# Of the captivity of the saints, and that divine consolation never failed them therein. explained — The City of God

> Chapter companion for The City of God by Augustine of Hippo.

## What happens

Augustine addresses the objection that many Christians were taken captive, arguing that even in captivity they are never separated from God's consolation. He contrasts the biblical stories of Daniel, the three youths, and Jonah with pagan tales like Arion's rescue, asserting the greater power and credibility of divine miracles.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Providence and History

God's providential care for His saints even in captivity is contrasted with pagan narratives.

### Sin, Grace, and Redemption

The captivity of the saints is framed not as punishment but as an opportunity for divine consolation and demonstration of power.

## Character check-ins

### Augustine

Author and speaker defending Christian captives against pagan criticism.

### Holy Scripture

Cited as the source of consolation and miraculous accounts.

### Daniel

Mentioned as a captive whom God did not fail.

### Jonah

Referenced as the prophet preserved in the belly of a monster.

## Key lines

> This indeed were a most pitiable fate, if they could be led away to any place where they could not find their God.

Captivity would only be truly tragic if it could separate the captives from God.

_Augustine redefines the meaning of captivity by emphasizing God's omnipresence._

> But that story of ours about the prophet Jonah is far more incredible—more incredible because more marvellous, and more marvellous because a greater exhibition of power.

The biblical account of Jonah is even more astonishing than pagan tales, precisely because it displays greater divine power.

_Augustine uses comparative incredibility to argue for the truth of Christian miracles._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters