The Christian Conversation

Letters

370–420
Name and SummaryPages
This letter describes the miraculous and steadfast faith of a woman unjustly condemned and tortured, emphasizing her spiritual strength and divine intervention for her survival.more
8
This letter expresses the writer's intense desire to join the monastic community and seeks their prayers for spiritual deliverance.more
2
This letter expresses the author's joy and gratitude upon hearing that Rufinus has traveled to Egypt and visited the monks, especially Macarius, and shares a heartfelt desire for personal reunion.more
6
This letter expresses the author's deep admiration and affection for Florentius, highlighting his reputation for charity and kindness.more
2
This letter expresses Jerome's deep longing to reconnect with Florentius despite his remote and solitary monastic life, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their friendship through correspondence.more
3
This letter expresses Jerome’s regret for his lack of correspondence and seeks to reconcile with Julian, emphasizing his health issues and the difficulty in delivering letters.more
2
This letter expresses the deep affection Jerome feels for the recipients, emphasizing the strength of their bond and his desire for more frequent communication.more
5
This letter emphasizes the importance and value of exchanging letters, highlighting how written communication fosters true presence and connection despite physical absence.more
2
This letter emphasizes the importance of maintaining close spiritual and personal bonds, expressing disappointment that Chrysogonus has begun to forget their friendship.more
2
This letter reflects on the brevity and fragility of human life as a consequence of sin, highlighting that even the very young are overtaken by death, underscoring human depravity.more
3
This letter expresses the writer's deep love and concern for the virgins of Aemona, despite the lack of communication and material resources.more
2
This letter emphasizes the importance of humility by highlighting Christ's example and warning against pride, which leads to spiritual downfall.more
2
This letter urges the recipient to forgive and reconcile with others to prepare their hearts for God's judgment.more
2
This letter emphasizes the importance of unwavering dedication to the Christian life, urging Heliodorus to forsake worldly attachments and embrace the ascetic vocation fully.more
13
This letter from Jerome to Pope Damasus addresses the controversy over the doctrine of three hypostases in the Trinity.more
5
This letter encourages humility and repentance by illustrating biblical examples of God's mercy toward sinners and the importance of spiritual humility.more
2
This letter describes Jerome’s deep distress over being accused and persecuted for his Christian faith, despite his doctrinal orthodoxy, and his desire to retreat to the desert to find peace.more
3
This letter demonstrates Jerome's meticulous and comprehensive approach to biblical studies, particularly in his use of Greek and Hebrew texts to support his interpretations.more
1
This letter emphasizes the spiritual importance of virginity and encourages Eustochium to guard her purity with vigilance, viewing it as a divine calling and a reflection of Christ’s love.more
55
This letter reflects on the death of Lea, a devoted Christian woman, and uses her life and death to illustrate the virtues of humility, charity, and spiritual focus.more
3
This letter praises the exemplary life of Asella, highlighting her dedication to virginity, fasting, prayer, and humility, and encourages others to emulate her virtue.more
4
This letter discusses Jerome's defense of his efforts to correct Latin biblical manuscripts for accuracy, despite criticism from detractors who accuse him of tampering with sacred texts.more
3
This letter emphasizes the importance of balancing joy with spiritual discipline, especially during religious celebrations.more
2
This letter explains that the author is unable to write at length due to his urgent work on comparing biblical texts and his busy schedule.more
1
This letter praises the great scholarly achievements of both Varro and Origen, contrasting the enduring respect for Varro's Latin antiquarian writings with the remarkable intellectual contributions of Origen to Christian theology.more
2
This letter discusses the different translations of the Hebrew phrase "bread of sorrow" by various biblical versions.more
1
This letter encourages faith and perseverance through suffering and emphasizes that affliction serves spiritual growth and divine purpose.more
4
This letter expresses a profound mourning for Blæsilla, honoring her virtuous life, spiritual devotion, and her peaceful death in Christ, while contrasting her sanctity with the profane mourning of others.more
16
This letter conveys that pointing out the faults and sufferings of others is a necessary but often upsetting act, akin to a spiritual surgeon performing a difficult but healing procedure.more
