Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series • VOLUME 7
Augustine — Homilies on John & First John
SECTION 1
A SELECT LIBRARY
Title: NPNF1-07. St. Augustine: Homilies on the Gospel of John; Homilies on the First Epistle of John; Soliloquies Creator(s): Augustine, St. Schaff, Philip (1819-1893) (Editor) Print Basis: New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1886 Rights: Public Domain CCEL Subjects: All; Proofed; Early Church; LC Call no: BR60 LC Su…
705 wordsSECTION 2Preface by the General Editor.
Preface by the General Editor. Homilies on the Gospel of John. Translated by Rev. John Gibb, Professor in the Presbyterian Theological College at London, and Rev. James Innes, Panbride. Homilies on the First Epistle of John. Translated by Rev. H. Browne, M.A., Canon of Waltham, and formerly Principal of the Chichester Dioces…
2,387 wordsSECTION 38. But let us see what advantage it is that these words have sounded, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Wor
8. But let us see what advantage it is that these words have sounded, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." We also uttered words when we spoke. Was it such a word that was with God? Did not those words which we uttered sound and pass away? Did God's Word, then, sound and come to an en…
2,412 wordsSECTION 416. "All things," then, brethren, "all things were made by Him, and without Him was nothing made." But how were all things made by Him? "Tha
16. "All things," then, brethren, "all things were made by Him, and without Him was nothing made." But how were all things made by Him? "That, which was made, in Him is life." It can also be read thus: "That, which was made in Him, is life;" and if we so read it, everything is life. For what is there that was not made in Him? Fo…
1,285 wordsSECTION 5Chapter I. 6-14
Chapter I. 6-14 It is fitting, brethren, that as far as possible we should treat of the text of Holy Scripture, and especially of the Holy Gospel, without omitting any portion, that both we ourselves may derive nourishment according to our capacity, and may minister to you from that source from which we have been nourished. Las…
2,316 wordsSECTION 68. What then? If He came hither, where was He? "He was in this world." He was both here and came hither; He was here according to His divini
8. What then? If He came hither, where was He? "He was in this world." He was both here and came hither; He was here according to His divinity, and He came hither according to the flesh; because when He was here according to His divinity, He could not be seen by the foolish, by the blind, and the wicked. These wicked men are the…
2,533 wordsSECTION 7Chapter I. 15-18
[27] Ex. iii. 14. [28] Rom. i. 20-22. [29] Matt. xiv. 25. [30] Eph. v. 8. [31] John i. 5. [32] John v. 35. [33] John i. 20, 27. [34] Ps. xxvii. 12. [35] Matt. vii. 7. [36] Matt. xxi. 23-27; Mark xii. 28-33; Luke xx. 2-8. [37] Ps. cxxxii. 17. [38] Phil. iii. 20. [R.V.: "Our citizenship is in heaven."] [39] Ps. ii. 7, …
2,349 wordsSECTION 88. Therefore this follows: "And of His fullness have all we received." What have ye received? "And grace for grace." For so run the words of
8. Therefore this follows: "And of His fullness have all we received." What have ye received? "And grace for grace." For so run the words of the Gospel, as we find by a comparison of the Greek copies. He does not say, And of His fullness have all we received grace for grace; but thus He says: "And of His fullness have all we rec…
2,388 wordsSECTION 918. But know this, that all those things which were seen in bodily form were not that substance of God. For we saw those things with the eye
18. But know this, that all those things which were seen in bodily form were not that substance of God. For we saw those things with the eyes of the flesh: how is the substance of God seen? Interrogate the Gospel: "Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God." [64] There have been men who, deceived by the vanity of the…
1,662 wordsSECTION 10Chapter I. 19-33
Chapter I. 19-33 You have very often heard, holy brethren, and you know well, that John the Baptist, in proportion as he was greater than those born of women, and was more humble in his acknowledgment of the Lord, obtained the grace of being the friend of the Bridegroom; zealous for the Bridegroom, not for himself; not seeking …
2,438 wordsSECTION 119. "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not the Christ, nor Elias, nor a prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water; but ther
