“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
Romans 13:14, ESV
Born in AD 354 near Carthage, Augustine was raised by a Christian mother. His Roman father, aware of his son’s exceptional intellect, put him in the finest schools. But as Augustine pursued his education, he also pursued his lusts, even fathering a son at the age of 18.
When he was 30, he landed a prestigious position as a professor of rhetoric in Milan. While there, he was invited to hear the oratory skills of the local bishop. Augustine wrote in his Confessions that he was almost persuaded then to become a Christian, were it not for his sexual lusts.
A year later he did make a stunning conversion to Christianity, saying that he was prompted by hearing a child’s voice tell him, “Take up and read.” He randomly opened the Bible to Romans 13:13-14 where Paul urges believers to not gratify the flesh but rather “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” And that was it! Augustine, soon to be the greatest theologian between Paul and John Calvin, gave his life to Jesus. When he told his mother, she leapt for joy.
When he was 30, he landed a prestigious position as a professor of rhetoric in Milan. While there, he was invited to hear the oratory skills of the local bishop. Augustine wrote in his Confessions that he was almost persuaded then to become a Christian, were it not for his sexual lusts.
A year later he did make a stunning conversion to Christianity, saying that he was prompted by hearing a child’s voice tell him, “Take up and read.” He randomly opened the Bible to Romans 13:13-14 where Paul urges believers to not gratify the flesh but rather “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” And that was it! Augustine, soon to be the greatest theologian between Paul and John Calvin, gave his life to Jesus. When he told his mother, she leapt for joy.
Scripture Focus
Romans 13:11-14
Insight
“We were evil, and we were chosen that we might become good by the grace of Him who chose us.”(Augustine, Commentary on John 15:16)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Chronicles 6-7
- Proverbs 27
- Revelation 8-10
