This is the exchange of John Chrysostom (ca. 347-407) and the empress Eudoxia when Chrysostom was brought before her and threatened with banishment if he insisted on his Christian independence as a preacher.
“You cannot banish me, for this world is my Father’s house.”
“But I will kill you,” said the empress.
“No, you cannot, for my life is hid with Christ in God,” said John.
“I will take away your treasures.”
“No, you cannot, for my treasure is in heaven and my heart is there.”
“But I will drive you away from your friends and you will have no one left.”
“No, you cannot, for I have a Friend in heaven from whom you cannot separate me. I defy you, for there is nothing you can do to harm me.”
Chrysostom knew the utter freedom of knowing and believing that Christ plus nothing equals everything!
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