Confessions

To overcome his hesitation to convert, Augustine sought help from Simplicianus, another bishop in Milan. Augustine shared his struggles and was relieved to learn that the bishop approved of Neoplatonism. Simplicianus then told Augustine the story of Victorinus, an elderly teacher he had known in Rome. Victorinus had been a prominent pagan, but, after taking an interest in the Bible, he overcame his fear of social ostracism and converted to Christianity, proclaiming his faith before a large and supportive audience.

Augustine marvels that the heart “rejoice[s] more intensely over the salvation of a soul which is despaired of but then freed from great danger” (141), recalling the parable of the Prodigal Son as well as several other relevant situations from scripture and from life in general. He generalizes this principle considerably, even tracing it through Jesus’s resurrection. Augustine also wonders that the conversion of famous people like Victorinus is so much greater a cause for joy, satisfying himself that “whenever joy is shared among many, even the gladness of individuals is increased” (143). Finally, he notes that, even if God gives preference to the poor and lowly, the conversion of a person of prestige like Victorinus merits greater celebration since it demonstrates more fully the influence of God.