Ambrose of Milan was one of the most influential ecclesiastical leaders of the 4th century AD. He served as the Bishop of Milan from 374 to 397 AD and had a significant impact on the development of early Christianity. Here is an overview of Ambrose’s life and legacy:
Early Life and Ascension to Bishop
Ambrose was born around 340 AD to a prominent Roman family. His father was the praetorian prefect of Gaul. Ambrose received a traditional Roman education and began a career in civil service. Around 370 AD, he was appointed as the imperial governor of Aemilia-Liguria, which had its headquarters in Milan.
In 374 AD, the Bishop of Milan died, and conflict broke out over who should be his successor. Ambrose stepped in to help mediate between the disputing factions. While giving an address encouraging harmony, the crowd suddenly proclaimed Ambrose as the new bishop. Although Ambrose was still a catechumen at the time and had not undergone theological training, he accepted the position out of duty. He was quickly baptized, ordained, and then consecrated as the Bishop of Milan just days later.
Contributions as Bishop
As Bishop of Milan, Ambrose made major contributions to the early Christian church:
Promotion of Nicene theology – Milan was split between Nicene Christianity and Arianism. Ambrose promoted Nicene theology and worked to overcome Arianism. For example, he supported the Council of Aquileia in 381 that condemned the prominent Arian bishop Palladius.
Development of worship and church music – Ambrose innovated forms of worship and music in the Western church. He introduced antiphonal chanting, composed hymns, and promoted congregational singing. This laid the foundation for Gregorian chant and other Western church music traditions.
Spiritual authority and assertiveness – Ambrose exercised spiritual authority boldly, even against civil powers when needed. For example, he pronounce excommunication on Theodosius I until the emperor repented of massacring civilians. Ambrose set an assertive precedent for the church’s moral authority.
Doctrinal influence – Ambrose’s preaching and writing spread orthodox theology on key issues like the Trinity. For instance, it is believed Ambrose baptized and deeply influenced Augustine of Hippo, as recounted in Augustine’s Confessions.
Ethics and philanthropy – Ambrose stressed ethics, generosity to the poor, and the spiritual nature of the clergy. He influenced wealthy Christians to endow the church and build churches, hospitals, and charitable institutions.
Development of exegesis – Drawing on Greek methods, Ambrose pioneered exegetical techniques for figurative and allegorical interpretation of Scripture. This influenced later medieval Christian exegesis.
Major Works
Some of Ambrose’s major works that have survived are:
– De officiis (On Duties) – a treatise on Christian ethics and clergy morality modeled after Cicero
– De fide (On the Faith) – arguments against Arianism and affirmation of Nicene trinitarianism
– Exposition of Luke – Ambrose’s most influential exegetical work, particularly noted for its focus on morals and allegorical interpretation
– De paenitentia (Concerning Repentance) – explaining the sacrament of repentance and penance
– De Spiritu Sancto (On the Holy Spirit) – arguments for the full divinity of the Holy Spirit
– De virginibus (On Virgins) – discussing virginity and celibacy as the ideal spiritual life
– De excessu fratris Satyri (On the Death of His Brother Satyrus) – a eulogy for Ambrose’s brother mixed with doctrinal themes
– Epistulae (Letters) – a collection of Ambrose’s correspondence illuminating church politics and theological debates of his time
– Hymni (Hymns) – poetic hymns composed by Ambrose in Latin, including “Aeterne rerum conditor” which remains part of Catholic liturgy today
Significance and Legacy
Ambrose was one of the most significant Christian leaders at the end of the 4th century. His leadership helped establish the supremacy of Nicene orthodoxy over Arianism in the Western church. The musical and liturgical innovations he introduced were foundational for Western church traditions. His exegetical techniques, ethics, and promotion of spirituality influenced many generations after him.
Ambrose demonstrated how bishops could assert both spiritual and temporal authority. Along with contemporary leaders like Basil, Gregory Nazianzus, and Chrysostom in the East, Ambrose defined the prominent role of the episcopacy in both church and society during late antiquity.
Saint Ambrose was later declared one of the original four Doctors of the Church along with Augustine, Jerome, and Pope Gregory I. He continues to be venerated in Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox traditions. Many of Ambrose’s writings remain an important part of patristic literature that provides theological and historical insight into early Christianity.
