The Letters of S. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan by Bishop of Milan Saint Ambrose

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The Letters of S. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan by Bishop of Milan Saint Ambrose

(5 User reviews) 897

By Charles Murphy Posted on Jan 12, 2026

In Category - Happiness Studies

Authors: Ambrose, Saint, Bishop of Milan, -397 Published By : Ambrose, Saint, Bishop of Milan, -397

Book Language: English

Ever wonder what a 4th-century bishop was really thinking? This isn't just a dusty collection of church memos. 'The Letters of S. Ambrose' throws you right into the chaotic streets and political firestorms of late Roman Milan. You get a front-row seat as Ambrose navigates riots, faces down emperors, and argues theology with some of the most powerful people on Earth. It's raw, urgent, and surprisingly human. Forget the stained-glass image—this is the real, gritty work of faith and leadership in a world falling apart. It feels less like ancient history and more like breaking news from a very tense time.

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Over-work prevented the writing of some introductory remarks. E. B. P. CHRIST CHURCH, _Lent, 1881_. CONTENTS. ⭘ [Letter of Gratian to AMBROSE.] ⭘ LETTER I. AMBROSE Bishop to the Blessed Emperor and most Christian Prince Gratian. ⭘ LETTER II. AMBROSE to Constantius. ⭘ LETTER III. AMBROSE to Felix. ⭘ LETTER IV. AMBROSE to Felix, health. ⭘ LETTERS V. and VI. These Letters to Syagrius appear in the original Latin at the end of the Book. ⭘ LETTER VII. AMBROSE to Justus, health. ⭘ LETTER VIII. AMBROSE to Justus. ⭘ [The proceedings of the Council of Aquileia against the heretics Palladius and Secundianus.] ⭘ LETTER IX. The Council which is assembled at Aquileia to our most beloved brethren, the Bishops of the Viennese and the first and second ♦Narbonese Provinces in Gaul. ⭘ LETTER X. The holy Council which is assembled at Aquileia to the most gracious Christian Emperors, and most blessed Princes, Gratian, Valentinian, and Theodosius. ⭘ LETTER XI. To the most gracious Emperors and Christian Princes, the most glorious and most blessed Gratian, Valentinian, and Theodosius, the Council which is assembled at Aquileia. ⭘ LETTER XII. To the most gracious and Christian Emperors, the glorious and most blessed Princes, Gratian, Valentinian, and Theodosius, the holy Council which is assembled at Aquileia. ⭘ LETTER XIII. To the most blessed Emperor and most gracious Prince Theodosius, AMBROSE and the other Bishops of Italy. ⭘ LETTER XIV. To the most blessed Emperor and most gracious Prince Theodosius, AMBROSE and the other Bishops of Italy. ⭘ LETTER XV. AMBROSE to Anatolius, Numesius, Severus, Philip, Macedonius, Ammianus, Theodosius, Eutropius, Clarus, Eusebius, and Timotheus, Priests of the Lord, and to all the beloved Clergy and people of Thessalonica, health. ⭘ LETTER XVI. Bishop AMBROSE to his brother Anysius. ⭘ LETTER XVII. Bishop AMBROSE to the most blessed Prince and Christian Emperor Valentinian. ⭘ [The Memorial of Symmachus, prefect of the city.] ⭘ LETTER XVIII. Bishop AMBROSE to the most blessed Prince and gracious Emperor, his Majesty Valentinian. ⭘ LETTER XIX. AMBROSE to Vigilius. ⭘ LETTER XX. To Marcellina. ⭘ LETTER XXI. To the most clement Emperor, his blessed Majesty Valentinian, AMBROSE, Bishop, sends greeting. ⭘ SERMON. Against Auxentius on the giving up the Basilicas. ⭘ LETTER XXII. To the lady his Sister whom he loves more than his life and eyes AMBROSE her brother sends greeting. ⭘ LETTER XXIII. To the lords, his brethren most beloved, the Bishops throughout the Province of Æmilia, AMBROSE, Bishop. ⭘ LETTER XXIV. AMBROSE to the Emperor Valentinian. ⭘ LETTER XXV. AMBROSE to Studius. ⭘ LETTER XXVI. AMBROSE to Irenæus. [Studius?] ⭘ LETTER XXVII. AMBROSE to Irenæus, greeting. ⭘ LETTER XXVIII. AMBROSE to Irenæus, greeting. ⭘ LETTER XXIX. AMBROSE to Irenæus, greeting. ⭘ LETTER XXX. AMBROSE to Irenæus, greeting. ⭘ LETTER XXXI. AMBROSE to Irenæus, greeting. ⭘ LETTER XXXII. AMBROSE to Irenæus, greeting. ⭘ LETTER XXXIII. AMBROSE to Irenæus, greeting. ⭘ LETTER XXXIV. AMBROSE to Horontianus, greeting. ⭘ LETTER XXXV. AMBROSE to Horontianus. ⭘ LETTER XXXVI. AMBROSE to Horontianus. ⭘ LETTER XXXVII. AMBROSE to Simplician, greeting. ⭘ [Calanus to Alexander.] ⭘ LETTER XXXVIII. AMBROSE to Simplician, greeting. ⭘ LETTER XXXIX. AMBROSE to Faustinus, greeting. ⭘ LETTER XL. To the most precious Prince and blessed Emperor his Majesty ♦Theodosius, Bishop AMBROSE sends greeting. ⭘ LETTER XLI. The Brother to his Sister. ⭘ [The Letter of Pope Siricius to the Church of Milan.] ⭘ LETTER XLII. To their lord, their dearly beloved brother, Pope Syricius, AMBROSE, Sabinus, Bassianus, and the rest send greeting. ⭘ LETTER XLIII. AMBROSE to Horontianus. ⭘ LETTER XLIV. AMBROSE to Horontianus. ⭘ LETTER XLV. AMBROSE to Sabinus. ⭘...