3
This letter defends the correct understanding and fulfillment of Jesus' promises regarding the Holy Spirit, emphasizing their completion at Pentecost as recorded in Acts.more
4
This letter explains the difference between speaking against the Son of Man and blaspheming the Holy Ghost, emphasizing that the latter is an unforgivable sin.more
3
This letter emphasizes the importance of dedicating more time to prayer and Scripture reading rather than worldly pursuits and distractions.more
3
This letter explains that when apart in body, the writer and Marcella communicate spiritually through their gifts and messages.more
1
This letter expresses Jerome's deep humility and guilt despite his reputation for holiness, emphasizing that only God can truly reward a consecrated soul.more
5
This letter expresses a heartfelt longing for spiritual unity and the desire to be reunited with Marcella in pilgrimage to sacred Christian sites and to participate in the divine presence of Christ.more
15
This letter conveys Jerome's humility and gratitude for Desiderius's praise and invites him and his sister Serenilla to visit Jerusalem.more
2
This letter is Jerome’s detailed defense of his views on virginity, marriage, and related biblical interpretations, emphasizing that he neither condemns marriage nor elevates virginity above it, but rather sees virginity as a higher, more blessed state.more
37
This letter discusses the importance of humility, the circulation of Jerome's writings, and his efforts to defend and clarify his work on biblical interpretation.more
3
This letter expresses Jerome's defense against a vehement critic who publicly denounces him and misrepresents his teachings on marriage, chastity, and Scripture.more
8
This letter emphasizes the importance of humility among clergy, the correct practice of ordination, and the rejection of heretical teachings such as those of Origen.more
18
This letter offers comprehensive advice to Nepotian on living a virtuous Christian life, emphasizing humility, wisdom, and proper conduct within the clergy.more
21
This letter emphasizes the importance of sincere friendship rooted in shared faith and divine scripture rather than material or superficial ties.more
18
This letter offers guidance to Furia on living a virtuous and spiritual life as a Christian widow, emphasizing the importance of chastity, humility, and dedication to prayer and scripture.more
20
This letter explains the meaning of various biblical passages, emphasizing the importance of focusing on present struggles rather than future anxieties and clarifying doctrinal points about sin, marriage, and the resurrection.more
9
This letter defends Jerome's reputation and translation techniques against accusations of falsification and errors, emphasizing his practice of translating sense rather than word-for-word accuracy.more
21
This letter is a heartfelt advice from Jerome to Paulinus, emphasizing humility, spiritual focus, and the importance of living a life dedicated to Christ rather than worldly possessions or status.more
13
This letter expresses profound grief over the death of Nepotian, emphasizing the difficulty of articulating such loss and encouraging acceptance by reflecting on his virtues and reward in heaven.more
23
This letter defends Jerome's cautious reading of controversial Christian writers like Origen, acknowledging that while some of their teachings are heretical, their useful interpretations can be beneficial if carefully separated from errors.more
7
This letter emphasizes the deep spiritual connection between Jerome and Tranquillinus, rooted in love and faith in Christ.more
2
This letter communicates Jerome’s appreciation for Pope Theophilus’s recent response and suggests his belief that his persistent prayers and appeals may have influenced the pope’s softened stance.more
1
This letter encourages Pammachius to deepen his devotion to Christian virtues and service, emphasizing the importance of humility, sacrifice, and love for the poor.more
17
This letter reassures Castrutius not to see his illness as a punishment for sin, emphasizing that suffering can serve God's purpose and proving that even the holiest individuals experience hardships.more
4
This letter discusses the importance and efficacy of baptism and the qualifications needed for church leadership, emphasizing that all sins, including previous marriages before baptism, can be forgiven through God's grace.more
22
This letter discusses the importance and acceptability of quoting secular literature within Christian writings, illustrating how biblical figures and prophets also referenced pagan sources.more
7
This letter encourages Lucinius to persevere in his spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of leaving behind worldly attachments and remaining steadfast in faith.more
8
This letter offers comfort and theological reflections on death, urging the reader to rejoice in the eternal life of loved ones who have passed away, and emphasizes the hope of resurrection and heavenly communion.more
