Jerome

No 4th century personality more intriguing than Jerome

Unlike others who were known for their sanctity, theological insight, firmness before authorities, or preaching, he was outstanding because of his endless struggle with the world and himself.

“His holiness was not humble, peaceful, and sweet, but rather proud, stormy, and even bitter. He always strove to be more than human, and therefore had little patience for those who appeared indolent, or who dared criticize him.” p 233.

In spite of this, Jerome earned a place among the great Christian figures of the fourth century.

Born around 348 Ce

Northern Italy

younger than many of the other great 4th century figures.

Thought of himself as older than his contemporaries

Came to be known as an imposing and ancient institution.

Ardent admirer of classical Learning and despised his love for pagan tradition.

In a dream he saw himself at judgement

Asked: “Who are you?”

Answered: “I am a Christian”

Reply: “You lie. You are Ciceronian.”

At this devoted himself to the study of scripture and Christian Literature.

Obsessed with Sex.

Took on the Monastic way of life to escape its temptation and pull.

Found that dreams and memories followed him

Sought to suppress these thoughts through punishing his body and an exaggerated austerity.

Unkempt

Nothing seemed to work

Decided to fill his mind with the study of Hebrew instead of the pleasures of Rome.

Left monastic life and returned to civilization.

Ordained a presbyter in Antioch

Roman Bishop Damasus made him his private secretary and encouraged him to further study and writing.

It was Damasus who first suggested the project which would become his greatest monument: a new translation of scripture into Latin.

Found help and friendship among a group of devout women who lived in the palace of a widow, Albina.

Among others Paula and her daughter Eustochium

Play an important role in the rest of Jerome’s life

Interesting that

Without male friends, obsessed with sex

It was here he found solace, among a group of women.

Like no others came to know a sensitivity in Jerome that he well kept hidden from the rest of the world.

Lacking Tact, Jerome soon made enemies among the leadership of the Roman Church

Damasus, his staunchest defender died in 384 Ce

One of Paula’s daughters died and his enemies blamed Jerome, saying it was due the rigors of life Jerome recommended.

Decide to leave Rome (Babylon) for Jerusalem

From Jerusalem Jerome went to Egypt visiting Alexandrian scholars and the desert dwellings of the monks.

Moved back to Palestine in 386 and he and Paula established monastic houses in Bethlehem, one for women and one for men, under the leadership of Paula and Jerome. The goal of these houses was to be a place of moderate austerity and study.

Jerome furthered his education in Hebrew, in order to translate the Bible, and also taught Latin to the neighborhood children, and Greek and Hebrew to Paula’s nuns.

Above all he devoted himself to that which would become a great literary monument: the translation of the Bible into Latin.

There were other translations, but used the Septuagint as the basis.

Septuagint = Scripture translation of Hebrew into Greek

“After many years of work, interrupted by a voluminous correspondence and by the calamities that shook the Roman world, Jerome completed this enormous task.” p 237.

Known as the Vulgate, this translation would become the standard Bible of the Latin-speaking church.

Particularly successful were his poetic translations of the Hebrew Psalms

These were given wider use and circulation due to their use in Gregorian chant, long after the Vulgate was replaced by more modern translations the Vulgate still was used in liturgy.

The Vulgate was not well recieved at first.

The new translation altered the favorite texts of some.

Many demanded to know where Jerome’s authority to tamper with scripture came.

Many held to legends affirming the authority and work of the Septuagint translators.

Accused of lack of respect for the Word of God.

Accusations came from some learned Christians, Augustine of Hippo among them.

Jerome held to his work, and as was the lot of Jerome’s life, he created more enemies. In the case of Augustine, a circumstance led to a different outcome, and that circumstance led to a letter to the Bishop of North Africa with an expression of admiration reserved for very few.

A rigid facade hid the true personality of Jerome.

No one knew this as well as Paula and Eustochium

Paula Died in 404

Jerome felt alone and desolate.

He was also convinced that not only was his end near but also the end of an era

August 24, 410 under Alaric, the Goths took Rome, the world was shaken.

Jerome would survive for almost 10 more years of loneliness, pain, and controversy. “Finally, a few months after the death of Eustochium, who had become as a daughter to him, the tired scholar went to his rest.” p 239.