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Continue Reading Full Book

This book isn't a novel with a single plot. It's a direct line to the desk of Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, in the 300s AD. Through his letters, we see his world unfold in real time. He's dealing with everything from a major church split to a massive public riot over a chariot race. He famously refuses Emperor Theodosius entry into a church after a massacre, forcing a ruler to publicly repent. He debates theology with other bishops and even consoles a friend who lost a brother. The 'story' is the drama of holding a community together when the old Roman order is crumbling and a new Christian one is being fought over.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was Ambrose's voice. He's not a distant saint here; he's a pastor, a politician, and a man under immense pressure. You feel his frustration, his strategic mind at work, and his deep conviction. The letters strip away centuries of legend and show the messy, day-to-day work of defining faith and morality in public life. It’s about power, conscience, and what it really means to lead when your principles are on the line.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs who want to move beyond dates and battles into the minds of the people shaping an era. If you're interested in early Christianity, leadership, or political philosophy, this is essential reading. It's also great for anyone who loves primary sources—there's nothing quite like hearing history firsthand. A heads-up: it's a collection of letters, so it's episodic. But if you let yourself get immersed, it's a completely captivating window into a pivotal moment.

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Lisa Gonzalez

1 month ago

From an academic standpoint, the storytelling feels authentic and emotionally grounded. It was exactly what I needed right now.

Mary Lee

4 months ago

This immediately felt different because the presentation feels refined and carefully planned. An excellent read overall.

Ethan Clark

2 months ago

I have to admit, the technical accuracy of the content is spot on. I learned so much from this.

Oliver Thomas

5 months ago

At first I wasn’t convinced, but the author anticipates ccommon questions and addresses them well. I would gladly recommend this to others.

Mason Wilson

3 months ago

After hearing about this multiple times, the translation seems very fluid and captures the original nuance perfectly. I’d rate this higher if I could.

4.5

4.5 out of 5 (5 User reviews )