An Ancient Work Translated for Today

This autobiographical text, The Confessions, was written by Augustine in Latin between AD 397 and 400, and I am so glad it was translated into English. I was gifted this great read, a window into Augustine’s journey to faith and a deep dive into theological and philosophical questions and truths.

Structure of the Work

The autobiography is divided into 13 books. The opening sections trace Augustine’s slow-burn conversion to Christianity, while the later ones offer theological and philosophical reflections, insights and meditations. The very first book begins with his confession of Jesus and acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty and holiness. The middle books take the reader through his childhood, adolescence, studies and professional life, revealing how deeply he was immersed in rhetoric, ambition and the pursuits of the world. The final chapters then turn to Augustine’s recognition of the sin and impurity that still lingered in his heart, alongside his deep rest in the sufficiency of Christ’s blood.

God’s Grace in His Life

I enjoyed reading about the way God worked through his life to bring him to faith. Augustine is someone often looked up to by Christians, yet here we see him honestly struggling: wrestling with questions and sin, whether sexual temptation, pride or selfish ambition in his pursuit of knowledge. Again and again, God stepped in until Augustine was unable to resist the grace of Christ. His transformation from a rhetorician and astrologer into a devoted man of God is a powerful reminder of the amazing work of God, who can take a heart of stone and turn it into a heart of flesh.

The Prayers of a Faithful Mother

One of the most encouraging parts of the book for me was reading about his mother’s devoted love for the Lord and her persistence in prayer for her son. She longed and prayed earnestly for Augustine to be saved, grieving over him and pleading nightly with Jesus. She spoke truth into his life, never gave up, and entrusted him completely to God. For 17 years she prayed and fasted, even while Augustine rejected the faith. Her faithfulness was used by God in bringing Augustine into his fold. This is a wonderful encouragement for us to pray earnestly and genuinely for our friends and family who do not yet believe, trusting God to work according to his will.

I feel that Augustine beautifully sums up the attitude we must have towards ourselves and Christ in the following line from the last book:

“Affrighted with my sins and the burden of my misery, I had thought in my heart, and had purposed to ’ flee to the wilderness :’ but Thou forbaddest me, and didst encourage me, saying, ’ Therefore Christ died for all, that they which live may now no longer live unto themselves, but unto Him that died for them. ’ See, Lord, I ’ cast my care upon Thee, ’ that I may live, and ’consider wondrous things out of Thy law. ’”

A Timeless Testimony of Grace

This book is not always an easy read, but it is one that richly rewards the effort. Confessions is a timeless testimony of grace that still speaks deeply into our hearts today.

The work truly achieved what Augustine intended. As he says himself:

“But whom am I telling this story? Not to you, my God; rather in your presence I am relating these events to my own kin, the human race, however few of them may chance upon these writings of mine. And why? So that whoever reads them may reflect with me on the depths from which we must cry to you.”

Olivia Holley (Communications Officer | 5pm)