Catena Fidei

Search

Search arguments, verses, authorities and passages

Saint Augustine in His Study (detail), Sandro Botticelli

Catena Aurea on John 15:4–7: Augustine of Hippo

Sandro Botticelli, Saint Augustine in His Study (detail), c. 1480 · Ognissanti, Florence · Public domainSandro Botticelli, Saint Augustine in His Study (detail), c. 1480, Ognissanti, Florence

CommentAugustine of HippoPublic domainJohn 15:4–7

For then may His words be said to abide in us, when we do what He has commanded, and love what He has promised. But when His words abide in the memory, and are not found in the life, the branch is not accounted to be in the vine, because it derives no life from its root. So far as we abide in the Saviour we cannot will any thing that is foreign to our salvation. We have one will, in so far as we are in Christ, another, in so far as we are in this world. And by reason of our abode in this world, it sometimes happens that we ask for that which is not expedient, through ignorance. But never, if we abide in Christ, will He grant it us, Who does not grant except what is expedient for us. And here we are directed to the prayer, Our Father. Let us adhere to the words and the meaning of this prayer in our petitions, and whatever we ask will be done for us.

Reproduced in full. Translation: Oxford 1841 (Newman), public domain (Public domain).

Also cites: Tract. lxxxi. 4

Read the full text

Connections

Part of · 1

Comments on · 4

Around this entry

Open the whole map
  • Passages
  • Documents
  • Old Testament verses
  • New Testament verses
  • Authorities
  • Favorites
  • prefigures → fulfilled
  • taught → disciple · succeeded →

Hover to trace, click to select, double-click to open.