9. "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not the Christ, nor Elias, nor a prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water; but there standeth One among you whom ye know not." For, very truly, He was not seen, being humble, and therefore was the lamp lighted. Observe how John gives place, who might have been accounted ot…
2,444 wordsSECTION 12Chapter I. 33
16. My brethren, this question if solved today would oppress you, I do not doubt, for already have I spoken many words. But know that the question is of such a character that alone it is able to extinguish the party of Donatus. I have said thus much, my beloved, in order to gain your attention, as is my wont; and also in order t…
2,347 wordsSECTION 136. Since, then, John had accepted a baptism which may be properly called the baptism of John, but the Lord Jesus Christ would not give His b
6. Since, then, John had accepted a baptism which may be properly called the baptism of John, but the Lord Jesus Christ would not give His baptism to any, not that no one should be baptized with the baptism of the Lord, but that the Lord Himself should always baptize: that was done, that the Lord should baptize by means of serva…
2,496 wordsSECTION 1413. What, then, dost thou wish to take away? What displeases thee in the man whom thou wishest to rebaptize? Thou art not able to give what
13. What, then, dost thou wish to take away? What displeases thee in the man whom thou wishest to rebaptize? Thou art not able to give what he already has, but thou makest him deny what he has. What greater cruelty did the pagan persecutor of the Church commit? Swords were stretched out against the martyrs, wild beasts were let …
2,344 wordsSECTION 15Chapter I. 32, 33
19. But, my brethren, it is madness to say that--I will not say Judas--but that any man was better than he of whom it was said, that "Among those that are born of women, there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist." [113] No servant then is preferred to him; but the baptism of the Lord, even when given through an evil …
2,243 wordsSECTION 165. For why, my brethren? Who does not see what they do not? And no wonder; for they who are unwilling to return from that are just like the
5. For why, my brethren? Who does not see what they do not? And no wonder; for they who are unwilling to return from that are just like the raven that was sent forth from the ark. For who does not see what they see not? They are unthankful even to the Holy Spirit Himself. See, the dove descended upon the Lord, upon the Lord when…
2,264 wordsSECTION 1712. I also will put questions; let us meanwhile lay aside the inquiry as to whom this was said, "My dove is one, the only one of her mother;
12. I also will put questions; let us meanwhile lay aside the inquiry as to whom this was said, "My dove is one, the only one of her mother;"--as yet we are inquiring;--it was said either to me or to thee; let us postpone the question as to whom it was said. This is what I ask, if the dove is simple, innocent, without gall, peac…
2,462 wordsSECTION 1819. Neither say, I will not come, because I was baptized without. So, begin to have charity, begin to have fruit, let there be fruit found i
19. Neither say, I will not come, because I was baptized without. So, begin to have charity, begin to have fruit, let there be fruit found in thee, and the dove will send thee within. We find this in Scripture. The ark was made of incorruptible wood. The incorruptible timbers are the saints, the faithful that belong to Christ. F…
2,201 wordsSECTION 19Chapter I. 34-51
[123] Matt. iii. 16. [124] Cant. vi. 8. [125] Matt. iii. 14. [126] 2 Tim. ii. 19. [127] Ps. ii. 8. [128] Isa. ii. 3. [129] Matt. xxviii. 19. [130] Gen. xxii. 18; Gal. iii. 16. [131] Gen. xi. 1-9. [132] Matt. xxvii. 34. [133] 1 Cor. xi. 29. [134] Acts ix. [135] Acts ii. [136] Acts viii. 5-23. [137] Supereminentiorem…
2,648 wordsSECTION 208. "John stood, and two of his disciples." Behold two of John's disciples: since John, the friend of the Bridegroom, was such as he was, he
8. "John stood, and two of his disciples." Behold two of John's disciples: since John, the friend of the Bridegroom, was such as he was, he sought not his own glory, but bore witness to the truth. Did he wish that his disciples should remain with him and not follow the Lord? Rather he himself showed hisdisciples whom they should…
