It was the bedside book of St. Francis de Sales, who became acquainted with it during his studies at Padua in 1588. This book accompanied him all his life. He read it every month in full. He even translated it into French. The bishop of Geneva found the Combat "clear and all practicable". Nevertheless, this rather austere book is not suitable for Christians living in the world. This is why he wrote for them the Introduction to the Devout Life.

It should be noted that the 1589 edition contains only thirty-three chapters. Due to the success of the Spiritual Combat, theatatins increased the number of chapters, so that there are sixty-six in the current editions. There are several French translations, including that of Father Lajeunie (Robert Morel editor, 1966). This one was based on the original edition of Venice.