Evodius

Evodius was a friend and correspondent of Saint Augustine of Hippo. He lived from approximately 386 AD to after 415 AD. Evodius is primarily known for his philosophical dialogues with Augustine, which provide valuable insights into Augustine's intellectual development and theological thinking.

Evodius and Augustine engaged in intense discussions on a range of topics, including free will, the nature of evil, and the origin of the soul. These dialogues are preserved in several of Augustine's works, most notably in De Libero Arbitrio (On Free Choice of the Will). In this work, Augustine, prompted by Evodius's questions, grapples with the problem of how God, who is all-good, could have created a world in which evil exists.

Evodius served as a government official in Thagaste (present-day Souk Ahras, Algeria), Augustine's birthplace. His official duties required him to deal with legal and administrative matters. He seems to have maintained close ties with Augustine throughout his life, seeking his guidance on theological and philosophical issues.

While Evodius is often overshadowed by Augustine, his role as a sounding board and intellectual sparring partner was crucial in shaping Augustine's thought. His persistent questioning and challenges pushed Augustine to refine and articulate his ideas more clearly. Consequently, Evodius occupies an important place in the history of early Christian philosophy. The letters exchanged between Augustine and Evodius also shed light on the social and political context of North Africa during the late Roman Empire. He is also considered a minor saint within some Christian traditions.