At the Feet of the Fathers: St. Jerome on using Scripture to Thwart Temptation

At the Feet of the Fathers

Monday, April 24, 2023

Saint Jerome

Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus, also known as Saint Jerome of Stridon (c. 342-347AD—September 30, 420AD), was a Christian priest, confessor, theologian, and historian. Jerome was born at Stridon, a village near Emona (now Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia) on the border of Dalmatia and Pannonia. He is best known for translating the Bible into Latin and for his commentaries on the entire Bible. Jerome attempted to create a translation of the Old Testament based on a Hebrew version rather than the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament). Jerome was known for his teachings on Christian moral life, especially to those living in cosmopolitan centers such as Rome.

Find Your Defense Against Temptation in Scripture

(Jerome is writing to a friend about a mutual acquaintance who has become a hermit on a desolate island and knows the devil will tempt him there. He reminds us to always ask the question, “Where in the bible can I find the answer to the temptation I have encountered?” The more time you spend in it, the easier those questions are to answer!)

What nets do you think the devil is weaving for him now? What tricks does he have up his sleeve?

Perhaps, remembering his old trick, he will try to tempt Bonosus with hunger. But he has been answered already: “Man shall not live by bread alone” (Matthew 4:4).

Perhaps he will set wealth and fame before him. But he will be answered, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare.” And “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Timothy 6:9; Jeremiah 9:24).

Perhaps he will come when the limbs are worn out with fasting and torture them with disease, but the cry of the apostle will repel him: “When I am weak, then I am strong,” and “my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

He will threaten him with death, but the answer will be, “My desire is to depart and be with Christ.” (Philippians 1:23).

He will brandish his fiery arrows, but they will be blocked by the shield of faith. In short, Satan will attack him, but Christ will defend him.

- St. Jerome, Letter 3