To Vigilius, on Jewish Unbelief

Contents

1. 1The author laments the persistent unbelief of the Jewish people, though God always calls sinners to return.
2. 2To return to God is to believe in Christ, the way to the Father and our advocate, and to walk in his light.
3. 3The magi and Simeon bore witness that the light, Christ, had been born.
4. 4The prophets foretold Christ's coming so plainly that unbelievers have no excuse, yet Israel did not recognize him.
5. 5Christ is the day of salvation of which the Psalm speaks, in which Paul bids us walk.
6. 6Christ is the sun of righteousness; to believe in him is to know God, and faith leads to understanding.
7. 7Abraham's faith is the pattern for believers, his true sons; Israel lost that name by unbelief, yet Christ turned some of them to the truth.
8. 8The author introduces his Latin translation of the Greek dialogue of Jason and Papiscus and asks Vigilius to check it and receive him as a disciple.
9. 9The author hopes to see Vigilius a martyr and recalls how he was unexpectedly chosen bishop on returning from overseas.
10. 10The author asks Vigilius, as a future martyr, to remember him and pray for his sins before Christ.