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Eph1.htm
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<!DOCTYPE html>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">
<title>Thomas Aquinas: Ephesians 1: English</title>
<script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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var WPFootnote1 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Ovid, <i>De Arte Amatoria<\/i>, II, v.13. On St. Thomas’use of profane authors, cf. Spicq, D.T.C. 15-A, 723-24.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote2 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Often, St. Thomas’ citations of Scripture contain minor variations from the Clementine edition of the Vulgate. For\
instance, he inserts here “so am I” after “They are ministers of Christ.” At other times his understanding of a Latin\
word or phrase is different from the meaning which the Douay-Rheims translation of the Vulgate conveys. In both\
these cases an asterisk (*) is placed immediately after the number of the verse; only significant variations will be\
mentioned in the notes. The “seed of Abraham” in 2 Cor. 11:22 is taken by Aquinas as a reference to St. Paul’s faith\
since “the men of faith are the real sons of Abraham.” (Gal. 3:7; also Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3,16). This provides the\
three correlations:<\/p>\
<p style="text-align: center">Israelites—Paul’s Jewish origin<\/p>\
<p style="text-align: center">Seed of Abraham—Paul’s religious faith<\/p>\
<p style="text-align: center">Ministers of Christ—Paul’s Apostleship<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote3 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>St. Thomas did not hesitate to apply several, or all, of the four metaphysical causes in his Scripture commentaries.\
In the Prologues to these commentaries he usually discusses the author (efficient cause), while the final cause is more\
often designated as the “subject matter,” the “intention of the author,” or the “utility” of the book or letter; cf.\
Prologues to the Psalms (Vivès Ed., t. 18, p. 228), to the Lamentations and Jeremiah (<i>ibid., <\/i>t. 19, pp. 66-67, 199);\
they also appear in his introduction to the Pauline Corpus and many of Paul’s individual letters (Romans, Colossians,\
Philippians, etc.). He also applies them in a commentary proper; for example, cf. his comments on Ephesians 1, Lect.\
1; 2, Lects. 2 & 5. On the development of this method, cf. Smalley, op. <i>cit., pp. <\/i>99, 116-17, 296-97; Spicq, op. cit.,\
col. 717.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote4 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>The Glossator in question is Peter Lombard (c. 1100-1160 A.D.), whose glosses on the Psalms and Pauline letters\
superseded those of the <i>Glossa Ordinaria. <\/i>A gloss would offer some ancient text, in the present instance an Old or\
New Testament book, accompanied by marginal and interlinear explanatory notes-usually quotations from the\
Fathers of the Church. On the mysteries surrounding the <i>Glossa Ordinaria, <\/i>falsely attributed to Walafraid Strabo,\
cf. Smalley, op. cit., pp. 55-66. 269. When Aquinas refers to “the Gloss” he normally means Lombard’s <i>Collectanea\
in Epistolis S. Pauli<\/i>, P.L. 191-92; thus of the thirteen references in his lectures on Ephesians to the Gloss all can be\
located in Lombard and only five in the <i>Glossa Ordinaria<\/i>, from which Lombard probably lifted them. The statement\
cited here is one of the five, it reads: “The Ephesians are Asians; having received the word of truth, they remained\
steadfast in faith. The Apostle praises them, writing from a prison in Rome through Tychius, a deacon.” P.L. 114,\
col. 587; 192, col. 169.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote5 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Ephesus, as a Greek city, owed its origin to the colonizing Ionians. It was an important port of Ancient Greece and\
under Roman rule became part of the province of Asia. Although oriental influences were increasing, Asia Minor\
was still predominantly Greek in language and culture when St. Paul travelled its roads. St. Thomas’ use of “pars\
Graeciae” need not, then, connote political ties. Latin classical authors often referred to Lower Italy, inhabited by\
Greeks, as “Major Graecia,” and it may be in this more cultural sense that Aquinas thought of Asia Minor as “Part\
of Greece.”<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote6 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>It is commonly held today that St. Paul is the author of this Letter, but this authorship need not imply that he wrote\
every word of it. In his day dictation left more initiative to the scribes than that method does today. He probably\
wrote or dictated it during his Roman imprisonment, sometime between 61 and 63 A.D. Few modern scholars,\
however, maintain that it was addressed only to the Ephesian community. The “at Ephesus” of v.1 is missing from\
the best Greek manuscripts. It seems that this was a circular letter—hence its more impersonal tone as compared with\
other Pauline letters—intended for the Christian communities in Asia. Or, as P. Benoit, O.P., conjectures in his “les\
Epitres de la captivité” Bible de Jerusalem (Paris: Ed. du Cerf, 1949), p. 73, it may have been intended for all the\
communities made up of recent converts from paganism. The “at Ephesus” was added later either because of the\
connection between Eph. 6:21-22 and 2 Tim. 4:12, or because it was found among the papers of the Ephesian\
Church.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote7 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>“In good habits” is equivalent to “in the practice of virtue.” St. Thomas’ “habitus” cannot adequately be translated\
by the English “habit.” For him virtue, or “bonus habitus,” is a spiritually creative power which is the exact opposite\
of the mechanical repetition of acts associated with the word “habit.” Cf. S. Pinchaera, O.P., “Virtue is not a Habit,”\
<i>Cross Currents<\/i>, Winter 1962, pp. 65-81. <\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote8 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>He is referring to the Latin “paulus” which means “little, small, trifling.” St. Thomas has more to say on the name\
Paul in his first lecture on Ch. 1 of the Letter to the Romans.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote9 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>The Piana-Cai has either a variant or a misprint when it reads “and about the end to those who believe...” (finem\
instead of fidem). The Parma differs again when it reads “They are said to believe <span style="font-weight: bold">in Christ Jesus<\/span> and not in their\
own sects.” However, it notes the “in their own deeds” of the Piana, which I have followed as fitting more into the\
context of the gratuitous favors he speaks of in this lecture.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote10 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Appropriation occurs when an attribute which really belongs to the Divine Nature, and so is common to all Three\
Persons, is attributed to one of the Persons. We do this because the divine activities by which God creates and\
redeems us—his 11 ad extra” actions—are more easily grasped by us than the activity of his own inner life. Thus\
we take events which the whole Trinity accomplished and attribute them to one or another Person in order to better\
understand his personal properties, cf. <i>S.T.<\/i> I, 39, 7 and 8. For example, creation is attributed to the Father, truth to\
the Son, and love as it effects our sanctification (grace and peace) to the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote11 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>St. Thomas was dimly aware of the Hebrew usage regarding verb tenses and its influence on New Testament\
constructions, cf. Spicq, <i>op. cit.<\/i>, col. 706-07. His observation on the certainty of human salvation in Christ is\
characteristic of Paul’s thought. In the final stages of his thought, represented in the Captivity Letters, the Apostle\
views the temporal dimensions of our Christian existence in the light of the mystery of Christ already unifying the\
world of men and the cosmic forces in his glorified existence. Cf. L. Cerfaux, <i>Christ in the Theology of St. Paul<\/i>\
(New York: Herder & Herder, 1959), pp. 419-38, 532,-34; and D. M. Stanley, S.J., <i>Christ’s Resurrection in Pauline\
Soteriology<\/i> (Rome: Institutum Biblicum, 1961), pp. 216-17.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote12 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>The Augustine referred to is, of course, St. Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo and Doctor of the Church (354-430\
A.D.). The work St. Thomas had in mind is most likely <i>De Trinitate <\/i>1, 8, n. 17 (P.L. 42, 831). When we see God\
“face to face” (1 Cor. 13:12), “this contemplation is promised to us as the end of all our labors and the eternal\
fullness of our joys... Contemplation is indeed the reward of faith, and our hearts are purified by faith in preparation\
for this reward.” Translation of S. McKenna, C.SS.R. <i>Saint Augustine, The Trinity <\/i>(F.C. 1963), pp. 23-25. This idea\
is expanded in the final two chapters of Book 22 of <i>The City of God. <\/i>The supernatural virtue of charity is the\
“effective form” (<i>S.T.<\/i> II-II, 23, 8 ad 1) of all the other virtuous acts, and thus formally sanctifies us because it directs\
us to God as he is in himself <i>(ibid., <\/i>23, 6c). The acts of any other virtue are holy only insofar as they share in this\
Godward impulse of charity <i>(ibid., <\/i>23, 7 & 8).<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote13 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Note that the six blessings developed in this lecture are offered to all mankind; this does not mean that they are\
accepted by everyone. At the beginning of Lecture 5 Aquinas refers back to them as “the blessings offered generally\
to all the faithful.” In the Second Lecture he opts for a less involved exegesis of vv. 3-7; however, his theological\
reflections on these blessings remain valid. Many contemporary exegetes maintain that vv. 3-14 enumerate six\
blessings given men by God, cf. K. Sullivan, R.S.C.J., <i>The Captivity Epistles <\/i>(Collegeville: The Liturgical Press,\
1960), pp. 54-56.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote14 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Peter’s actions are not the cause of God’s willing him glory but they are <i>a <\/i>cause of his attaining glory. They are\
a cause only because God has willed them to be such; as St. Thomas expresses it: “There can be no merit on the part\
