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The most prominent figure in western Christianity at the end of the fourth century was Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Ambrose (339-397) was born in a noble Roman family. His father was the governor of Gaul, and Ambrose was educated for the highest civil offices.
He was elected imperial Magistrate of the province of Upper Italy centered in the city of Milan. His qualities as a magistrate were widely recognized, and he became known as a conscientious and genuinely religious official.
When the Bishop of Milan died in 374, Ambrose was called in to mediate the succession of a new bishop. As he addressed the crowd, a voice called, “Ambrose for bishop!” The crowd immediately took to the idea and a general cry went up, “We will have Ambrose for bishop!” Ambrose, against his will, yielded to their desire, sold all of his estates and became bishop of Milan – even though he was still a catechumen and not yet baptized.
He took his responsibility seriously and became an effective and powerful preacher. His sermons aimed to build up believers, to safeguard them from heresy, and to encourage them in purity of living. He was a strong supporter of the Nicene Creed, and he wrote many books including numerous Commentaries on Scripture.
 Much of Ambrose's greatness, however, lies in the spiritual authority and influence he wielded over the Emperors of his day. As the Bishop of Milan (the city where the western Emperors then resided), he became the equivalent to the “court bishop”—the power behind the throne. When the empress Justina ordered him to institute Arian worship in his church, he refused. She sent troops to the church to enforce her will but the troops, hearing the people praying and singing, soon joined them. The empress eventually gave up her attack on the bishop.
In 390, Ambrose excommunicated the emperor Theodosius for his indiscriminate massacre of 7,000 Thessalonians. He commanded Theodosius to repent and refused him communion for eight months. The emperor finally submitted and made public confession of his sin.
In his diligence in teaching the faith and refuting heresy, Ambrose influenced many, including Augustine, his most illustrious convert.
He introduced congregational singing in the West and made hymns an integral part of the Latin liturgy.
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