Theatrics in Patristic Preaching and Biblical Exposition

Paul M. Blowers uncovers how early Christian preachers transformed biblical interpretation into theatrical performance, captivating congregations with dramatic retellings of sacred stories. Theatrics in Patristic Preaching and Biblical Exposition, based on the 2025 Chadwick-Oden Lectures, explores how Church Fathers such as Chrysostom, Basil, and Romanos the Melodist used vivid rhetorical techniques—like impersonation, characterization, and ekphrasis—to breathe new life into Scripture.

Paul M. Blowers is Dean E. Walker Professor in the Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan University in Tennessee. He is a former President of the North American Patristics Society and a Henry Luce III Fellow.