6
This letter reflects Jerome's humility, encouraging humility in others and emphasizing the importance of gentleness and brotherly love.more
3
This letter commends Fabiola's exemplary Christian virtues, penitence, and charitable deeds, portraying her as a remarkable model of humility, faith, and compassion.more
16
This letter emphasizes the importance of humility, integrity, and virtue over outward wealth or status, illustrating this through examples of biblical and historical figures who used their influence for good.more
17
This letter expresses Rufinus's commitment to translating and explaining Origen's works into Latin, while emphasizing his careful approach to avoid misrepresenting Origen’s teachings.more
4
This letter expresses Jerome's concern over Rufinus's actions and the resulting misunderstandings, emphasizing his desire for genuine friendship and reconciliation.more
2
This letter emphasizes the importance of genuine peace and humility within the church, contrasting true Christian meekness with forms of authority that foster division and conflict.more
14
This letter urges Jerome to publicly confirm or clarify the contents of a Latin translation of Origen’s treatise, which contains teachings that seem to challenge Catholic doctrine.more
1
This letter expresses Jerome's defense of his integrity and clarifies his stance regarding his views on Origen, emphasizing that he only praises the clarity of his writings without endorsing his errors.more
18
This letter discusses the writer's reluctance to correspond at length due to fear of criticism and the overwhelming demand for replies from many acquaintances.more
3
This letter praises Pope Theophilus for his victories over heresy and his strategic patience in addressing heretical threats in Palestine.more
1
This letter reports the successful suppression of heretical teachings of Origen in the Nitria monasteries and encourages Jerome to continue guiding others away from false doctrines.more
1
This letter conveys Jerome's deep gratitude and support for Pope Theophilus's efforts to combat heresy and uphold the faith.more
2
This letter assures that peace has been restored to the church and commends the monk Theodore for his visit and positive report.more
1
This letter urges Epiphanius to unite with other bishops in condemning the heresy associated with Origen and to strengthen the church against heretical influences.more
2
This letter describes Epiphanius’s praise for Jerome's efforts in defending the faith, particularly against heresies associated with Origen and Apollinaris, and celebrates the defeat of Amalek as a symbol of divine victory.more
2
This letter condemns the spread of the Origenistic heresy among Egyptian monasteries and warns of its dangerous heretical teachings.more
2
This letter emphasizes the importance of vigilance and care in safeguarding the faith, likening the responsibilities of bishops and church leaders to that of shepherds and shipmasters protecting their flocks and vessels.more
2
This letter discusses the ongoing fight against heresy and the efforts of Church leaders like Theophilus to uphold orthodox faith and condemn heretics such as Origen and Apollinarius.more
4
This letter reflects Jerome's deep sorrow and physical suffering as he struggles to translate and praise Pope Theophilus’s treatise.more
2
This letter is Jerome's response to Augustine regarding a recent controversy over a disputed letter and differing interpretations of Scripture.more
3
This letter is Jerome's respectful and friendly correspondence to Augustine, in which he seeks to strengthen their spiritual bond and requests Augustine's support for a traveling brother.more
1
This letter from Jerome to Augustine addresses a misunderstanding regarding a disputed letter, emphasizing Jerome's confusion over its circulation and urging Augustine to clarify or send the original.more
5
This letter emphasizes the importance of raising Paula as a dedicated Christian virgin through careful education, modest dress, and virtuous living, modeling her upbringing after biblical examples of holiness and discipline.more
19
This letter offers a detailed and reverent account of Paula's virtuous life, emphasizing her humility, charity, and unwavering faith.more
51
This letter defends the veneration of relics and criticizes Vigilantius for condemning them as idolatrous, emphasizing that honoring saints' bones reflects reverence to God and is not pagan worship.more
5
This letter is Jerome's detailed response to Augustine’s questions and criticisms regarding his writings and interpretations of Scripture.more
30
This letter condemns unjust and superficial judgments, emphasizing that true understanding is revealed by divine light rather than outward appearances.more
1
This letter describes Jerome's difficulties and delays in translating a treatise for Pope Theophilus due to various hardships, including invasions, famine, and illness.more
