# XLVIII explained — The City of God

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

## What happens

Augustine argues that Haggai's prophecy about the glory of the house of God being greater than the first was fulfilled not in the rebuilding of the temple after the exile, but in the Church of Christ. The rebuilt temple had less glory than Solomon's, but the Church, built of living stones, is more glorious. The prophecy typifies the new testament and the peace given in the Church, which will be fully revealed at the dedication when only the elect remain.

## Themes in this chapter

### True Worship and the One God

The true house of God is the Church of Christ, built of living stones, surpassing the material temple.

### Eschatology and the Last Things

The full glory of the Church will be revealed at the dedication when only the elect remain, pointing to the final gathering of the elect.

## Character check-ins

### Augustine

Author and interpreter of Haggai's prophecy, explaining its fulfillment in the Church of Christ.

### Jesus Christ

The one by whom the Church, the true house of God, is built and typified by the rebuilt temple.

### Paul

Quoted regarding the election of believers before the foundation of the world and the rock that was Christ.

## Key lines

> That Rock was Christ.

The rock mentioned in Scripture symbolizes Christ.

_Augustine uses Paul's interpretation to show that typical things personify what they signify._

> Many are called, but few are chosen.

Many are invited, but only a few are selected for salvation.

_Augustine references this to explain that the Church is built of the elect who will remain forever._

## Links

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