Peter Martyr Vermigli’s Augustinian notion of concupiscence

Abstract

This article joins a growing body of scholarship by exploring largely forgotten Reformation figures, such as Peter Martyr Vermigli (1499–1562), and examining how Vermigli made use of the church fathers – Augustine, in our case – in his own context. It argues that Vermigli fundamentally affirms Augustine’s understanding of concupiscence by viewing the primal sin that caused concupiscence as implying the loss of original righteousness, which in turn gave rise to inherited guilt. Vermigli, following Augustine, views the condition of concupiscence as a manifestation of original sin, which results in the total depravity of humanity. However, God’s redemptive work does not end with depravity – concupiscence also calls for the justification of believers by the grace of Jesus Christ. The constitution of Vermigli’s understanding of concupiscence demonstrates that he essentially affirms Augustine’s position, even though there are places where he does not slavishly follow Augustine and instead develops a distinctive Reformed understanding of the subject.
Contribution: This article fills a void in Vermigli studies by analysing how he utilises Augustine to substantiate a Reformed position on concupiscence in contrast to Pighius’ view. The analysis reveals the structure of Vermigli’s hamartiology and illuminates the places where it is in continuity with or deviates from Augustine’s perspective.