of man before God except on the presupposition that God has ordained it” (<i>S.T.<\/i> I-II, 114, 1c). No one insists more\
strongly than Aquinas on the sinner’s absolute dependence on God to justify him (<i>ibid., <\/i>113); but he equally insists\
that God’s justifying word effects what it says. God’s love—unlike created love—presupposes no goodness but\
rather creates that goodness (<i>ibid., <\/i>110, 1c). For a similar presentation in a scriptural perspective, cf. H. Kung,\
“Justification and Sanctification in the New Testament,” in <i>Christianity Divided <\/i>(New York: Sheed & Ward, 1962),\
pp. 309-35. Cf. also note 80 below.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote15 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>One created effect, i.e., a creature, existing prior to another may be the cause of this other existing also. If so, the\
priority may be either of nature or of time depending on whether one views the succession of causes from the\
evolutive perspective of the imperfect beings preceding the more perfect—which is temporal priority—or, from the\
teleological perspective of nature intending the more perfect beings which the imperfect then strive to\
attain—priority of nature; cf. <i>S.T.<\/i> I, 77, 4c; 85, 3 ad 1. For an enlightening presentation of these priorities, cf. B.\
Lonergan, S.J., <i>Insight: A Study of Human Understanding <\/i>(New York: Philosophical Library, 1958); on a temporal\
priority cf. the schemes of recurrence in emergent probability, pp. 115-28; on natural priority cf. the upward directed\
dynamism of proportionate being, pp. 444-58, 665. Temporal succession does not affect God’s creative will-act\
which is eternal and comprehends all times “tota simul”; cf. <i>S.T.<\/i> I, 10, 1-4. For a further discussion of the freedom\
in the divine creative and predestining will-acts cf. <i>ibid., <\/i>I, 19, 5; 23, 5.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote16 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>This views the relation of hands to the human mind in a teleological perspective. It is interesting to note that St.\
Thomas saw in the coordination of the human mind and human hands the radical power for a limitless technology,\
cf. <i>S.T.<\/i> I, 76, 5 ad 4; 91, 3 ad 2. If the cause of the entire created universe was itself created it would perforce be\
simply a part of this <i>created <\/i>universe and so push the investigation back a step further. Note that Aquinas conceived\
the spiritual creation as included in this created universe, cf. <i>S.T.<\/i> I, 50, 1c; 61, 3 & 4.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote17 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Pelagianism, one of the important heresies of the fifth and sixth centuries, owed its origin chiefly to Pelagius (c.\
360-420 A.D.), who spread the teaching-some of which he learned from Rufinus—that human nature had not been\
corrupted by original sin, and that man was not dependent on divine grace for his meritorious actions. In the present\
context “ratio” is sometimes translated as “motive.” When St. Thomas asserts that “the reason for predestination is\
the will of God alone” he is speaking in terms of the divine causality in itself (“ex parte volentis”). When seen in the\
perspective of man (“ex parte voliti”) grace, as St. Thomas mentioned several lines above, is the reason of\
predestination.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote18 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>“Charismatic grace” and “sanctifying grace” are translations of “gratia gratis data” and “gratia gratum faciens”\
respectively. The former is given to individuals for the utility of the whole Christian community, e.g., the grace of\
prophecy; the latter effects the individual’s own personal sanctification, cf. <i>S.T.<\/i> I-II, 111, 1c; <i>S.C.G.<\/i> III, 154;<i> Comm.\
on Romans, <\/i>Ch. 1, Lect. 3. 19.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote19 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>The satisfaction of Christ should not be approached in a purely vindictive or juridic fashion, as though an angered\
God could be appeased only by terrible suffering on man~s part. The truly Christian notion of satisfaction was\
spelled out by St. Thomas: “He properly satisfies for an offense who presents the offended party with something this\
party loves just as much, or more, than he hates the offense.” <i>S.T.<\/i>, III, 48, 2c. Thus it is the <i>love <\/i>with which Christ\
offered <i>himself <\/i>that made the passion a truly redeeming sacrifice (<i>ibid., <\/i>48, 3 & 4).<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote20 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>The Gloss in question is that of Peter Lombard, cf. his Col<i>lectanea, <\/i>P.L. 192, col. 171.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote21 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Both the Parma and Piana-Cai editions seem to have defective texts here. The sentence is not completed. Perhaps\
Aquinas referred to the passion as revealing to us the extent of God’s charity; or, it may refer to the central role of\
love in Christ’s satisfaction (cf. note 19 above); or to charity as formally sanctifying (redeeming) us.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote22 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>The narrowing of “us” to the Apostles is not justified by the text. – JKop<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote23 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Lombard’s <i>Collectanea, <\/i>P.L. 191, col. 1444.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote24 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>This is a reference to the objection that pagans used to bring against Christians. The Gentile Christians had to\
assert, against Judaizing pressures, God’s universal will to save all men. But then, if God willed all men to be saved,\
why did the Redeemer come so late in mankinds history? For the answers Christians gave cf. Tertullian, <i>Adv.\
Gnosticos Scorpiace<\/i>, 6 (P.L. 2, col. 133); Eusebius’ <i>Demonstratio Evangelica<\/i>, 8, (P.G. 22, col. 569) and Gregory\
of Nyssa’s <i>Adv. Apollinarem. <\/i>(P.G. 45, col. 1273).<i> <\/i>St. Thomas is probably referring to St. Augustine’s reply to the\
objections in Porphry’s writings, cf. his letter “On the Six Questions Answered for Pagans,” (P.L. 33, col. 375-76),<i>\
<\/i>translated by W. Parsons, S.N.D., <i>St. Augustine’s Letters<\/i>, Vol. 2,<i> <\/i>(F.C. 1953), pp. 14847. St. Thomas qualifies one\
of the positions Augustine takes in this letter by excerpts from the doctor’s later writings, cf. <i>S.T.<\/i> III, 1, 5 ad 2.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote25 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Lombard’s <i>Collectanea, <\/i>P.L. 192, col. 173.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote26 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Origen (c. <i>185-253 <\/i>A.D.) propounded his Eschatology with a special emphasis of what St. Paul here called the\
<i>anakephalaidsasthai <\/i>(Eph. 1:10) which in Origen became the <i>apokatastasis <\/i>or universal re-establishment of all\
things in Christ. But he took it to mean the restoration of all things into their original, purely spiritual state. This\
involved the purification or redemption of the damned, including the demons, cf. his <i>Peri Archon<\/i> I, 6 and III, 6.<i>\
<\/i>(P.G. 11, 169 ff.). Translated by F. Crombie, <i>De Principiis, <\/i>(A.N.F. 1926) pp. 260-62 and 344-48. St. Thomas will\
mention Origen again in this connection in Lecture 8 of this chapter. He saw the crux of Origen’s position in his\
misunderstanding of the volitional powers of the damned, cf. <i>De Malo<\/i>, 16, 5; <i>De Ver.<\/i>, 24, 10; and <i>S.T. <\/i>I, 64, 2.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote27 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>In the next few paragraphs St. Thomas is leading up to why St. Paul can refer to the Apostles’ vocation as a “call\
by lot.” His roundabout way may have been prompted by a pastoral solicitude for the students; one of his opuscula\
even deals with the subject, <i>De Sortibus, ad Dominum Jacobum, de Tolongo. <\/i>The reference to St. Augustine is his\
<i>Ennarrationes in Psalmos<\/i>, Ps. 30, sermo 2,16 (P.L. 36, 246 ff.). Translated by S. Hebgin and F. Corrigan, O.S.B.,\
<i>Saint Augustine on the Psalms<\/i>, Vol. 2 (A.C.W., 1961) pp. 41-42.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote28 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>“Any transition in his thoughts” translates “discursum.” God’s absolutely infinite comprehension of Himself rules\
out any succession in his awareness, cf. <i>S.T.<\/i> I, 14, 7. The will is “certain” when it follows on rational judgments of\
value.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote29 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>St. Ambrose (c. 340-397 A.D.), Bishop of Milan and Doctor of the Church. St. Thomas is most likely quoting from\
Peter Lombard’s <i>Collectanea in Paulum, <\/i>In Epis. ad Eph. (P.L. 192, col. 174). This in turn comes from a\
<i>Commentarium, in Epist. ad Ephesios <\/i>(P.L. 17, col. 375) falsely ascribed to Ambrose; some hold it was composed\
by Hilary, a deacon and member of the pontifical delegation to the Council of Ephesus (449 A.D.).<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote30 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>“Pledge” translates “pignus” and “earnest” renders “arrha.” The Gloss Aquinas refers to is Peter Lombard’s\
<i>Collectanea <\/i>(P.L. 192, col. 175).<i> <\/i>His option for “arrha” could have been prompted by textual as well as theological\
motives since it is the Latin transliteration of the Greek word used by Paul, <i>arrabon. <\/i>Its modern counterpart would\
be down-payments or securities.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote31 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>St. Thomas’ citation of Prov. 10:1 differs from the Clementine edition of the Vulgate which reads: “A wise son\
maketh the father glad.” as translated by the Douay-Rheims.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote32 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p> The quotation is from Lombard’s <i>Collectanea, <\/i>P.L. 192, col. 177. It is also found in the Glossa <i>Ordinaria<\/i>, P.L.\
114, col. 590.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote33 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>The Resurrection was caused by the Divine Power which is common to all Three Persons and is identical with the\
Divine Essence itself (<i>S.T.<\/i> I, 25, 1c and ad 3). And the divinity of the Son was united to both Christ’s soul and his\
