“fellowship in the gospel”

Philippians 1:5

Where would we be without friends in the work of the Gospel? Brethren and sisters encourage one another, granting support and inspiration as the shadows lengthen and the darkness closes in. In the Asian province of Cappadocia, where the Apostle Paul had laboured so fervently planting congregations, God raised up three young men, known intimately to one another, who would leave their mark upon the latter part of the 4th Century.

Two were brothers, Basil the Great and Gregory of Nysa; while the third was Basil’s dearest friend, Gregory Nazianzen. Basil became Bishop of Caesarea, Gregory, Bishop of Nysa while Gregory Nazianzen refused the appointment of Bishop of Sassima.

These men all distinguished themselves in contending for the Biblical view of the Trinity when the Arian controversy was at its height, showing a willingness to suffer for truth. They were, however, children of their times, greatly attracted by the simplicity of the hermit’s life, believing that celibacy could bring one closer to God. Much mischief has flown from sincere but mistaken ideals!

Basil and Gregory Nazianzen were educated together in the Greek city of Athens. One with whom they would share classes was the future Emperor nicknamed Julian the Apostate; he took a disastrous path to the damnation of his soul. Basil, on the other hand, would record how he refused the theatres and worldly attractions of the city in favour of a godly life:

“Our holiness was our great concern; our sole aim was to be called and to be Christians. In this we placed our whole glory.”

Basil the Great

All three men distinguished themselves as Greek writers. Their writings are replete with warm devotional thoughts written in poetic language that flows quite wonderfully. Their gifts were employed for the glory of God.

“Everything praises God and glorifies Him with unutterable tones; for everything shall thanks be offered also to God by me, and thus shall the song of those creatures, whose song of praise I here utter, be also ours …. Indeed it is now the spring-time of the world, the spring-time of the spirit, spring-time for souls, spring-time for bodies, a visible spring, an invisible spring, in which we also shall there have part, if we here be rightly transformed, and enter as new men upon a new life.”

Gregory Nazianzen

“Change of place, brings us no nearer God, but where thou art, God can come to thee, if only the inn of thy soul is ready”

Gregory of Nysa

“Thus also was it reserved for me still in this unhappy life to hear of the death of Basil and the departure of this holy soul, which is gone out from us, only to go in to the Lord, after having already prepared itself for this through its whole life.”

Gregory Nazianzen mourning the death of a Basil his friend, 379 AD, writing to Gregory of Nysa

“Into Thy hands, O Lord I commit my spirit; Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth.”

Dying words of Basil the Great