Original Douay–Rheims Annotations1 Timothy 1
English College of Douai–Rheims
Read 1 Timothy 1 in the Bible1 Timothy 1:4
To fables.
He speaketh specially of the Jews' after-doctrines and human constitutions repugnant to the laws of God, whereof Christ giveth warning Mt. 23 and in other places, which are contained in their Cabala and Talmud: ◦ generally of all heretical doctrines, which indeed, how so ever the simple people be beguiled by them, are nothing but fabulous inventions, as we may see in the Valentinians, Manichees, and others of old: by the brethren of love, Puritans, Anabaptists, and Calvinists of our time. For which cause Theodorete entitleth his book against Heretics, Hereticarum fabularum, Of Heretical fables.
- ◦ All heretical doctrine is fables.
Questions.
◦ Let our loving brethren consider whether these contentious and curious questionings and disputes in religion, which these unhappy heresies have engendered, have brought forth any increase of good life, any devotion, or edification of faith and religion in our days, and then shall they easily judge of the truth of these new opinions, and the end that will follow of these innovations. In truth all the world now seeth they edify to Atheism and no otherwise.
- ◦ Curious questioning in religion.
1 Timothy 1:5
The end Charity.
Here again it appeareth, that Charity is the chief of all virtues, and the end, consummation, and perfection of all the law and precepts. and yet the Adversaries are so fond as to prefer faith before it, yea to exclude it from our justification. Such obstinacy there is in them that have once in pride & stubbornness forsaken the evident truth. ◦ Charity doubtless which is here commended, is justice it-self, and the very formal cause of our justification, as the works proceeding thereof, be the works of justice. Charitas inchoata (saith S. Augustine) inchoata iustitia: Charitas provecta, provecta iustitia: Charitas magna, magna iustitia: Charitas perfecta, perfecta iustitia est. Charity now beginning, is justice beginning: Charity grown or increased, is justice grown or increased: great charity, is great justice: perfect Charity, is perfect justice. Li. de nat. & grat. c. 70.
- ◦ Charity the very formal cause of our justification.
1 Timothy 1:7
Desirous to be Doctors.
◦ It is the proper vice both of Judicial and of Heretical false teachers, to profess knowledge and great skill in the Law and Scriptures, being indeed in the sight of the learned most ignorant of the word of God, not knowing the very principles of divinity, even to the admiration truly of the learned that read their books, or hear them preach.
- ◦ Heretics great boasters, but unlearned.
1 Timothy 1:9
The law not made to the just.
◦ By this place and the like, the Libertines of our days would discharge themselves (whom they count just) from the obedience of laws. But the Apostle's meaning is that the just man doth well, not as compelled by law or for fear of punishment due to the transgressors thereof, but of grace & mere love toward God & all goodness, most willingly, though there were no law to command him.
- ◦ Libertines allege scripture.
1 Timothy 1:20
Delivered to Satan.
[1] Hymenæus and Alexander are here excommunicated for falling from their faith & teaching heresy: an example unto Bishops to use their spiritual power upon such. In the primitive Church, corporal affliction through the ministry of Satan was joined to excommunication. Where we see also the devil's readiness to invade them that are cast out by excommunication, from the fellowship of the faithful, and the supereminent power of Bishops in that case. Whereof S. Hierom (ep. 1. ad Heliod. c. 7.) hath these memorable words: God forbid (saith he) I should speak sinistrously of them, who succeeding the Apostles in degree, make Christ's body
- 1 Excommunication of Heretics, and the effect thereof.
Original Douay–Rheims Annotations — English College of Douai–Rheims. CC0 1.0
1 Timothy 1:3
Not to teach otherwise.
[1] The proper mark of Heretics & false preachers, is, to teach otherwise or contrary to that which they found taught and believed generally in the unity of the Catholic Church before their time: all doctrine that is odd, singular, new, differing from that which was first planted by the Apostles, and descended down from them to all nations and ages following without contradiction, being assuredly erroneous. [2] The Greek word which the Apostle here useth, expresseth this point so effectually, that in one compound term he giveth us to wit, that an Heretic is nothing else but an after-teacher, or teacher-otherwise. which even it-self alone is the easiest rule even for the simple to discern a false Prophet or preacher by, specially when an heresy first beginneth. [3] Luther found all Nations Christian at rest and peace in one uniform faith, and all preachers of one voice and doctrine touching the B. Sacrament and other Articles: so that what so ever he taught against that which he found preached and believed, must needs be another doctrine, a later doctrine, an after-teaching or teaching-otherwise, and therefore consequently must needs be false. And by this admonition of S. Paul, all Bishops are warned to take heed of such, and specially to provide that no such odd teachers arise in their dioceses.