Thomas Aquinas

This epistle is divided into a greeting, and a narration. The second part begins at "I give thanks." Again, first the person greeting is set down; second, the person greeted; third, the goods wished for.

The person greeting is described from the name "Paul," which signifies smallness, which befits him on account of humility of mind and tribulation, which make a man small — to such an extent that Christ is said to have been made small on account of his sufferings. Heb. 2:9: "him who was made a little lower than the Angels," etc. Again, from dignity, which he sets down first; second, the origin of the dignity; third, the fruit.

The dignity is great, because he is "an apostle of Jesus Christ," that is, sent by Christ. Lk. 6:13: "he chose twelve from among them, whom he also named apostles." He obtained this dignity because he labored more than all, 1 Cor. 15:10, and Gal. 2:8: "he who worked in Peter unto the apostolate of the circumcision worked also in me among the Gentiles."

The origin of the apostolate is the will of God, whence he says "through the will of God" — which some forestall, because they thrust themselves in; against whom it is said, Heb. 5:4: "no one takes the honor to himself, but he who is called by God, as Aaron was." Again, some are permitted it on account of the sins of the people. Job 34:30: "who makes a hypocrite man to reign, on account of the sins of the people." But this is "through the will of God," which he says, because not through his own will.

The fruit, however, is not something earthly, but "according to the promise of life, which is," etc., that is, for obtaining the eternal life promised by Christ. This ought to be the end of prelates. 1 Cor. 9:25: "they indeed that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one." Dan. 12:3: "they who instruct many unto justice, as stars unto perpetual eternities."

The person greeted is Timothy, his son, converted by him, Acts 16:1. "Dearest," because of one mind with him. Phil. 2:20: "I have no one so of one mind," etc.

The goods wished for are three, namely "grace," through which there is remission of sins; "mercy," through which we obtain the final good; "peace" — the Gloss: that is, tranquility of mind; this befits a prelate, who is appointed for this, that he may procure peace. In John, the Lord said: "peace be to you"; and he commanded those entering a house to offer peace, as is found in Matt. 10:12. And this "from God the Father," who is the giver of every good, Jas. 1:5. Again, "from Jesus Christ," who is mediator inasmuch as he is man, of God and men. 2 Pet. 1:4: "through whom he has given us the greatest and precious promises."