Who was Saint Ambrose?

Theologian, Statesman, and Doctor of the Church

Saint Ambrose of Milan was one of the Fathers and Doctors of the Early Church. Born around 340 AD in modern-day Germany to an affluent Christian family, Ambrose was educated in Rome, where he studied law. 

After his father’s death, he returned to Germany and entered public service. He helped shape the Church’s doctrine, and he played a significant role in the Christianization of the Roman Empire. Later known as the “Honey-Tongued Doctor,” he is remembered as a wise and compassionate leader who used his gift of divine preaching to serve God and His people.

Once, he moderated a heated conflict between Arians and Catholics, and the people immediately chose him for their bishop, even though he hadn’t yet been baptized. 

Ambrose was finally baptized and just eight days later was ordained the bishop of Milan. Having no prior familiarity with the Bible, Ambrose faithfully practiced lectio divina and prayerfully read God’s Word.

Defender Against Arianism

The Arian controversy was a major theological dispute in the early Christian Church that lasted from the fourth to the sixth century. The Arians believed that Jesus Christ was not fully divine. They argued that Jesus was created by God the Father, and that he was therefore subordinate to God.

Ambrose, who was the bishop of Milan at the time, was a strong defender of the orthodox faith, which holds that Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine. He argued that Jesus was co-eternal with God the Father, and that He was therefore of the same substance as God.

Influence on the Development of the Early Church

Ambrose’s defense of the orthodox faith was so instrumental in the defeat of Arianism, that In 381, the First Council of Constantinople declared that Jesus Christ is “of one substance with the Father”. This statement of faith, known as the Nicene Creed, became the standard of orthodoxy in the Christian Church. 

His role in the Arian controversy was a major turning point in the history of Christianity. His defense of the orthodox faith helped to ensure that the Church would remain united in its belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ.

Ambrose also played a significant role in other areas of Christian doctrine. He wrote on a variety of theological points, including the Trinity, the Incarnation, and the Atonement. His writings helped to shape the development of early Christian thought.

​​Legacy

St. Ambrose was a gifted writer and speaker, later known as the “Honey-Tongued Doctor” and patron saint of bees, beekeepers, and candlemakers. He tirelessly preached that Jesus is everything for us. He believed this so much that it is reflected in his generosity to the poor. He donated all of his land and possessions until he had nothing but basic provisions.

Ambrose is famous for being a spiritual father to St. Augustine of Hippo, whom he mentored and baptized into the faith. He died in 397 on Holy Saturday, after receiving the Eucharist for the last time.