dead body (<i>ibid.<\/i>, III,<i> <\/i>50, 2-3). Hence the Resurrection can be attributed to the Father and to Christ himself, <i>ibid.,\
<\/i>53, 4. Cf. also his commentaries on Ps. 40; on John, Ch. 2, Lect. 3; on Romans, Ch. 4, Lect. 3; on 1 Corinthians, Ch.\
15, Lect. 2.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote34 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>The following is the descending order of the angelic ranks as St. Thomas presents them here:<\/p>\
<p>FIRST HIERACHY<span>                           <\/span>Seraphim<\/p>\
<p><span>                                                            <\/span>Cherubim<\/p>\
<p><span>                                                            <\/span>Thrones<\/p>\
<p>MIDDLE<span>                                            <\/span><i>Dionysius<span>                                <\/span>Gregory<\/i><\/p>\
<p>HIERARCHY<span>                                    <\/span>Dominions<span>                              <\/span>Dominions<\/p>\
<p><span>                                                            <\/span>Virtues<span>                                    <\/span>Principalities<\/p>\
<p><span>                                                            <\/span>Powers<span>                                    <\/span>Powers<\/p>\
<p>LOWER<span>                                             <\/span>Principalities<span>                           <\/span>Virtues<\/p>\
<p>HEEPARCHY<span>                                    <\/span>Archangels<span>                             <\/span>Archangels<\/p>\
<p><span>                                                            <\/span>Angels<span>                                    <\/span>Angels<\/p>\
<p style="text-align: justify">Not all the doctors agreed, however, on the listing of the First Hierarchy. St. John Chrysostom (c. 344-407 A.D.),\
Patriarch of Constantinople and Doctor of the Church, put Powers in the place of Thrones, cf. C.V. Heris, O.P., <i>le\
Gouvernement divin<\/i>, Vol. 1 (Paris: Ed. de Cerf, 1959) pp. 277-83. The Gregory here referred to is Pope St. Gregory\
the Great (540-604 A.D.). He treats of the heavenly hierarchies in his <i>Homilia 34 in Evangelia, <\/i>P.L. 76, 1250-51.\
During the Middle Ages, Dionysius was thought to be the Areopagite mentioned in Acts 17:34; this accounts for the\
great authority his writings enjoyed. It is now established that he probably lived in Syria during the first half of the\
fifth century. A Christian platonist and disciple of Proclus, his writings were translated into Latin by Scotus Erigena\
around 858 A.D. St. Thomas took him as a primary witness to the immediate post-apostolic Church. He commented\
on his <i>De Divinis Nominibus <\/i>and some have counted over 1,700 explicit references to Dionysius in Aquinas’\
writings. Fortunately, this thorough acquaintance with Greek Oriental theology influenced Thomas’ own thought\
profoundly. Dionysius lists the angelic ranks in his <i>De Coelestia Hierarchia, <\/i>Ch. 77. (P.G. 3, 205 ff.).<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote35 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Cf. his commentary on Colossians, Ch. 1, Lect. 4. This reference to his coming lectures on Colossians leads\
Raphael Cai,O.P., to conclude that these lectures were given later on in the same scholastic year; cf. Cal’s Preface\
to his edition of the Piana edition of Aquinas’ lectures on the Pauline corpus (Rome: Marietti, 1953) Vol. 1, p. viii.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote36 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>These three types of causes are summed up in St. Thomas’ <i>Commentary on the Metaphysics of Aristotle <\/i>(translated\
by J. P. Rowan, Chicago: Henry Regnery Co., 1961, Vol. 2, p. 476, n. 1207): “Now we find three grades of causes\
in the world. First, there is a cause which is incorruptible and immutable, namely, the divine cause; second, beneath\
this there are causes which are incorruptible but mutable, namely, the celestial bodies; and third, beneath this there\
are those causes which are corruptible and mutable. Therefore causes in this third grade are particular causes and\
are determined to proper effects of the same kind; for example, fire generates fire, man generates man, and plants\
generate plants.” In the present lecture St. Thomas refers to the third category as “determinatio ad speciales effectus”\
which I have translated as “individual causes.” The celestial bodies are universal causes insofar as their causality\
extends to all terrestrial alteration, generation and corruption (cf. Appendix on Thomas’ cosmology). God’s causality\
is most universal since its proper effect is existence itself: “Whatever exists, and in whatever way it exists, comes\
properly under the causality and direction of that (first) cause.” (Rowan’s translation of the <i>Meta., ibid., <\/i>n. 1209).\
I have translated “rationes rerum” by “intelligible patterns of things” or “of reality” since this would embrace formal,\
efficient and final causality, as well as mirror closely the fluidity of Aquinas’ usage of “rationes rerum.”<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote37 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Angelic knowledge is not gained in a learning process like human knowledge; rather, God infuses the knowledge\
so that it is connatural. to the spirits from the first instant of their existence, cf. <i>S.T.<\/i> I, 55, 2c; 106, 1-4. (This, of\
course, applies only to knowledge connatural to angelic intelligences; regarding certain types of supernatural\
knowledge, cf. Ch. 3, Lect. 3 below). St. Thomas often refers to the whole of spiritual creation as angelic or as\
composed of angels; this must not be confused with the rank of Angels in the Lower Hierarchy.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote38 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>“Precise intelligibility” translates the “definitiva ratio” of a thing. This is known when the <i>form <\/i>of the object is\
grasped, cf. <i>In Meta. <\/i>V, Lect. 2, n. 764 (Rowan’s translation, Vol. 1, p. 305). For example, H20 is the proper\
chemical name, revealing its chemical form or intelligible proportion, for what common experience designates as\
water. For an analysis of the cognitive processes involved, and Aquinas’ terminology, cf. B. Lonergan, “The Concept\
of <i>Verbum <\/i>in the Writings of St. Thomas Aquinas,” T.S., September 1946, pp. 349-92, especially pp. 349-72.<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote39 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Lombard’s <i>Collectanea, <\/i>P.L. 192, col. 178: “super omne nominabile.”<\/p>\
<\/span>'
var WPFootnote40 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>The concept of the Church as the “fullness” or <i>pleroma <\/i>of Christ is an important one for Paul. The sanctifying\
power of Divinity is “concentrated” in the risen body of Christ (cf. Cerfaux, <i>op..cit., pp. <\/i>426-29). But the Church\
is also the body of Christ: “This ‘fullness’ which is present in Christ is less static than dynamic;’ it is directed towards\
the sanctification of Christians through him... And so we can say that Christ is the sanctifying fullness of Christians.\
In keeping with this formula, but taking <i>pleroma <\/i>in the passive and concrete sense to mean the entirety of those who\
receive life and sanctification from Christ, Paul writes that the Church is the body of Christ, his <i>pleroma, <\/i>that is to\
say, the sphere in which is exercised the power of life and sanctification of him who ‘fulfills’ holiness completely\
in all (Eph. 1:23).” L. Cerfaux, <i>The Church in the Theology of St. Paul <\/i>(New York: Herder & Herder, 1959), pp.\
322-23. The intimate union between the risen body of Christ and the Church (cf. S.T. 111, 8, 2) is certainly stressed\
by St. Thomas when he uses the relationship of soul and body to enunciate analogously the relation between Christ\
and the Church, his <i>pleroma.<\/i><\/p>\
<\/span>'
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and<br>
Commentary</span>
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<td><b>Prooemium</b>
<td><b>PROLOGUE</b>
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<span style="font-family:" new=""><font size="+2">אָנֹכִי תִכַּנְתִּי עַמּוּדֶיהָ</font></span>
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Ego confirmavi columnas eius
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I have strengthened its pillars (Ps. 75:4)
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</script>Although St. Paul did not initiate the Ephesians into the faith, the Apostle is justly praised for having strengthened them in it. Of the Church at Ephesus he rightfully can claim: <span style="font-weight: bold">I have strengthened its pillars</span> —I who am an Israelite in nationality, a Christian in religion, an Apostle in dignity. <img src="footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border="0">
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</script>Everyone who proclaims saving wisdom, like Paul, must be an Israelite in his contemplation of God, a Christian in his religious faith, an Apostle in his function’s authority. <img src="footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border="0">
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</script>prefaces this letter with a prologue or summary expressing two main ideas:
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<td>Sicut dicit sapiens: <i>non minor est virtus quam quaerere parta tueri</i>, ideo non immerito commendatur apostolus, quia etsi Ephesios in fide non fundavit, tamen fundatos in fide confirmavit, ut ipse loquens de Ecclesia Ephesiorum, vere possit dicere: <i>ego confirmavi columnas eius</i>; ego videlicet, Israelita natione, Christianus religione, apostolus dignitate.
<td>Wisely has it been remarked that: “No less energy is spent in retaining possessions than in acquiring them.”
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<td>Israelita dico natione; <i>nam et ego Israelita sum, ex semine Abrahae de tribu Beniamin</i> II Cor. XI, 22. Item Christianus religione. Gal. II, 19 s.: <i>ego enim per legem mortuus sum legi, ut Deo vivam: Christo confixus sum cruci: vivo ergo iam non ego, vivit vero in me Christus: quod autem nunc vivo in carne, in fide vivo filii Dei</i>. Item apostolus dignitate. I Cor. XV, 9: <i>ego sum minimus apostolorum</i>. De his tribus II Cor. XI, 22: <i>Israelitae sunt, et ego; semen Abrahae sunt, et ego; ministri Christi sunt, et ego; ut minus sapiens dico, plus ego</i>. Talis debet esse praedicator sapientiae salutaris, scilicet Israelita quo ad contemplationem Dei, Christianus quo ad religionem fidei, apostolus quo ad auctoritatem officii.
