St. John Chrysostom’s quote, “We must not mind insulting men, if by respecting them we offend God,” reflects a principle found in several passages of Scripture where the emphasis is placed on prioritizing obedience to God over the approval of men. Here are a few scriptural bases that align with this quote:

Acts 5:29

“But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.'”

• This verse directly supports the idea that God’s commandments and will take precedence over human authority and respect. The apostles insisted on their duty to preach Christ, despite the Sanhedrin’s orders to stop.

Galatians 1:10

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

• The Apostle Paul highlights the importance of seeking God’s approval rather than human approval, which resonates with Chrysostom’s assertion that respecting men should not come at the cost of offending God.

Matthew 10:28

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

• Jesus teaches that the fear of God should outweigh the fear of man, emphasizing the eternal significance of God’s judgment over human judgment.

John 12:43

“For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”

• This verse criticizes those who prioritize human praise over divine approval, mirroring Chrysostom’s sentiment.

Proverbs 29:25

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

• This proverb points to the dangers of fearing human opinion and underscores the safety and righteousness found in trusting and obeying God.

1 Samuel 15:24

“Saul said to Samuel, ‘I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.'”

• King Saul’s admission of disobedience to God’s command due to fear of people illustrates the consequences of prioritizing human respect over divine commandments.

These scriptures collectively reinforce the idea that one’s allegiance to God and His commandments should not be compromised for the sake of human respect or approval, aligning with the essence of St. John Chrysostom’s quote.