Few ancient Christian authors attempted anything like a complete commentary on the "Gospel of John", among them Origen, John Chrysostom and Augustine. Of these, Augustine's must count as the greatest. Unlike Origen's, it has come down to us in its entirety, and of the others that remain it is certainly the most theologically profound. John's gospel allows Augustine to range broadly over themes that were his life's work - the Trinity, the person of Christ, the nature of the Church and its sacraments, the fulfillment of the divine plan. The 124 homilies that constitute Augustine's commentary, however, are masterpieces not only of theological profundity but also of pastoral engagement. In the question-and-answer style that he frequently employs, for example, one can sense Augustine's real awareness of his congregation's struggles with the gospel text. And the congregation's response to Augustine, which he frequently alludes to, is an indication of the success of his dialogical preaching style. The Johannine literature drew out the best in Augustine."The Homilies on the "Gospel of John"" are the indispensible complement to "The Homilies on "The First Epistle of John"", recently published in this series, and they should be a part of any serious theological library.

Homilies on the Gospel of John 1 - 40 121-150 and Fount of Heaven: Prayers of the Early Church

Fount of Heaven: Prayers of the Early Church

Homilies on the Gospel of John 1 - 40 121-150

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This is the first of two volumes of Augustine's 124 'tractates' on St John's Gospel, the only commentary on this Gospel in ancient Latin literature. They were delivered as homilies or sermons, between 406 and 421 (or later). Their 'rediscovery' will be appreciated. Those who have been put off by other works of Augustine - or by their translations - are encouraged to try him again. Augustine 'interprets \[the Gospel\] according to the socio-cultural experiences and the thought patterns of his people.' (p. 18); the 'Introduction' gives an excellent background to the homilies. While unable to compare the text with the original Latin, it is evident that great care has been taken to translate accurately what Augustine said, and, importantly, to convey his style of delivery, which is intimate and reflects his pastoral concern. The homilies are primarily catechetical, and not polemical (p.35), Augustine '...sharing with his listeners what had already nourished him.' (p. 36). Including the congregation with him, 'He clearly trusts them - and...entrusts himself to their ability to question with him, to search with him.' (p.19). There is a 'Bibliography' after the 'Introduction'; 'Complete indexes' are promised in volume two.

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