<td>A Jew by birth, for I am an Israelite sprung from Abraham’s seed in the tribe of Benjamin (cf. 2 Cor. 11:22; Rom. 11: 1). A Christian in religion, “For I, through the law, am dead to the law, that I may live to God; with Christ I am nailed to the cross. And I live, now not I; but Christ lives in me. And [the life] that I live now in the flesh, I live in the faith of the Son of God” (Gal. 2:19-20). An Apostle in dignity since I am the least of the apostles” (1 Cor. 15:9). These three are found in 2 Corinthians 11 (22-23*): “They are Israelites: so am I. They are the seed of Abraham: so am I. They are the ministers of Christ, so am I. I speak as one less wise: I am more.”
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<td>Ego, ergo, Iudaeus per originem, quaerens Deum per fidem, apostolus Dei per imitationem, <i>confirmavi</i>, et cetera. Confirmavi ne a fide vacillarent, sicut artifex confirmat aedificium, ne cadat. Unde dictum est Petro Lc. XXII, v. 32: <i>et tu aliquando conversus confirma fratres tuos</i>, quod fecit Paulus. Unde ei competit illud Iob IV, 4: <i>vacillantes confirmaverunt sermones tui</i>. Confirmavit item ne pseudo timerent, sicut episcopus confirmat puerum ad robur contra pusillanimitatem, unde dictum est de David in Ps. LXXXVIII, 21: <i>inveni David servum meum, oleo sancto meo unxi eum; manus enim mea auxiliabitur ei, et brachium meum confortabit eum, nihil proficiet inimicus in eo</i>, et cetera. Ps. XXXII, 6:
<td>I, therefore, am a Jew by birth, seeking God through faith, and am an Apostle of God through following the example [of the twelve]. <span style="font-weight: bold">I have strengthened</span> them lest they falter in their faith, as the workman will buttress a building against a fall. “And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Lk. 22:32), was spoken to Peter and accomplished by Paul. A verse in Job 4 (4) applies to him: “Your words have upheld the stumbler.” The bishop confirms a boy to fortify him against becoming spiritless; similarly, Paul has strengthened the Ephesians not to fear unreasonably. In this connection, Psalm 89 (21-22) says of David: “I have found David my servant: with my holy oil I have anointed him. For my hand shall help him: and my arm shall strengthen him.”
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<td><i>verbo domini</i>, per Paulum scripto, <i>caeli</i>, id est Ephesii, <i>firmati sunt</i>, etc., scilicet ne praemium gloriae amitterent, sicut praelatus vel princeps confirmat donum, ne postea auferatur. Ps. XL, 13: <i>me autem propter innocentiam suscepisti, et confirmasti me in conspectu tuo in aeternum</i>. Has confirmationes petebat Ps. LXVII, 29 dicens: <i>confirma hoc, Deus, quod operatus es in nobis</i>, et cetera. Has promittebat apostolus II Thess. ult.: <i>fidelis autem Deus qui confirmabit vos, et custodiet a malo.</i>
<td>“By the word of the Lord,” written through Paul, “the heavens,” applying to the Ephesians, “were established” (Ps. 33:6) lest they lose their prize of glory, just as a prelate or prince ratifies a gift to protect it against theft. Psalm 41 (13) prays: “Because of my perfection grasp me, and set me before you forever.” Psalm 68 (29) also asks for strengthening power: “Send, my God, your strength; strengthen, God, what you have built for us.” The Apostle promised these divine aids in 2 Thessalonians 3 (3): “But the Lord is faithful, who will strengthen and keep you from evil.”
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<td>Ego, ergo, <i>confirmavi columnas eius</i>, scilicet fideles Ecclesiae Ephesiorum. Fideles enim Ecclesiae dicuntur columnae, quia debent esse recti, erecti, et fortes. Recti per fidem, erecti per spem, fortes per charitatem. Recti dico per fidem, fides enim ostendit rectam viam veniendi ad patriam, unde significatur per columnam nubis, de qua Ex. c. XIII, 21: <i>dominus autem praecedebat eos, ad ostendendam viam per diem in columna nubis</i>. Fides enim ad modum nubis habet obscuritatem, quia cum aenigmate; dissolutionem, quia evacuatur; humiditatem, quia excitat ad devotionem. Erecti per spem, spes enim dirigit ad superna, unde significatur per columnam fumi, de qua dicitur Iud. XX, 40: <i>viderunt quasi columnam fumi de civitate ascendentem</i>. Spes enim ad modum fumi ex igne, id est ex charitate, provenit, in altum ascendit, in fine deficit, id est in gloria. Fortes per charitatem, <i>fortis enim est ut mors dilectio</i>, ut dicitur Cant. VIII, 6; unde significatur per columnam ignis qui omnia consumit, de quo Sap. XVIII, 3: <i>ignis ardentem columnam ducem habuerunt ignotae viae</i>. Sicut enim ignis illuminat diaphana, examinat metalla, exterminat cremabilia, sic charitas illuminat opera, examinat intentionem, et omnia vitia exterminat.
<td><span style="font-weight: bold">I have strengthened its pillars</span>, namely, the Church’s faithful at Ephesus. They are referred to as pillars since they must be straightforward, upright, and strong—straightfoward through faith, upright through hope, and strong because of charity. I say straightforward through faith because faith reveals the straight and true way to arrive at the fatherland; it is symbolized by the pillar of cloud in Exodus 13 (21): “And the Lord went before them to show the way by day in a pillar of a cloud.” Faith, similar to clouds, is opaque with its mysteries, dissolves when it gives way to vision, and moistens by arousing devotion. [The faithful are] upright through hope, for hope points heavenwards; it is symbolized by the column of smoke in Judges 20 (40): “The signal rose from the city as a pillar of smoke.” Hope, like smoke from fire, springs from charity, ascends upward, and finally vanishes in glory. [The faithful must be] strong through charity, “for love is strong as death” (Cant. 8:6); hence, it is symbolized by a pillar of fire capable of consuming everything, as in Wisdom 18 (3): “Therefore, [they received] a burning pillar of fire for a guide on the unknown journey.” As fire makes the surroundings visible, puts metals to the test, and destroys what can burn, so charity enlightens human actions, examines one’s motives, and exterminates all vices.
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<td>Iam apparet quae sit causa huius epistolae efficiens, quia Paulus, quod notatur ibi <i>ego</i>. Finalis, quia confirmatio, quod notatur ibi <i>confirmavi</i>. Materialis, quia Ephesii, quod notatur ibi <i>columnas eius</i>. Formalis patet in divisione epistolae, et modo agendi.
<td>The efficient cause of this letter is, of course, St. Paul; this cause was ascribed to the <span style="font-weight: bold">I</span> of Psalm 75 (4). The final cause is to fortify, designated by the <span style="font-weight: bold">have strengthened</span>. The material cause is the Ephesians, as noted under <span style="font-weight: bold">its pillars</span>. The formal cause will be understood in the structural divisions of the letter and its method of presentation.
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<td>Huic epistolae praemittit glossator prologum sive argumentum, ubi principaliter duo facit:
<td>A Glossator
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<td>
<p style="margin-left:.3in">primo describit eos,<br>
secundo, rationem et modum scribendi subdit, ibi <i>hos collaudat apostolus</i>, et cetera.
<td>
<p style="margin-left:.3in">First, he describes them [the recipients].<br>
Secondly, he gives the reason and circumstances of writing, at “The Apostle praises them.”
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<td>Ephesinos vero quibus scribit, describit a tribus. Primo, a regione, quia <i>Ephesii sunt Asiani</i> ab Asia minore; secundo, a religione, quia <i>hi acceperunt verbum veritatis</i> Christianae; tertio a stabilitate, quia <i>perstiterunt in fide</i>. Primum respicit patriam; secundum, gratiam; tertium, perseverantiam.
<td>The Ephesians, to whom he wrote, are described in three ways: first, by their locality, “the Ephesians are Asians,” coming from Asia Minor; second, by their religion, “they have accepted the word” of Christian “truth”; third is their constancy, “they have remained steadfast in the faith.” The first has reference to their home country, the second to grace, and the third to perseverance.
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<td><i>Hos collaudat apostolus</i>, et cetera. Hic subdit etiam rationem et modum scribendi, ubi implicat quatuor. Primo, Scripturae rationem; secundo actorem, qui est <i>apostolus scribens</i>; tertio, locum a quo scribit, quia <i>a Roma de carcere</i>; quarto, nuntium per quem scribit, quia <i>per Tychicum diaconum</i>; littera satis patet.
<td>At “The Apostle praises them...” he adds the reason and circumstance for writing; secondly, the author is “the Apostle”; thirdly, the place from which he writes is “from a prison in Rome”; fourthly, the messenger through whom he writes is Tychius, a deacon” (cf. Eph. 6:21).
