Conformed to Christ\u27s image : the practical Implicaitons of John Chrysostom\u27s christology

Patristic scholars have observed that the reading and interpretation of scripture was intimately bound to ecclesiastical life, and was undertaken within the context of worship. The modern fissure between biblical exegesis and systematic theology or indeed between biblical exegesis and praxis would have been inconceivable in patristic thought. Most of John Chrysostom\u27s exegesis was undertaken in the church and is best understood when considered in that milieu. The present study explores the functional relationship between exegesis and spiritual life in the early church, as this was a vital concern of the fathers. Since patristic doctrine and application are interrelated, the objective of this paper is to illustrate how John Chrysostom portrays the practical Christian life as a reflection of our union with Christ