Exegesis of the Gospels

Sermon on the Mount and Harmony of the Gospels

By: Augustine

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

How should the Gospels be read—individually, or as a unified witness?

In these classic works, Augustine offers both a close reading of Jesus’ most famous sermon and a careful account of how the four Gospels fit together.

In this volume, you will discover:

• A structured exposition of the Sermon on the Mount as a guide to Christian life and character

• Augustine’s approach to interpreting difficult sayings of Jesus within their broader context

• A detailed treatment of apparent differences between the Gospel accounts

• An early and influential model of Gospel harmony without forced simplification

• Insight into how Scripture interprets Scripture in patristic exegesis

In his commentary on the Sermon on the Mount, Augustine works methodically through Matthew 5–7, treating the text not as a collection of isolated sayings but as a coherent whole. He explores the moral vision of the sermon, the formation of Christian virtue, and the relationship between outward obedience and inward transformation. The result is a sustained reflection on the shape of the Christian life grounded in the teaching of Jesus.

In The Harmony of the Gospels, Augustine turns to a different but related task. Confronted with variations among the Gospel accounts, he examines questions of order, detail, and emphasis, seeking to show how the evangelists may be read together without contradiction. Rather than erasing differences, he accounts for them, arguing that each Gospel contributes to a unified and trustworthy witness to the life of Christ.

Together, these works display Augustine’s interpretive method at length. He reads with confidence in the coherence of Scripture, moving between passages to illuminate meaning while remaining attentive to context and sequence. His exegesis combines theological reflection with practical concern, always directed toward understanding the text in a way that serves the life of the Church.

This edition is based on the classic nineteenth-century English translation published in the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers series (First Series, Volume 6). The language has been carefully updated to improve clarity and readability for modern readers while preserving the substance and structure of the historic translation.

This revision was prepared through an AI-assisted process, combining digital tools with traditional editorial work.