Augustine: Preacher, Exegete, Biblical Apologist
This article examines Augustine's approach to Scripture through his roles as preacher, exegete, and biblical apologist, demonstrating how he communicated profound theology to ordinary congregations through biblical exposition rather than artificial rhetoric. McGeown uses Augustine's example to critique both Roman Catholic and evangelical homiletical practices, advocating for substantive biblical preaching that nourishes congregations with the Word of God. The resource provides historical insight into early Christian approaches to biblical interpretation and proclamation that remain relevant for Reformed preaching today.
From the beginning of his Christian pilgrimage, when, as a young man, he heard the call, Tolle lege, tolle lege ("Take up and read"), and his eyes lighted on Romans 13:12-14, until the end of his life, when, on his deathbed, he asked that the penitential psalms be written out for him, so that he might read and mediate on them, Augustine loved the Scriptures. As bishop of Hippo, Augustine aimed to preach biblical sermons, and as a writer, Augustine saturated his treatises and letters with...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org