# Of the birth of our Saviour, whereby the Word was made flesh; and of the dispersion of the Jews among all nations, as had been prophesied. explained — The City of God

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

## What happens

Augustine recounts the birth of Christ during the reign of Herod and Caesar Augustus, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the virgin birth. He discusses the Jews' rejection of Christ, their subsequent dispersion by the Romans, and how their scattered presence serves as a testimony to the truth of Christian prophecies. He also notes that many Jews believed in Christ, while the rest remain blinded, fulfilling scriptural predictions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Providence and History

Augustine shows how God's plan unfolds through historical events, including the birth of Christ and the dispersion of the Jews.

### Sin, Grace, and Redemption

The Jews' rejection of Christ leads to their blindness, yet their dispersion serves as a testimony for the salvation of the Gentiles.

### True Worship and the One God

Christ's incarnation and miracles reveal the true God, contrasting with pagan beliefs.

## Character check-ins

### Augustine

Author and narrator, interpreting the significance of Christ's birth and Jewish dispersion.

### Jesus Christ

Born of a virgin in Bethlehem, performed miracles, died, rose again, and ascended to heaven.

### Augustus

Roman emperor at the time of Christ's birth, under whose reign the world was at peace.

### Paul

Quoted by Augustine regarding the salvation of the Gentiles through the Jews' offence.

## Key lines

> Behold, a virgin shall conceive in the womb, and bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which, being interpreted, is, God with us.

A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, who will be called Immanuel, meaning 'God with us.'

_Augustine cites this prophecy from Isaiah to affirm the virgin birth of Christ._

> Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, the remnant shall be saved.

Even if the Israelites are as numerous as the sand on the seashore, only a remnant will be saved.

_Augustine references this prophecy to explain that only a portion of the Jews believed in Christ._

> Let their table be made before them a trap, and a retribution, and a stumbling-block. Let their eyes be darkened lest they see, and bow down their back always.

May their blessings become a snare and a punishment, may they be blinded and burdened.

_Augustine uses this psalm to describe the spiritual blindness of the Jews who rejected Christ._

> My God, His mercy shall prevent me. My God hath shown me concerning mine enemies, that Thou shalt not slay them, lest they should at last forget Thy law: disperse them in Thy might.

God's mercy goes before me; He has shown me that He will not destroy my enemies completely, lest they forget His law, but will scatter them by His power.

_Augustine interprets this psalm as a prophecy that the Jews would be dispersed but not destroyed, preserving their testimony._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xlvi
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters