Saint Moses the Black
Before he became a robber, what was St. Moses’ occupation?
He was a slave.
Traditional accounts of the life of St. Moses the Black
What prevented Augustine from appreciating Scripture?
Pride
Proverbs 3:7 → check for sermon notes
For how many pieces of silver did Judas Iscariot agree to betray Jesus?
Thirty pieces of silver
Matthew 26:15
What did St. Paul receive from Christ despite his sinful past?
Mercy.
Reference: 1 Timothy 1:13–16
What holy elder became St. Moses's spiritual guide and mentor after his conversion?
Saint Isidore the Great
Traditional Life of St. Moses the Black
According to Augustine, what is evil?
The privation or absence of good
Genesis 1:31
When the rich young ruler asked Jesus how to be perfect, what did Jesus tell him to do?
Sell what he had and give to the poor, then come and follow Him
Matthew 19:21
What did Christ tell Paul when Paul struggled with weakness?
“My grace is sufficient for you.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
What Gospel verse did St. Moses cite when explaining why he would not take up arms against the raiders?
“All who take the sword will perish by the sword"
Matthew 26:52
Which religious movement did Augustine follow for about nine years?
Manichaeism
Colossians 2:8
Which short tax collector climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus, and afterward promised to repay fourfold anyone he had cheated?
Zacchaeus
Luke 19:1-10
What is the difference between conviction and condemnation?
Conviction leads to repentance; condemnation produces hopelessness and death.
Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 7:10
In which Egyptian desert region did St. Moses the Black live as a monk?
Scetis (Wadi El Natrun)
According to St. Augustine, which comes first: believing or fully understanding?
“Believe that you may understand.” - St. Augustine
Which married couple in the Book of Acts fell down dead after lying about the money they received from selling their property?
Ananias and Sapphira
Acts 5:1-11
What does Paul’s statement, “When I am weak, then I am strong,” teach about self-worth?
Human weakness can become the place where Christ’s power is revealed
2 Corinthians 12:9–10
According to Abba Moses's teaching in the Sayings of the Desert Fathers, what should a monk do to be taught "everything"?
"Go, sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything.
Sermon notes reference
How did Augustine explain evil without making it a substance created by God?
Evil is the corruption or absence of good caused by turning away from God.
Genesis 1:31
In the Parable of the Rich Fool, what foolish plan did the rich man make with his overflowing harvest?
He decided to tear down his barns, build bigger ones, and store up his goods for himself
Luke 12:16-21
What is the difference between humility and low self-worth in St. Paul’s teaching?
Humility recognizes dependence on God, while low self-worth denies the value and grace God gives a person in Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:9–10; Romans 12:3