Commentarii in Epistolas D. Pauli ad Timoth. ad Titum, et ad Philem. facili et perspicua methodo conscripti. A D. Benedicto Aretio bernensi theologo. Cum indice rerum memorabilium quae in hisce conti

to be retained and propagated, of which these are the members here. In the beginning, how this is to be defended and what its principal corruptions are. Next, he deals with the true use of the Law. Third, concerning his own calling and the truth of the doctrine. Fourth, hence he breaks out into a δοξολογίαν doxology to God. Fifth, he returns to Timothy, whom he excites with new arguments to apply vigilance in his office. These five are the members of this place. We shall now deal with the first.

Concerning the defense of true doctrine.

The proposition is that Timothy and every minister of the churches must take care as studiously as possible that they defend sound doctrine against any corruptions whatsoever as constantly as possible. And because the Apostle is about to command this, he first placed a suitable person in charge of that Church. Therefore, we learn that it is necessary for all churches (so that they may be safer against corruptions) to have remaining, and dwelling within them, suitable ministers. The reason is that the Apostle did this in the Ephesian Church, for he left Timothy remaining there for some time as a minister. Thus, he left Titus in Crete (Tit. 1, v. 5), and in Acts 14, v. 21, he testifies that Paul and Barnabas appointed pastors and presbyters in all the churches.

Why Timothy was left at Eph.

The first reason for the proposition may be sought from here, from the end of the apostolic counsel. Timothy was left at Ephesus for this end; therefore, he must diligently apply himself to this. Thus, it is valid for a general