2,513 wordsSECTION 2115. "And the day following He would go forth into Galilee, and finding Philip, He saith unto him, Follow me. Now he was of the city of Andre
15. "And the day following He would go forth into Galilee, and finding Philip, He saith unto him, Follow me. Now he was of the city of Andrew and Peter. And Philip findeth Nathanael" (Philip who had been already called by the Lord); "and he said unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, …
2,369 wordsSECTION 2222. When, then, Nathanael had said "Whence knowest Thou me?" the Lord said to him, "Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the
22. When, then, Nathanael had said "Whence knowest Thou me?" the Lord said to him, "Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee." O thou Israel without guile, whosoever thou art; O people living by faith, before I called thee by my apostles, when thou wast under the shadow of death, and thou saw…
1,084 wordsSECTION 23Chapter II. 1-4
Chapter II. 1-4 1. The miracle indeed of our Lord Jesus Christ, whereby He made the water into wine, is not marvellous to those who know that it was God's doing. For He who made wine on that day at the marriage feast, in those six water-pots, which He commanded to be filled with water, the self-same does this every year in vine…
2,605 wordsSECTION 247. I ask you, O faithful Christians, Was the mother of Jesus there? Answer ye, She was. Whence know you? Answer, The Gospel says it. What an
7. I ask you, O faithful Christians, Was the mother of Jesus there? Answer ye, She was. Whence know you? Answer, The Gospel says it. What answer made Jesus to His mother? Answer ye, "Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come." And whence know you this? Answer, The Gospel says it. Let no man corrupt this your …
2,644 wordsSECTION 25Chapter II. 1-11
13. What then, brethren? Because we have replied to these and those, shall we say nothing as to what the water-pots signify? what the water turned into wine? what the master of the feast? what the bridegroom? what in mystery the mother of Jesus? what the marriage itself? We must speak of all these, but we must not burden you. I …
2,200 wordsSECTION 267. But what means this: "They contained two or three metretæ apiece"? This phrase certainly conveys to us a mysterious meaning. For by "metr
7. But what means this: "They contained two or three metretæ apiece"? This phrase certainly conveys to us a mysterious meaning. For by "metretæ" he means certain measures, as if he should say jars, flasks, or something of that sort. Metreta is the name of a measure, and takes its name from the word "measure." For metron is the G…
2,475 wordsSECTION 2715. Moreover, in the fifth age, in the fifth water-pot as it were, Daniel saw a stone that had been cut from a mountain without hands, and h
15. Moreover, in the fifth age, in the fifth water-pot as it were, Daniel saw a stone that had been cut from a mountain without hands, and had broken all the kingdoms of the earth; and he saw the stone grow and become a great mountain, so as to fill the whole face of the earth. [217] What can be plainer, my brethren? The stone i…
1,016 wordsSECTION 28Chapter II. 12-21
Chapter II. 12-21 1. In the psalm you have heard the groaning of the poor, whose members endure tribulations over the whole earth, even unto the end of the world. Make it your chief business, my brethren, to be among and of these members: for all tribulation is to pass away. "Woe to them that rejoice!" [229] "Blessed," says the…
2,381 wordsSECTION 297. Well, who sell oxen? They who have dispensed to us the Holy Scriptures are understood to mean the oxen. The apostles were oxen, the proph
7. Well, who sell oxen? They who have dispensed to us the Holy Scriptures are understood to mean the oxen. The apostles were oxen, the prophets were oxen. Whence the apostle says: "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith He it for our sakes? Yea, for our sakes H…
2,263 wordsSECTION 30Chapter II. 23-25; III. 1-5
13. We bless the Lord our God, who gathered us together to spiritual joy. Let us be ever in humility of heart, and let our joy be with Him. Let us not be elated with any prosperity of this world, but know that our happiness is not until these things shall have passed way. Now, my brethren, let our joy be in hope: let none rejoic…
2,207 wordsSECTION 315. Therefore mark, my brethren, what answer this man who came to Jesus by night makes. Although he came to Jesus, yet because he came by nig
