sees it as even more immediate, suggesting that the phrase should be read as referring to "a state of affairs that is already beginning and demands immediate action". According to France, the word translated as repent means "return to God". Albright and Mann state that at the time a general repentance was seen as necessary before the arrival of the messiah. Clarke notes that in the Vulgate of St. Jerome the word is translated as be penitent both here and in Matthew 4:17. This translation played a central role in the development of the Catholic doctrine of penance. With the increased knowledge of Greek in the Renaissance this translation began to be criticized, with Lorenzo Valla first pointing out the error. In Erasmus' 1516 translation and commentary he became the first to use repent rather than be penitent. It was from the doctrine of penance that the concept of indulgences had grown, and these new translations played an important role in Martin Luther and other Protestant's reappraisal of these practices. Today the word is universally translated as repent, leading some Protestant Christians to assume that the Catholic doctrine is grounded more in theology than in scripture. Jesus also, in Matthew 4:17, preaches "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand". Commentary from the Church Fathers Augustine: Unless one repent him of his former life, he cannot begin a new life. Hilary of Poitiers: He therefore preaches repentance when the Kingdom of Heaven approaches; by which we return from error, we escape from sin, and after shame for our faults, we make profession of forsaking them. Pseudo-Chrysostom: In the very commencement he shows himself the messenger of a merciful Prince; he comes not with threats to the offender, but with offers of mercy. It is a custom with kings to proclaim a general pardon on the birth of a son, but first they send throughout their kingdom officers to exact severe fines. But God willing at the birth of His Son to give pardon of sins, first sends His officer proclaiming, Repent ye. O exaction which leaves none poor, but makes many rich! For even when we pay our just debt of righteousness we do God no service, but only gain our own salvation. Repentance cleanses the heart, enlightens the sense, and prepares the human soul for the reception of Christ, as he immediately adds, For the Kingdom of Heaven