Final answer:
Ambrose of Milan greatly influenced Augustine by inspiring his conversion to Christianity and providing a framework that shaped Augustine's development of Christian doctrine and his works like 'The City of God'. Ambrose's example also guided Augustine in his role as a church leader.
Step-by-step explanation:
The influence of Ambrose of Milan on Augustine is profound and multifaceted. Ambrose, serving as the Bishop of Milan, played a critical role in Augustine's conversion to Christianity. Through his powerful oratory and intellectual rigor, Ambrose provided Augustine with a persuasive Christian framework that countered the heretical beliefs Augustine previously held, such as Manichaeism and skepticism towards divine grace. Ambrose's interpretation of scripture and his demonstration of living a virtuous life greatly impacted Augustine, who later became the Bishop of Hippo and a key figure in shaping Christian doctrine. Augustine's writings, especially 'The City of God,' reflect Ambrose's influence by discussing the role of divine providence, the nature of evil, and the separation of the heavenly kingdom from earthly affairs. Additionally, Ambrose's own stand against the Arian controversy and his deft navigation of church and imperial politics provided a model for Augustine's leadership in the church amid the fall of the Roman Empire