In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do. Galatians 2:9-10
“Bassian replied that he was made bishop in a canonical manner, that he had from his youth supported the poor, and had built a hospital and poorhouse with seventy beds. ”
Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) “Notes from the 11th Session on 29 October 451” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 3 by Charles Joseph, 299.
Again, since we arrived at the Council in Chalcedon, which is the most documented of them all, we spent a few days here. We will move on the Second Council of Constantinople tomorrow.
1. Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicaea (A.D. 787)
Again, the mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv depicts this council. Emperor the sister of the previous emperor, Theodosius II.
Today’s post from the notes from the 11th Session on 29 October 451. In this session, accusations have been made against some bishops that they took their office wrongfully.
I appreciated the description of Bassian. He was made bishop in a canonical manner, which means the right processes or standards had been followed, and he had the deeds befitting that of a bishop.
Notice he that he remembered the poor. He built a hospital. And he set up a poorhouse with seventy beds. This implies care for those in need, the sick, and those needing temporary assistance.
This provides a great picture for pastors today. Beyond preaching a weekly sermon, those overseeing God’s house should mobilize God’s people to care for those in need, the sick, and those needing temporary assistance.
What might need to change at your church? How could you be a part of that change?