391–419

Augustine as Bishop of Hippo: the "Confessions" and the Doctrine of Grace and Predestination

Arriving at Hippo, Augustine was ordained presbyter against his will in 391 by Bishop Valerius. Four years later, in 395, he became his co-bishop and soon sole bishop of Hippo.

His principal works grew out of three successive controversies: with the Manichaeans, the Donatists, and, from the early 5th century, the Pelagians. Among them are the "Confessions" (begun in 397, completed around 400) and "On the Trinity" (399–419); his doctrine of grace and predestination also took shape in these polemics.