# Of the opinion that the angels were created before the world explained — The City of God

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

## What happens

Augustine discusses the possibility that angels were created before the material world, interpreting the phrase 'In the beginning' as referring to Christ, the Wisdom of God. He emphasizes the Trinity in the opening of Genesis and affirms that angels, though not co-eternal with God, enjoy eternal felicity and behold the face of the Father.

## Themes in this chapter

### True Worship and the One God

Augustine affirms the Trinity as revealed in Genesis, contrasting with pagan polytheism.

### Sin, Grace, and Redemption

Angels are secure in eternal felicity, pointing to the blessed state of the redeemed.

## Character check-ins

### Augustine

Author of the chapter, presenting and discussing the opinion about the creation of angels before the world.

### Jesus Christ

Referred to as 'the Beginning' (Wisdom/Word) through whom the Father made all things.

### Holy Scripture

Cited for Genesis 1:1-2, Psalm 104:24, and Matthew 18:10 regarding the Trinity and the angels.

## Key lines

> Let each one, then, take it as he pleases; for it is so profound a passage, that it may well suggest, for the exercise of the reader's tact, many opinions, and none of them widely departing from the rule of faith.

Augustine allows diverse interpretations of Genesis as long as they remain orthodox.

_Shows Augustine's pastoral flexibility on non-essential doctrinal points._

> Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Jesus teaches that each believer has a guardian angel who constantly sees God.

_Supports Augustine's argument about the blessed state of angels._

## Links

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