21. Ep. 137.1.3–5.18 (CSEL 44:99–123); trans. Parson, FOTC 20:19–34 (modified).
The Exegete 163 am not saying that it is too difficult to attain to the knowledge necessary for salvation. But whoever remains firm in the faith (without which one cannot live religiously and uprightly) finds so many truths shrouded in the manifold darkness of mystery, and one finds such a depth of wisdom lying hidden, not only in the words in which the truths are expressed, but also in the truths themselves, which are to be known, that even the most advanced in years, the most penetrating in mind, the most ardent in zeal for learning, might find himself described by what the same Scripture says elsewhere: "When a person has reached the end, then shall he begin" (Sir 18:6). . . .
(5.18) The very language in which Holy Scripture is woven is accessible to all, though very, very few penetrate it. In its easily understood parts it speaks to the heart of the unlearned and the learned like a familiar friend who uses no guile, but in those truths that it veils in mystery, it does not raise itself aloft with proud speech. Hence, the backward and untutored mind dares to draw near to it as a poor man to a rich one, because it invites all in simple language and feeds their minds with its teachings in plain words, while training them in the truth by its hidden message, having the same effect in both the obvious and the obscure. But lest the obvious should cause disgust, the hidden truths arouse longing; longing brings on certain renewal; renewal brings sweet inner knowledge. By these means depraved minds are set right, small ones are nourished, great ones are filled with delight.21
Exegetical ABCs
Augustine composed On Christian Teaching as a way to reflect on and articulate principles of biblical interpretation. He thought of the task as teaching exegetical literacy. From On Christian Teaching, preface and Book 1:
(1) There are certain norms for interpreting the Scriptures, which, I am convinced, can be profitably presented to those devoted to its study. Such people may benefit not only personally by acquiring knowledge from those who have unveiled the mysteries of the sacred writings, but may also learn how to disclose these mysteries to others. I intend to hand on these principles to those who are able and are willing to grasp them, provided, of course, that our Lord and God not refuse to supply me, as I write, with the same help which he usually grants me whenever I reflect upon the subject. . . .
(9) Now one who reads a text out loud to listeners simply articulates what
21. Ep. 137.1.3–5.18 (CSEL 44:99–123); trans. Parson, FOTC 20:19–34 (modified).