Saint Gregory of Nazianzus is well known as a theologian and master rhetorician. This paper explores the relationship of rhetorical style and theological discourse in his poetry, in particular his invective poem against bishops (carm. II. 1. 12), where Gregory likens faulty bishops to sophists. Gregory’s subtle use of language and allusion in the poem weaves together the Hellenic and Judaeo-Christian literary traditions, to reflect upon appropriate rhetorical style for the expression of Christian ethics and theological discourse.