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<hr></a> <a name="1" id="1"><img src="footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border="0">
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</script>They were not initiated into the faith by the Apostle Paul but he did strengthen them in it. Even before he had met them, they had been converted, as can be gathered from Acts 19 (1): “It happened that, while Appollo was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, where he found certain disciples.” Once they were converted and fortified by the Apostle, they were steadfast in the faith, not succumbing to false doctrine. Thus, they were entitled to encouragement rather than reprimand; and Paul’s letter has a tone of reassurance and not of rebuke. He wrote them from the city of Rome through the deacon, Tychicus.”</a> <a href="javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote6',%20WPFootnote6%20)"><img src="footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border="0"></a>
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</script>and spur them on to greater perfection. The method of presentation can be seen in the division of the letter: <img src="footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border="0">
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</script>whereas the title of <span style="font-weight: bold">Apostle</span> is one of dignity; the reason is that “he that humbles himself shall be exalted” (Lk. 14:11; 18:14). An Apostle, I mean, <span style="font-weight: bold">of Jesus</span> and not one of the pseudo-apostles who are of Satan: “It is no great thing if his [Satan’s] ministers be transformed as the ministers of justice” (2 Cor. 11:15). I am an apostle, he says, not by my own merits but <span style="font-weight: bold">by the will of God</span>. In many instances it is just the opposite—“They have reigned, but not by me” (Hos. 8:4). <img src="footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border="0">
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</script>Even though by our own merits we were cursed, he blessed us <span style="font-weight: bold">with every spiritual blessing</span> both for soul and for body. For then the body will be spiritual: “It is sown a natural body: it shall rise a spiritual body” (1 Cor. 15:44). [This will occur] by a blessing enjoyed <span style="font-weight: bold">in heavenly places</span>, that is, in heaven, and <span style="font-weight: bold">in Christ</span> since it will be through Christ or by Christ’s action: “For he himself will transform our lowly body” (Phil. 3:21). <img src="footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border="0">
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</script>But when the primary effect [i.e., the perfection of the Universe] is arrived at, no further reason can be given for that effect except the divine will. For instance, God wills that men should have hands that they might be of service to his mind; <a href="javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote16',%20WPFootnote16%20)"><img src="footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border="0"></a>
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</script>and [he wills] man to possess a mind since he wills him to be a man; and he wills man to exist for the sake of the perfection of the Universe. Now since this is what is primarily effected in creation, no further reason for the Universe can be assigned within the domain of creatures themselves; [it lies] rather within the domain of the Creator, which is the Divine Will. <img src="footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border="0">
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<td colspan="2"><b>CHAPTER 1<br>
LECTURE 1</b>
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<blockquote>
From Paul who by God’s decision is apostle of the Messiah Jesus, to the saints (in Ephesus) who are faithful to the Messiah Jesus. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!<br>
<br>
With the full spiritual blessing of the heavens he has blessed us in Christ. For he chose us in him before the world’s foundation<br>
to be holy and faultless before him in love.<br>
He predesignated us to become his children, through Jesus Christ,<br>
his very own, according to his favorable decision—<br>
to the praise of his glorious grace,<br>
<br>
[Read Marcus Barth, on “the Messiah Jesus” (p. 66), on “to be comprehended under one head” (p. 89). ]
</blockquote>
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<blockquote>
1 παῦλος ἀπόστολος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ τοῖς ἁγίοις τοῖς οὖσιν [ἐν ἐφέσῳ] καὶ πιστοῖς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ: 2 χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ θεοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. 3 εὐλογητὸς ὁ θεὸς καὶ πατὴρ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὁ εὐλογήσας ἡμᾶς ἐν πάσῃ εὐλογίᾳ πνευματικῇ ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις ἐν Χριστῷ, 4 καθὼς ἐξελέξατο ἡμᾶς ἐν αὐτῷ πρὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου, εἶναι ἡμᾶς ἁγίους καὶ ἀμώμους κατενώπιον αὐτοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ, 5 προορίσας ἡμᾶς εἰς υἱοθεσίαν διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς αὐτόν, κατὰ τὴν εὐδοκίαν τοῦ θελήματος αὐτοῦ, 6 εἰς ἔπαινον δόξης τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ
</blockquote>
<td>
<blockquote>
1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, to all the saints who are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ, 4 As he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and unspotted in his sight in charity, 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the purpose of his will, 6a Unto the praise of the glory of his grace.
</blockquote>
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<td>Hanc epistolam scribit apostolus ad Ephesios. Ephesii sunt Asiani ab Asia minore, quae est pars Graeciae. Hi non fuerunt per apostolum Paulum in fide fundati, sed confirmati. Iam enim antequam veniret ad eos, erant conversi, ut haberi potest Act. XIX, v. 1: <i>factum est cum Apollo esset Corinthi</i>, et cetera. Post conversionem vero suam et apostoli confirmationem, in fide perstiterunt, nec pseudo receperunt. Non ergo reprehensione, sed consolatione digni erant. Ideo Paulus eis non increpatoriam, sed consolatoriam scribit epistolam. Scribit autem eis ab urbe Roma per Tychicum diaconum.
<td>The Apostle writes this letter to the Ephesians who were Asians, coming from Asia Minor which is part of Greece.
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<td>Intentio vero eius est, eos in bonis habitis confirmare, et ad altiora provocare. Modus autem agendi patet in divisione epistolae.
<td>The Apostle’s intention is to strengthen them in good habits,
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<td>
<p style="margin-left:.3in">Primo ergo ponit salutationem, in qua suum affectum ad eos demonstrat;<br>
secundo narrationem, in qua eos in bonis habitis confirmat, ibi <i>benedictus Deus</i>, etc., usque ad IV cap.;<br>
tertio, exhortationem, in qua eos ad ulteriora bona provocat, a cap. IV usque ad locum illum cap. VI <i>de caetero, fratres, confortamini in domino</i>, etc.;<br>
quarto epistolae conclusionem, in qua eos ad certamen spirituale confortat a loco isto <i>de caetero</i>, usque in finem.
<td>
<p style="margin-left:.3in">First, the greeting, in which he shows his affection for them.<br>
Secondly, the narrative, in which he strengthens them in good habits (1:3-3:21).<br>
Thirdly, the exhortation, in which he urges them on to greater perfection (4:1-6:9).<br>
Fourthly, the conclusion of the letter, in which he fortifies them for the spiritual combat (6:10-24).
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<td>In salutatione primo ponitur persona salutans;<br>
secundo, personae salutatae, ibi <i>sanctis omnibus</i>, etc.;<br>
tertio forma salutationis, ibi <i>gratia vobis</i>, et cetera. In prima, primo nominat personam, ibi <i>Paulus</i>;<br>
secundo personae auctoritatem, ibi <i>apostolus Christi</i>;<br>
tertio auctoritatis datorem, ibi <i>per voluntatem Dei</i>. Dicit ergo: <i>Paulus apostolus</i>. Paulus nomen est humilitatis, apostolus vero nomen dignitatis, quia <i>qui se humiliat, exaltabitur</i>, Lc. XIV, 11 et XVIII, 14. <i>Apostolus</i>, inquam, <i>Iesu</i>, non Satanae, sicut pseudo. V. 11: <i>non est ergo magnum si ministri eius</i>, scilicet Satanae, <i>transfigurentur velut ministri iustitiae</i>, et cetera. Apostolus, inquam, et hoc non meis meritis, sed <i>per voluntatem Dei</i>. Econtra est in multis. Os. VIII, 4: <i>ipsi regnaverunt, et non ex me</i>, et cetera.
<td>In the salutation, the person greeting comes first, second those greeted, and thirdly the formula of greeting. In reference to the first, he gives the name of the person, <span style="font-weight: bold">Paul</span>; second, that person’s authority as an <span style="font-weight: bold">Apostle of Christ</span>; lastly, the giver of this authority, <span style="font-weight: bold">by the will of God</span>. He says Paul which is a name of humility,
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<td><i>Sanctis omnibus</i>, scilicet <i>qui sunt Ephesi, et fidelibus</i>, supple scribit. Vel ego Paulus scribo sanctis exercitio virtutum quo ad mores; fidelibus, rectitudine cognitionis quo ad fidem. Vel sanctis, id est maioribus et perfectis; fidelibus, id est minoribus et imperfectis. <i>Et fidelibus</i>, inquam, <i>in Christo</i>, non in factis suis. <i>Gratia vobis et pax</i>, et cetera.
<td>He writes <span style="font-weight: bold">to all the saints who are at Ephesus and to the faithful</span>. Either [this could mean], I, Paul, write about morals to those who are holy through the exercise of virtues; and about faith to those who believe with true knowledge. Or, [it may mean], to the saints who are the elders and perfect [members], and to the faithful who are less experienced and imperfect. They are said to believe in <span style="font-weight: bold">Christ Jesus</span> and not in their own deeds.
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<td>Hic subditur salutationis forma, in qua implicantur tria, donum quodlibet gratificantia: doni sufficientia, ibi <i>gratia vobis et pax</i>, datoris potentia, ibi <i>a Deo patre</i>, mediatoris excellentia, ibi <i>et domino Iesu Christo</i>. Tunc enim gratum est donum quando sufficiens est quod datur; quando a potente datur, ut quando a rege, vel principe datur; quando per solemnem nuntium datur, ut per filium.
<td>He adds here the formula of greeting which indicates three qualities which make any gift pleasing: the sufficiency of the gift, in <span style="font-weight: bold">grace be to you and peace</span>; the power of the giver, <span style="font-weight: bold">from God our Father</span>; and the excellence of the mediator, <span style="font-weight: bold">and from the Lord Jesus Christ</span>. For a gift is pleasing when what is given is sufficient and is offered by someone in power, as a king or prince, and is presented by a solemn messenger, for example, by his son.