5. Therefore mark, my brethren, what answer this man who came to Jesus by night makes. Although he came to Jesus, yet because he came by night, he still speaks from the darkness of his own flesh. He understands not what he hears from the Lord, understands not what he hears from the Light, "which lighteth every man that cometh in…
2,302 wordsSECTION 3211. Accordingly we have now found, brethren, of the good, good--of the free woman, Isaac; and of the evil, evil--of the bond woman, Ishmael;
11. Accordingly we have now found, brethren, of the good, good--of the free woman, Isaac; and of the evil, evil--of the bond woman, Ishmael; and of the good, evil--of Rebecca, Esau: where shall we find of the evil, good? There remains Jacob, that the completion of these four sorts may be concluded in the three patriarchs. Jacob …
2,202 wordsSECTION 33Chapter III. 6-21
[279] Gen. xxi. 9-12; Gal. iv. 30. [280] Gen. xvi. 9. [281] Dan. iii. [282] 2 Macc. vii. Tractate XII. Chapter III. 6-21 1. We observe, beloved, that the intimation with which we yesterday excited your attention has brought you together with more alacrity, and in greater number than usual; but meanwhile let us, if you plea…
2,375 wordsSECTION 347. And He goes on, "If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not; how shall ye believe, if I tell you heavenly things?" What earthl
7. And He goes on, "If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not; how shall ye believe, if I tell you heavenly things?" What earthly things did He tell, brethren? "Except a man be born again;" is that an earthly thing? "The Spirit bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest its voice, and knowest not whence it cometh, or…
2,587 wordsSECTION 35Chapter III. 22-29
14. Run, my brethren, lest the darkness lay hold of you. Awake to your salvation, awake while there is time; let none be kept back from the temple of God, none kept back from the work of the Lord, none called away from continual prayer, none be defrauded of wonted devotion. Awake, then, while it is day: the day shines, Christ is…
2,535 wordsSECTION 366. Let us hear John: "Jesus baptized." We said that Jesus baptized. How Jesus? How the Lord? How the Son of God? How the Word? Well, but the
6. Let us hear John: "Jesus baptized." We said that Jesus baptized. How Jesus? How the Lord? How the Son of God? How the Word? Well, but the Word was made flesh. "And John also was baptizing in Ænon, near to Salim." A certain lake, "Ænon." [306] How do we know it was a lake? "Because there was much water there, and they came and…
2,565 wordsSECTION 3713. What shall I say, then, brethren? Even the heretics have virgins, and there are many virgins among heretics. Let us see whether they lov
13. What shall I say, then, brethren? Even the heretics have virgins, and there are many virgins among heretics. Let us see whether they love the Bridegroom, so that this virginity may be guarded. For whom is it guarded? "For Christ." Let us see if it be for Christ, and not for Donatus: let us see for whom this virginity is pres…
1,917 wordsSECTION 38Chapter III. 29-36
Chapter III. 29-36 1. This lesson from the holy Gospel shows us the excellency of our Lord Jesus Christ's divinity, and the humility of the man who earned the title of the Bridegroom's friend; that we may distinguish between the man who is man, and the Man who is God. For the Man who is God is our Lord Jesus Christ, God before …
2,261 wordsSECTION 397. "He that cometh from heaven is above all; and what He hath seen and heard, that He testifieth: and no man receiveth His testimony." Comet
7. "He that cometh from heaven is above all; and what He hath seen and heard, that He testifieth: and no man receiveth His testimony." Cometh from heaven, is above all, our Lord Jesus Christ; of whom it was said above, "No man hath ascended into heaven, but He that came down from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven." And He …
2,377 wordsSECTION 4012. But the disciples, still thinking that the Father is something greater than the Son, seeing only the flesh, and not understanding His di
12. But the disciples, still thinking that the Father is something greater than the Son, seeing only the flesh, and not understanding His divinity, said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father and it sufficeth us." As much as to say, "We know Thee already, and bless Thee that we know Thee: for we thank Thee that Thou hast shown Thysel…
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Source & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.