble, 1993.
Chrysostom, John. “Chrysostom against the Games and the Theatres : John Chrysostom, Mark Vermes, Roger Pearse : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming.” Internet Archive. Accessed September 9, 2023. https://archive.org/details/ChrysostomAgainstTheGamesAndTheTheatres