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<td>Dicit ergo: <i>gratia</i>, scilicet iustificationis a culpa, <i>et pax</i>, id est tranquillitas mentis, vel reconciliatio ad Deum, quoad liberationem a debita poena pro offensa. <i>Vobis</i>, supple sit, ex hoc, scilicet <i>a Deo patre nostro</i>, a quo bona cuncta procedunt. Iac. I, 17: <i>omne datum optimum</i>, et cetera. <i>Et domino Iesu Christo</i>, sine quo nulla bona dantur. Ideo fere omnes orationes finiuntur: <i>per dominum nostrum Iesum Christum</i>. Spiritum sanctum non nominat, quia cum sit nexus patris et filii, intelligitur in extremis, vel intelligitur in donis sibi appropriatis, quae sunt gratia et pax.
<td>He mentions <span style="font-weight: bold">grace</span> meaning justification from sin, <span style="font-weight: bold">and peace</span> which is calmness of mind, or reconciliation to God, in regard to the freedom from punishment due to sin. May this be to you from God our Father from whom every good comes: “Every good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (Jam. 1:17). And the Lord Jesus Christ without whom no blessings are given. That is why nearly all the [liturgical] prayers are concluded “through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Holy Spirit is not mentioned in the greeting form ula since he is the bond uniting Father and Son and is understood when they are mentioned; or he is understood in the gifts appropriated to him, grace and peace.
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<td>Deinde cum dicit <i>benedictus Deus</i>, etc., hic, gratias agendo, eos in bono confirmat, et hoc tribus modis.
<td>Then when he says <span style="font-weight: bold">Blessed be God... (v. 3) in giving thanks, he strengthens them in good, and he does this in three ways:</span>
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<td>
<p style="margin-left:.3in">Primo, ratione sumpta ex parte Christi, a quo multa bona adepti sunt, capite isto;<br>
secundo, ratione sumpta ex parte ipsorum, qui de praeterito statu malo, ad bonum praesens translati sunt, cap. II, ibi <i>et vos cum essetis mortui</i>, etc.;<br>
tertio, ratione sumpta ex parte apostoli, cuius ministerio et diligentia in bono statu positi, confirmati sunt, cap. III, ibi <i>huius rei gratia</i>, et cetera.
<td>
<p style="margin-left:.3in">First, by giving as a reason Christ, from whom they have received so many gifts (Ch. 1).<br>
Secondly, by reason of they themselves who have been transformed from a former evil condition to their present good one (Ch. 2).<br>
Thirdly, because of the Apostle himself, whose ministry and solicitude has confirmed them in their good state (Ch. 3).
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<td>Iterum prima in tres dividitur,
<td>The first is divided into three sections:
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<td>
<p style="margin-left:.3in">quia primo gratias agendo, tangit beneficia generaliter;<br>
secundo, beneficia exhibita ipsis apostolis specialiter, ibi <i>quae superabundavit in nobis</i>, etc.;<br>
tertio, beneficia exhibita ipsis Ephesiis specialiter, ibi <i>in quo et vos cum audivissetis</i>, et cetera.
<td>
<p style="margin-left:.3in">First, in giving thanks he touches on blessings in a general way.<br>
Secondly, then the blessings given the Apostles in particular (1:8).<br>
Thirdly, finally the blessings especially granted to the Epbesians themselves (1: 13).
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<td>Beneficia vero exhibita generaliter humano generi tangit sex.
<td>He treats of six blessings offered generally to the human race:
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<td>
<p style="margin-left:.3in">Primum benedictionis, in certitudine futurae beatitudinis, ibi <i>benedictus</i>, et cetera.<br>
Secundum electionis, in praeordinata separatione a massa perditionis, ibi <i>sicut elegit nos in ipso</i>, et cetera.<br>
Tertium praedestinationis, in praeordinata associatione cum bonis, scilicet cum filiis adoptionis, ibi <i>qui praedestinavit nos</i>, et cetera.<br>
Quartum gratificationis, in collatione gratiae, ibi <i>in quo gratificavit nos</i>, et cetera.<br>
Quintum redemptionis, in liberatione a poena, id est, a Diaboli servitute, ibi <i>in quo habemus redemptionem</i>, et cetera.<br>
Sextum remissionis in deletione culpae, ibi <i>remissionem peccatorum</i>, et cetera.
<td>
<p style="margin-left:.3in">First, that of praising [God] in the certainty of future beatitude (1:3).<br>
Secondly, that of being chosen in the foreordained separation from those headed toward destruction: 4).<br>
Thirdly, that of predestination in the foreordained community of the good, namely, of the adopted sons (1:5).<br>
Fourthly, that of becoming pleasing [to God] through the gift of grace: 6b).<br>
Fifthly, that of being redeemed, liberated from the punishment of diabolical slavery: 7a).<br>
Sixthly, that of being pardoned by having sin blotted out (1:7b).
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<td>Circa beneficium benedictionis, tangit duo.
<td>Regarding the benefit of praise (v. 3) two aspects are touched on:
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<td>
<p style="margin-left:.3in">Primo, praeconium, quod debet impendi, ibi <i>benedictus Deus</i>, etc.;<br>
secundo, beneficium, propter quod debet impendi, ibi <i>qui benedixit nos</i>, et cetera.
<td>
<p style="margin-left:.3in">First, the praise itself which should be rendered, at Blessed be God.<br>
Secondly, the blessing on account of which it should be rendered, at who hath blessed us.
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<td>Dicit ergo <i>benedictus</i>, scilicet a me, a vobis, et ab aliis, scilicet corde, et ore, et opere, id est laudatus, <i>Deus et pater</i>, id est ille, qui est Deus per essentiam divinitatis, et pater propter proprietatem generationis. Incidit autem copulatio, non ratione suppositionis, quia idem est suppositum, sed ratione significationis essentialiter et relative. <i>Pater</i>, inquam, <i>domini nostri Iesu Christi</i>, id est filii, qui est dominus noster secundum divinitatem, Iesus Christus secundum humanitatem.
<td>He says that God should be <span style="font-weight: bold">blessed</span> or praised by you, me and others with our hearts, tongues and actions. He who is <span style="font-weight: bold">God</span> by the divine essence <span style="font-weight: bold">and Father</span> because of his property of generating [the Son]. The copula <span style="font-weight: bold">and</span> is not placed between God and Father to designate two separate persons, for there is only one Father, but to denote what he is by his essence and what he is in relation to the Son. <span style="font-weight: bold">Father</span>, I say, of our Lord Jesus Christ, that is, of the Son who is our Lord because of his divinity, and Jesus Christ according to his humanity.
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<td><i>Qui</i>, scilicet Deus, <i>benedixit nos</i> in spe in praesenti, sed in futuro benedicet in re. Ponit autem praeteritum pro futuro propter certitudinem. Benedixit, inquam, nos, licet nostris meritis maledictos, <i>in omni benedictione spirituali</i>, scilicet quantum ad animam, et quantum ad corpus. Tunc enim erit corpus spirituale. I Cor. XV, 44: <i>seminatur corpus animale, resurget corpus spirituale</i>. Benedictione, inquam, habita, <i>in caelestibus</i>, id est in caelo; et hoc, <i>in Christo</i>, id est per Christum, vel in Christo operante. Ipse enim est qui <i>reformabit corpus humilitatis nostrae</i>, etc., Phil. III, 21.
<td>God <span style="font-weight: bold">who has blessed us</span> with hope in the present while in the future he will bless us with the reality. He puts [the verb] in the past tense, instead of the future, on account of his certainty.
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<td>Valde appetenda est benedictio haec. Et ratione efficientis, quia <i>Deus</i> est benedictio haec; et ratione materiae, quia <i>nos benedixit</i>; et ratione formae, quia <i>in omni benedictione spirituali</i> benedicit; et ratione finis, quia <i>in caelestibus</i> benedicit. Ps. CXXVII, 4: <i>ecce benedicetur homo, qui timet dominum</i>.
<td>This blessing is greatly to be desired. And this by reason of its efficient cause since <span style="font-weight: bold">God</span> is the one who blesses; and by reason of its material cause since <span style="font-weight: bold">he has blessed us</span>; and because of the formal cause since he blessed us <span style="font-weight: bold">with every spiritual blessing</span>; and on account of the end, he blessed us <span style="font-weight: bold">in heavenly places</span>. “Behold, thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord” (Ps. 127:4).
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<td>Deinde cum dicit <i>sicut elegit nos</i>, etc., tangitur beneficium electionis, ubi commendatur electio ista, quia libera, ibi <i>sicut elegit nos in ipso</i>, quia aeterna, ibi <i>ante mundi constitutionem</i>, quia fructuosa, ibi <i>ut essemus</i>, etc., quia gratuita, ibi <i>in charitate</i>.
<td>Next (v. 4), he treats of the blessing of election; he sets forth the advantages of this election because: it is free, <span style="font-weight: bold">as he chose us in him</span>; it is eternal, <span style="font-weight: bold">before the foundation of the world</span>; it is fruitful, <span style="font-weight: bold">that we should be holy</span>; and it is gratuitous, <span style="font-weight: bold">in charity</span>.
