The City of God · Chapter
Of the preaching of the gospel, which is made more famous and powerful by the sufferings of its preachers. explained
Augustine describes how the prophecy of the law going forth from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem was fulfilled through the preaching of the gospel.
What happens
Augustine describes how the prophecy of the law going forth from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem was fulfilled through the preaching of the gospel. He recounts Christ's post-resurrection instructions to His disciples to preach repentance and remission of sins in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. The Church spread from Jerusalem into Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Despite persecutions, torments, and deaths of the martyrs, the gospel was preached throughout the world, with God bearing witness through signs and wonders. The blood of the martyrs, shed with devilish fury, came to be venerated with Christian love, and even the kings who had persecuted the Church became subject to Christ's name and began to persecute false gods.
Themes in this chapter
Divine Providence and History
Augustine shows how the prophecy of the law going forth from Zion and Christ's own predictions were fulfilled through the providential spread of the gospel despite persecution.
True Worship and the One God
The chapter contrasts the worship of the true God, which the martyrs died for, with the false gods that were later persecuted by Christian kings.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Augustine quotes Christ's post-resurrection instructions to His disciples about preaching repentance and remission of sins among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
- Holy Scripture
Augustine references the prophecy 'Out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord out of Jerusalem' and Christ's words from the Gospels.
Key passages
“Fear ye not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.”
Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
Augustine cites this saying of Christ to encourage the disciples not to fear persecution.
“It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in His own power; but ye shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even unto the ends of the earth.”
You are not to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by His own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Augustine quotes Christ's words to the disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit and the global mission of the Church.