Barlaam and Ioasaph · Chapter
Chapter II explained
King Abenner's persecution of Christians intensifies after a former satrap becomes a monk and defends his faith before the king.
What happens
King Abenner's persecution of Christians intensifies after a former satrap becomes a monk and defends his faith before the king. The king's son Ioasaph is born, and the king celebrates with pagan sacrifices. The monk, brought before the king, eloquently argues for Christianity and is banished to the desert.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Ioasaph’s d…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Persecution and Martyrdom
King Abenner intensifies persecution of Christians, and the monk longs for martyrdom but is instead banished.
- Idolatry vs. True Worship
The king offers sacrifices to idols, while the monk defends the worship of the true God.
- Renunciation of Worldly Wealth
The satrap abandons his high position and riches to become a monk, embracing poverty and asceticism.
Characters to notice
- Abenner
King Abenner persecutes Christians, worships idols, and celebrates the birth of his son Ioasaph with pagan sacrifices.
- Ioasaph
Ioasaph is born to King Abenner, described as a beautiful child whose birth is celebrated with pagan rites.
- Barlaam
Barlaam is the unnamed satrap who becomes a monk, is brought before the king, defends his faith, and is banished to the desert.
- Paul
Blessed Paul is referenced in the text regarding spiritual warfare.
Key passages
“the desert, grieved to have lost the crown of martyrdom, but daily a martyr in his conscience, and 'wrestling against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness'; as saith Blessed Paul.”
The monk returned to the desert, saddened that he did not achieve martyrdom, yet he remained a martyr in spirit, fighting against evil forces as described by Saint Paul.
Describes the monk's internal spiritual struggle after being banished.
“If it be thy pleasure, O king, to converse with me, remove thine enemies out of mid court; which done, I will answer thee concerning whatsoever thou mayest desire to learn; for while these are here, I cannot speak with thee.”
The monk asks the king to banish his own anger and desire before he will speak freely.
The monk identifies anger and desire as enemies that hinder truthful conversation.
