Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers First Series, St. Augustine - Gospel

In this review the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers First Series, Volume VI, edited by Philip Schaff, is examined for readers seeking rigorous early Christian exegesis. The bottom line: this volume is for scholars, clergy, and serious readers of Church history who want Augustine's close readings of the Gospels and the Sermon on the Mount presented in a faithful, historically rooted format. It stands out because it gathers Augustine's homilies and harmonizing work in a single, classical edition that preserves the tone and intent of late antique theological scholarship.

Key Features

• Collected Writings: Brings together Augustine's commentary on the Sermon on the Mount and Gospel harmony in one volume for concentrated study and reference.
• Historical Context: Situates Augustine's exegesis within the post-Nicene era so readers can understand how doctrine and interpretation developed after 325 AD.
• Sermons Included: Offers a selection of Augustine's sermons that illustrate how his exegetical work informed pastoral teaching and liturgical practice.
• Scholarly Editing: Part of the 14-volume Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers series, this edition reflects late 19th century editorial standards that organized patristic texts for modern readers.
• Thematic Focus: Concentrates on Gospel interpretation without imposing modern agendas, allowing Augustine's voice and method to remain central for readers studying patristic hermeneutics.

Who It's For

This volume is well suited to seminary students, clergy preparing sermons or lectures, and historians tracing doctrinal development after the Council of Nicaea. Readers who require primary-source patristic material with attention to textual continuity will value Augustine's method and the way the series preserves those texts.

Conversely, casual readers seeking a modern, streamlined commentary or a devotional edition with contemporary paraphrase may find the style dense; those audiences should look for modern commentaries that simplify Augustine's arguments rather than this collected historical edition.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Faithful presentation of Augustine's Gospel exegesis useful for close textual study.
• Includes sermons that show practical application of theological interpretation.
• Placed in a broader 14-volume series, making cross-referencing other post-Nicene writers straightforward.

Cons

• The late 19th century editorial style can feel dated and may lack modern critical apparatus or updated translations.

Specifications

Title	Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers First Series, St. Augustine Volume VI
Editor/Series	Philip Schaff, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers (First Series)
Contents	Sermon on the Mount, Harmony of the Gospels, Homilies on the Gospels
Historical Focus	Post-Nicene era, writings after the Council of Nicaea (325 AD)
Audience	Scholars, clergy, students of Church history and patristics
Volume in Series	Volume VI of a 14-volume collected writings

Our Verdict

This volume is a strong pick for anyone who needs direct access to Augustine's Gospel exegesis and related sermons in a preserved historical edition. While the editorial approach reflects its 19th century origins and may not include modern critical notes, the collection represents good value for study, teaching, and historical reference where primary patristic texts are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this volume include Augustine's Sermon on the Mount?
Yes, the Sermon on the Mount is a central part of Augustine's exegesis included in this volume.

Is this edition suitable for academic citation?
Yes, it is widely used in academic and theological contexts, though researchers may supplement it with newer critical editions for textual criticism.

Who should avoid this edition?
Readers seeking a modern devotional paraphrase or a contemporary commentary with simplified language should look elsewhere.