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<td>Dicit ergo: ita benedicet nos, non nostris meritis, sed ex gratia Christi, <i>sicut elegit nos</i>, et gratis, a massa perditionis separando, praeordinavit nos <i>in ipso</i>, id est per Christum. Io. XV, 16: <i>non vos me elegistis, sed ego elegi vos</i>, et cetera. Et hoc <i>ante mundi constitutionem</i>, id est ab aeterno, antequam fieremus. Rom. IX, 11: <i>cum nondum nati fuissent</i>, et cetera. <i>Elegit</i>, inquam, non quia sancti essemus, quia nec eramus, sed ad hoc elegit nos <i>ut essemus sancti</i>, virtutibus, <i>et immaculati</i>, a vitiis. Utrumque enim facit electio secundum duas partes iustitiae. Ps. XXXIII, v. 15: <i>declina a malo, et fac bonum.</i>
<td>Therefore he states: He blessed us in the same way—not through our merits but from the grace of Christ— <span style="font-weight: bold">as he chose us</span> and, separating us from those headed to destruction, freely foreordained us in him, that is, through Christ. “You have not chosen me; but I have chosen you” (Jn. 15:16). This happened <span style="font-weight: bold">before the foundation of the world</span>, from eternity, before we came into being. For when the children were not yet born, nor had done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election, might stand” (Rom. 9:11). <span style="font-weight: bold">He chose us</span>, I say, not because we were holy—we had not yet come into existence—but that <span style="font-weight: bold">we should be holy</span> in virtues <span style="font-weight: bold">and unspotted</span> by vices. For election performs this twofold action of justice: “Turn away from evil and do good” (Ps. 33:15).
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<td>Sancti, inquam, <i>in conspectu eius</i>, id est interius in corde, ubi ipse solus conspicit. I Reg. XVI, 7: <i>Deus autem intuetur cor</i>. Vel <i>in conspectu eius</i>, id est ut eum inspiciamus, quia visio est tota merces, secundum Augustinum. Et hoc fecit, non nostris meritis, sed in charitate sua, vel nostra, qua nos formaliter sanctificat.
<td><span style="font-weight: bold">Saints</span>, I assert, <span style="font-weight: bold">in his sight</span>; interiorly in the heart where he alone can see: “The Lord sees the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). Or, <span style="font-weight: bold">in his sight</span> may mean that we may gaze on him since the [beatific] vision, according to Augustine, is the whole of our reward. He will accomplish this, not by our merits, but in his charity; or, by our [charity] with which he formally sanctifies us.
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<td>Deinde cum dicit <i>qui praedestinavit</i>, etc., subdit tertium beneficium, scilicet praedestinationis, in praeordinata associatione cum bonis. Ubi circa praedestinationem implicat sex. Primo actum aeternum, ibi <i>praedestinavit</i>,<br>
secundo, temporale obiectum, ibi <i>nos</i>,<br>
tertio, praesens commodum, ibi <i>in adoptionem</i>, etc., quarto, fructum futurum, ibi <i>in idipsum</i>, quinto, modum gratuitum, ibi <i>secundum propositum</i>, sexto, effectum debitum, ibi <i>in laudem gloriae</i>, et cetera.
<td>Then (v. 5) he adds the third blessing, that of predestination in the foreordained community of those who are good. Six characteristics of predestination are sketched here. First, it is an eternal act, <span style="font-weight: bold">having predestinated</span>; secondly, it has a temporal object, <span style="font-weight: bold">us</span>; thirdly, it offers a present privilege, <span style="font-weight: bold">the adoption of children through Jesus Christ</span>; fourthly, the result is future, <span style="font-weight: bold">unto himself</span>; fifthly, its manner [of being realized] is gratuitous, <span style="font-weight: bold">according to the purpose of his will</span>; sixthly, it has a fitting effect, <span style="font-weight: bold">unto the praise of the glory of his grace</span>.
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<td>Dicit ergo <i>qui</i>, scilicet Deus, <i>praedestinavit nos</i>, id est sola gratia praeelegit, <i>in adoptionem filiorum</i>, id est ut associaremur cum aliis filiis adoptionis in bonis, quae habituri sunt; ideo dicit <i>in adoptionem filiorum</i>. Rom. VIII, 15: <i>non enim accepistis spiritum servitutis iterum in timore, sed accepistis spiritum adoptionis filiorum</i>; et infra: <i>adoptionem filiorum expectantes</i>.
<td>Hence he affirms that God, <span style="font-weight: bold">having predestinated us</span>, has fore-chosen us by grace alone <span style="font-weight: bold">unto the adoption of children</span> that we might share with the other adopted children the goods yet to come—thus he says <span style="font-weight: bold">unto the adoption of children</span>. “For you have not received the spirit of bondage again in fear; but you have received the spirit of adoption of sons,” and further on, “waiting for the adoption of the sons of God, the redemption of our body” (Rom. 8:15 & 23).
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<td>Quia vero illud quod fit ignitum, per ignem hoc oportet fieri, quia nihil consequitur participationem alicuius, nisi per id quod est per naturam suam tale: ideo adoptionem filiorum oportet fieri per filium naturalem. Et ideo addit apostolus <i>per Iesum Christum</i>. Et hoc est tertium, quod tangitur in isto beneficio, scilicet mediator alliciens. Gal. IV, 4-5: <i>misit Deus filium suum factum ex muliere, factum sub lege, ut eos qui sub lege erant, redimeret; ut adoptionem filiorum reciperemus</i>. Et hoc <i>in ipsum</i>, id est inquantum ei conformamur, et in spiritu servimus. I Io. III, 1: <i>videte qualem charitatem dedit nobis Deus, ut filii Dei nominemur et simus</i>. Et sequitur ibidem <i>et scimus quoniam cum apparuerit, similes ei erimus</i>.
<td>It must be through contact with fire that something starts to burn since nothing obtains a share in some reality except through whatever is that reality by its very nature. Hence the adoption of sons has to occur through the natural son. For this reason the Apostle adds <span style="font-weight: bold">through Jesus Christ</span>, which is the third characteristic touched on in this blessing, namely, the mediator who draws all to himself. “God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, that he might redeem them who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal. 4:4-5). This is accomplished <span style="font-weight: bold">unto himself</span>, that is, inasmuch as we are conformed to him and become servants in the Spirit. “See what love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; and so we are,” after which comes: “We know that when he shall appear we shall be like him” (1 Jn. 3:1-2).
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<td>Ubi notandum est, quod duplex est similitudo praedestinatorum ad filium Dei, quaedam imperfecta, quae est per gratiam. Et dicitur imperfecta, primo quidem, quia solum est secundum reformationem animae, de qua Col. III: reformamini <i>spiritu mentis vestrae, et induite novum hominem</i>, etc.;<br>
secundo, quia etiam secundum animam habet quamdam imperfectionem, <i>ex parte enim cognoscimus</i>, ut dicitur I Cor. c. XIII, 9. Alia vero similitudo erit perfecta, quae erit in gloria, et quantum ad corpus, Phil. III, v. 21: <i>reformabit corpus humilitatis nostrae, configuratum</i>, etc., et secundum animam, quia <i>cum venerit quod perfectum est, evacuabitur quod ex parte est</i>, I Cor. XIII, 10.
<td>Here it should be noted that the likeness of the predestined to the Son of God is twofold. One is imperfect, it is [the likeness] through grace. It is called imperfect, firstly, becatise it only concerns the reformation of the soul. Regarding this Ephesians 4 (23-24) states: “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, who according to God is created in justice and holiness of truth.” Secondly, even with the soul it retains some imperfection, “for we know in part” (1 Cor. 13:9). However, the second likeness, which will be in glory, will be perfect; both as regards the body—“He will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.” (Phil. 3:21)—and in regard to the soul—“when the perfect comes, the imperfect shall pass away” (1 Cor. 13:10).
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<td>Quod ergo dicit apostolus, quod praedestinavit nos in adoptionem filiorum, potest referri ad imperfectam assimilationem filii Dei, quae habetur in hac vita per gratiam; sed melius est quod referatur ad perfectam filii Dei assimilationem, quae erit in patria, de qua adoptione dicitur Rom. VIII, 23: <i>ingemiscimus adoptionem filiorum Dei expectantes</i>.
<td>What the Apostle says, therefore, about his predestinating us unto the adoption of children can refer to the imperfect assimilation to the Son of God possessed in this life through grace. But it is more probable that it refers to the perfect assimilation to the Son of God which will exist in the fatherland. In reference to this adoption Romans 8 (23) asserts: “Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption of the sons of God.”
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<td>Causa praedestinationis divinae non est necessitas ex parte Dei, nec debitum ex parte praedestinatorum, sed magis est secundum propositum voluntatis suae. In quo, quarto, commendatur beneficium, quia ex amore puro proveniens, quia praedestinatio secundum rationem praesupponit electionem et electio dilectionem. Duplex tamen hic causa huius beneficii immensi assignatur. Una est efficiens, quae est simplex Dei voluntas, ibi <i>secundum propositum voluntatis suae</i>. Rom. IX, 18: <i>cuius vult miseretur, et quem vult indurat</i>. Iac. I, v. 18: <i>voluntarie enim nos genuit verbo veritatis suae</i>. Alia vero causa est finalis, quae est, ut laudemus et cognoscamus bonitatem Dei, quae notatur ibi <i>in laudem gloriae gratiae suae</i>. Et hoc iterum est, a quo commendatur istud excellens beneficium, scilicet servitium sibi conveniens. Causa enim divinae praedestinationis est voluntas mera Dei, finis vero cognitio eius bonitatis.
