A citation from the library
Patristic A.D. 430 · Historical Christian Faith commentaries database, on 1John 4:2-3 (Ten Homilies on 1 John 6)

Augustine of Hippo, on 1John 4:2

Augustine of Hippo · A.D. 354–430
1John 4:2 · Douay-Rheims
“By this is the spirit of God known. Every spirit which confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God:”
On this verse:
“Wherefore then came He in the flesh? Because it behooved us to have the hope of resurrection shown unto us. God He was, and in flesh He came; for God could not die, flesh could die; He came then in the flesh, that He might die for us. But how died He for us? "Greater charity than this hath no man, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Charity therefore brought Him to the flesh. Whoever therefore has not charity denies that Christ is come in the flesh. Here then do thou now question all heretics. Did Christ come in the flesh? "He did come; this I believe, this I confess." Nay, this thou deniest. "How do I deny? Thou hearest that I say it!" Nay, I convict thee of denying it. Thou sayest with the voice, deniest with the heart; sayest in words, deniest in deeds.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.

Read 1John 4:2 in context →