The City of God · Chapter
XV explained
Augustine clarifies the meaning of John's statement that 'the devil sinneth from the beginning,' arguing that it refers to the beginning of the devil's sin, not his creation.
What happens
Augustine clarifies the meaning of John's statement that 'the devil sinneth from the beginning,' arguing that it refers to the beginning of the devil's sin, not his creation. He cites prophetic passages from Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Job to show that the devil was originally created without sin and fell through pride, and that his nature remains God's good handiwork.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter is the dramatic climax because it marks the irreversible psychological and spiritual turning poin…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Sin, Grace, and Redemption
Explores the origin of sin in the devil's pride and the distinction between created nature and sinful choice.
- True Worship and the One God
Emphasizes that all natures, including the devil's, are created by God and are good in their original state.
Characters to notice
- Augustine
Author and interpreter of scripture, explaining the nature of the devil's sin.
- John
Apostle whose words 'The devil sinneth from the beginning' are being interpreted.
- Isaiah
Prophet whose words about the king of Babylon are applied to the devil.
- Ezekiel
Prophet whose description of the king of Tyre is used to show the devil's original perfection.
- Job
Subject of the book where the devil is described as the beginning of God's creation made a sport to angels.
Key passages
“The devil sinneth from the beginning.”
The devil has been sinning since the start of his sin.
Augustine clarifies that 'from the beginning' refers to the onset of the devil's sin, not his creation.
“Thou wast perfect in thy ways?”
You were blameless in your conduct.
Quoted from Ezekiel to show the devil was originally without sin.
“This is the beginning of the creation of God, which He made to be a sport to His angels.”
This creature is the first of God's works, made to be an object of amusement for the angels.
Augustine interprets this as referring to the devil's punishment after sin, not his original purpose.