<td>Divine predestination is neither necessitated on God’s part nor due to those who are predestined; it is rather <span style="font-weight: bold">according to the purpose of his will</span>. This is the fourth characteristic which recommends the blessing to us, for it springs from pure love. Predestination, according to [how man] conceives it, presupposes election, and election love. A twofold cause of this immense blessing is designated here. One is the efficient cause— which is the simple will of God— <span style="font-weight: bold">according to the purpose of his will</span>. “Therefore, he has mercy on whomever he wills; and whomever he wills he hardens” (Rom. 9:18). “Of his own will he has given us birth by the word of truth (Jam. 1:18). <span style="font-weight: bold">Unto the praise of the glory of his grace</span> specifies the final cause which is that we may praise and know the goodness of God. Once again this eminent blessing is recommended inasmuch as the homage [it results in] is in accord with itself. For the [efficient] cause of divine predestination is simply the will of God, while the end is a knowledge of his goodness.
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<td>Unde notandum est, quod Dei voluntas nullo modo habet causam, sed est prima causa omnium. Nihilominus tamen potest ei aliqua ratio assignari dupliciter, scilicet vel ex parte volentis, et sic quaedam ratio divinae voluntatis est eius bonitas, quae est obiectum voluntatis divinae, et movet eam. Unde ratio omnium eorum quae Deus vult, est divina bonitas. Prov. XVI, 4: <i>universa propter semetipsum operatus est Deus</i>. Ex parte autem voliti, ratio divinae voluntatis potest esse aliquod esse creatum, sicut dum vult coronare Petrum, quia legitime certavit; sed hoc non est causa volendi sed est causa quod ita fiat.
<td>Whence it should be realized that Gods will in no way has a cause but is the first cause of everything else. Nevertheless, a certain motive can be assigned to it in two ways. On the part of the one willing, the motive for the divine will is his own goodness which is the object of the divine will, moving it to act. Hence, the reason for everything that God wills is his own goodness: “Yahweh has made everything for his own purpose” (Prov. 16:4). On the side of what is willed, however, some created existent can be a motive for the divine will; for example, when he wills to crown Peter because he has fought well (cf. 2 Tim. 4:7-8). But this latter is not the cause of [God’s] willing; rather it is a cause of it happening the way it did.
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<td>Sciendum tamen est, quod effectus sunt ratio voluntatis divinae ex parte voliti, ita scilicet quod effectus prior sit ratio ulterioris; sed tamen cum venitur ad primum effectum, non potest ultra assignari aliqua ratio illius effectus, nisi voluntas divina; puta, Deus vult hominem habere manum, ut serviat rationi, et hominem habere rationem, quia voluit eum esse hominem, et hominem esse voluit propter perfectionem universi. Et quia hic est primus effectus in creatura, non potest assignari aliqua ratio universi ex parte creaturae, sed ex parte creatoris, quae est divina voluntas.
<td>Nonetheless, it should be acknowledged how, in the realm of what is willed, effects are a motive for the divine will in such a way that a prior effect is the reason for a later one.
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<td>Ergo secundum hunc modum, nec praedestinationis potest ex parte creaturae ratio aliqua assignari, sed solum ex parte Dei. Nam, effectus praedestinationis sunt duo, scilicet gratia et gloria. Effectuum autem qui ad gloriam ordinantur, potest quidem ex parte voliti assignari ratio, scilicet gratia; puta, Petrum coronavit quia legitime certavit, et hoc quia fuit firmatus in gratia; sed gratiae, quae est primus effectus, non potest aliqua ratio assignari ex parte hominis, quod sit ratio praedestinationis; quia hoc esset ponere, quod principium boni operis sit in homine ex seipso et non per gratiam, quod est haeresis Pelagiana, quae dicit principium boni operis esse ex parte nostra. Sic ergo patet, quod ratio praedestinationis est simplex Dei voluntas; propter quod dicit apostolus <i>secundum propositum voluntatis suae</i>.
<td>In this perspective, neither can predestination find any reason on the part of the creature but only on the part of God. For there are two effects of predestination, grace and glory. Within the realm of what is willed [by God], grace can be identified as a reason for the effects which are oriented towards glory. For example, God crowned Peter because he fought well, and he did this because he was strengthened in grace. But no reason for the grace, as a primary effect, can be found on the part of man himself which would also be the reason for predestination. This would be to assert that the source of good works was in man by himself and not by grace. Such was the heretical teaching of the Pelagians who held that the source of good works exists within ourselves. Thus it is evident that the reason for predestination is the will of God alone, on account of which the Apostle says <span style="font-weight: bold">according to the purpose of his will</span>.
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<td>Qualiter autem intelligatur, quod Deus omnia facit et vult propter suam bonitatem, sciendum est, quod aliqua operari propter finem, potest intelligi dupliciter. Vel propter finem adipiscendum, sicut infirmus accipit medicinam propter sanitatem; vel propter amorem finis diffundendi, sicut medicus operatur propter sanitatem alteri communicandam. Deus autem nullo exteriori a se bono indiget, secundum illud Ps. XV, 2: <i>bonorum meorum non eges</i>. Et ideo cum dicitur, quod Deus vult et facit omnia propter bonitatem suam, non intelligitur quod faciat aliquid propter bonitatem sibi communicandam, sed propter bonitatem in alios diffundendam.
<td>To understand how God creates everything and wills it because of his own goodness, it should be realized that someone can work for an end in two ways. [A person may act] either in order to attain an end, as the sick take medicine to regain their health; or [he may act] out of a love of spreading the end, as a doctor will work to communicate health to others. But God needs absolutely nothing external to himself, according to Psalm 16 (2): “Yahweh, you are my Lord; you are my Good; there is none above you. [Vul: you have no need of my goods].” Therefore, when it is said that God wills and performs everything on account of his own goodness, this should not be understood as though he acted in order to confer goodness on himself but rather to communicate goodness to others.
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<td>Communicatur autem divina bonitas creaturae rationali proprie, ut ipsa rationalis creatura eam cognoscat. Et sic omnia quae Deus in creaturis rationalibus facit, creat ad laudem et gloriam suam, secundum illud Is. c. XLIII, 7: <i>omnem, qui invocat nomen meum, in gloriam meam creavi eum</i>, ut scilicet cognoscat bonitatem, et cognoscendo laudet eam. Et ideo subdit apostolus <i>in laudem gloriae gratiae suae</i>, id est ut cognoscat quantum Deus sit laudandus et glorificandus.
<td>This divine goodness is properly communicated to rational creatures in order that the rational creature himself might know it. Thus, everything that God performs in reference to rational creatures is for his own praise and glory, according to Isaiah 43 (7): “Everyone called by my name, whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed and made” so that he may know what goodness is, and in this knowledge praise it. The Apostle thus adds <span style="font-weight: bold">unto the praise of the glory of his grace</span>, that man might realize how much God must be praised and glorified.
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<td>Non dicit autem in laudem iustitiae; nam iustitia ibi locum habet ubi invenitur debitum, vel etiam redditur; quod autem praedestinatur ad vitam aeternam, non est debitum, ut dictum est, sed gratia pure gratis data. Nec solum dicit <i>gloriae</i>, sed addit <i>gratiae</i>, quasi gloriosae gratiae, quae est gratia, in qua ostenditur magnitudo gratiae, quae consistit etiam in magnitudine gloriae, et modo dandi, quia nullis meritis praecedentibus, sed adhuc immeritis existentibus eam dat. Unde Rom. V, 8 s., <i>commendat autem Deus suam charitatem in nobis, quoniam si cum adhuc peccatores essemus, secundum tempus Christus pro nobis mortuus est</i>, etc., et parum post, <i>cum inimici essemus, reconciliati sumus Deo</i>.
<td>Nor does he say “unto the praise of justice.” For justice enters into the picture only where a debt is present or is to be returned. But for man to be predestined to eternal life is not due to him—as was said, it is a grace given in perfect freedom. Nor does he simply say <span style="font-weight: bold">of the glory</span>, but annexes <span style="font-weight: bold">of his grace</span> as though it were of a glorious grace. And grace is just this; the greatness of grace is revealed in that it consists in the greatness of glory. [Its grandeur is shown] also in the way it is bestowed; for he gives it without any preceding merits when men are unworthy of it. “God proves his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us”; and a little further on, “when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Rom. 5:8 & 10).
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<td>Patet ergo quod praedestinationis divinae nulla alia causa est, nec esse potest, quam simplex Dei voluntas. Unde patet etiam, quod divinae voluntatis praedestinantis non est alia ratio, quam divina bonitas filiis communicanda.
<td>By now it must be clear how divine predestination neither has nor can have any cause but the will of God alone. This, in turn, reveals how the only motive for God’s predestinating will is to communicate the divine goodness to others.
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<a name="2" id="2"><img src="footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border="0">
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</script>The latter is the grace dealt with here. <img src="footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border="0">
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</script>Whence he says unto <span style="font-weight: bold">the remission of sins</span>. “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29). “It is written that Christ should suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and that penance and remission of sins should be preached in his name” (Lk. 24:46-47). <img src="footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border="0">
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