De officiis ministrorum

treatise by Saint Ambrose

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June 25, 2026

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De officiis ministrorum is a treatise by Saint Ambrose, the bishop of Milan. Written in 386 CE, it is modeled after Cicero's De officiis and focuses on the moral obligations of the clergy. Ambrose aimed to establish Old Testament saints as models of behavior for a Christian aristocracy, replacing Roman heroes.1

Ambrose was a significant figure in the 4th century, known for his eloquence, his role in converting Saint Augustine of Hippo to Christianity, and his influence on church-state relations. He was declared a doctor of the church for his important writings and teachings. His literary works are considered masterpieces of Latin eloquence.21

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St. Ambrose
Literary and musical accomplishments
…moral obligations of the clergy, De officiis ministrorum (386), is skillfully modeled on Cicero’s De officiis. He sought to replace the heroes of Rome with Old Testament saints as models of behavior for a Christianized aristocracy. By letters, visitations, and nominations, he strengthened this aristocratic Christianity in the northern Italian…
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…moral obligations of the clergy, De officiis ministrorum (386), is skillfully modeled on Cicero’s De officiis. He sought to replace the heroes of Rome with Old Testament saints as models of behavior for a Christianized aristocracy. By letters, visitations, and nominations, he strengthened this aristocratic Christianity in the northern Italian…
Read More