April 17, 387 - Augustine Baptized

Saint Augustine of Hippo, painting. Public domain. Wikimedia Commons.

Augustine of Hippo is regarded as one of the greatest theologians in Chrisitan history. He was born in 354 in Thagaste in Roman, North Africa (modern-day Algeria) to his mother Monica of Hippo- a devoted Christian who prayed fervently for her son’s conversion. Before he turned to Christianity, Augustine dabbled in several philosophical and religious systems, including Manichaeism, and he later described his life before Christ as morally reckless. His conversion occurred in Milan after he heard the preaching of Ambrose of Milan, and he was baptized on April 17, 387. After his conversion, he became the bishop of Hippo Regius. He consistently reflected on his depravity before meeting Christ, and this deeply influenced the development of his doctrine. He wrote numerous theological works- Confessions, one of the earliest spiritual autobiographies in Christian history, and The City of God, a major theological defense after the fall of Rome. These writings went on to heavily influence theologians like Martin Luther and John Calvin.

Augustine of Hippo’s conversion demonstrates the power of the Gospel to change anyone no matter their past. Additionally, his story is a reminder of the power of persistent prayer as Augustine's mother prayed for years before seeing his conversion. Not only did his life change following his conversion, but many lives were influenced by his writings, and theologians still study his work today.