2
This letter encourages brotherly love and reconciliation between Jerome and Augustine, emphasizing the importance of mutual charity over controversy.more
2
This letter is a detailed correspondence between Augustine and Jerome in which Augustine clarifies his views on biblical interpretation, Jewish customs, and the conduct of apostles like Paul and Peter regarding Jewish laws.more
38
This letter by Jerome advocates for reconciliation and proper conduct within a family facing discord, emphasizing the importance of Christian love, modesty, and humility.more
15
This letter is an impassioned and candid spiritual counsel urging Julian to embrace a life of complete dedication to Christ, emphasizing the importance of sacrificing worldly possessions and pleasures.more
13
This letter encourages Rusticus to repent sincerely and return to God's mercy, highlighting the importance of genuine sorrow and faith in salvation.more
16
This letter offers Jerome’s guidance and philosophical reflections on the virtues of chastity and the proper conduct of widows, emphasizing the importance of remaining unmarried to honor God and exemplify Christian virtue.more
25
This letter warns against the corrupt and heretical content of a distorted Latin translation of Origen's First Principles, which Jerome was asked to review and translate faithfully.more
20
This letter emphasizes that true Christian happiness lies in spiritual virtues and unwavering dedication to God, despite life's struggles and temptations.more
23
This letter conveys Jerome's responses to the theological and scholarly inquiries of Marcellinus and Anapsychia, particularly focusing on the origin of the soul and his ongoing biblical exegesis.more
3
This letter commemorates the virtuous life and exemplary faith of Marcella, highlighting her dedication to Christian principles, her resistance to heresies, and her influence on monasticism and others in her community.more
15
This letter reflects on the challenges of raising and educating a young girl within a strict Christian moral framework, emphasizing the importance of guiding her in virtue and avoiding worldly temptations.more
8
This letter offers a profound and detailed counsel to Demetrias, emphasizing the importance of chastity, faith, and perseverance in her spiritual life, while also recognizing her noble lineage and virtues.more
34
This letter discusses the author's attempts to understand and clarify the nature, origin, and salvation of the human soul, emphasizing the importance of faith and divine grace.more
32
This letter condemns the heretical doctrines related to sin, free will, and divine grace, emphasizing that true Christian teaching aligns with Scripture and the teachings of the apostles.more
24
This letter expresses Jerome's respect and admiration for Augustine while explaining the reasons for his silence on certain theological debates and emphasizing the importance of unity in the church.more
2
This letter expresses Pope Innocent's acknowledgment of Aurelius's desire to visit him and their willingness to facilitate this meeting.more
1
This letter discusses the importance of addressing heresy promptly and effectively to prevent greater harm in the church.more
2
This letter addresses the recent attacks and disturbances in the district under John, Bishop of Jerusalem's care, emphasizing the negligence in preventing or responding to these events.more
2
This letter encourages Riparius to continue defending the Christian faith with spiritual charity and unwavering resolve.more
2
This letter encourages Apronius to remain steadfast in faith despite ongoing spiritual attacks and advises him to come to the holy places in the East while the region is still relatively quiet.more
2
This letter encourages Augustine, emphasizing the high regard and reverence Jerome holds for him and his steadfast faith.more
1
This letter warns against stubborn adherence to past errors, even when circumstances have changed and the liberty to express those errors has been lost.more
1
This letter expresses Jerome's gratitude for Alypius and Augustine's efforts in eradicating the heresy of Celestius and encourages their continued leadership in maintaining orthodoxy.more
2
This letter discusses the profound theological debate concerning the origin of the human soul and whether it is propagated by generation from Adam or created individually by God.more
15
This letter encourages Exuperantius to prioritize spiritual freedom over worldly possessions and to follow Christ's teachings wholeheartedly.more
3
This letter emphasizes that presbyters and bishops are essentially the same office within the Church, with the title "bishop" originating from the Greek for overseer, and that the roles and authority are universally consistent across Christendom.more
4
This letter condemns Sabinianus for a life of persistent sin, including fornication, deceit, and betrayal of religious vows, warning him of divine judgment and urging repentance.more
17