{Commentarii in Epistolam D. Pauli ad Ephesios, facili et perspicua methodo conscripti. A D. Benedicto Aretio bernensi theologo. Cum indice rerum memorabilium quae in hisce continentur. Posterior haec}

of the Evangelical truth. Finally, to defend himself and his doctrine from these calumnies.

THE GENRE OF THE WRITING.

Since they had once received the sound doctrine, and had allowed its sincerity to be corrupted, the whole Epistle strives for its restitution, therefore it belongs to Epanorthosis correction/amendment. For it is certain that this is the scope, to correct corruptions, which if they had not occurred, he would not have been writing such an Epistle. The main corruptions, however, were that some had allowed themselves to be circumcised, as if circumcision were necessary for salvation, while others observed a choice of times and foods, as if they could not be saved in Christ without these. Added to this are special points, by which the correction is treated more conveniently, such as the Apologetic, by which he defends himself and his own person, and shows how he had conversed with the Apostles. Then also comes the ἐλενκτικοὶ refutatory (as can be seen in chapters 1, 3, and 4), by which he chides them severely, as fools, superstitious, inconstant, and too easy to fall. Some things are διδακτικά didactic/instructive, by which he confirms the justice of faith against the merits of works and the dignity of circumcision. Likewise, where he teaches the necessary abrogation of the law: as is to be seen in chapters 2, 3, 4, and partly 5. Added also are certain προτρεπτικά exhortatory (points), by which he severely exhorts to good works and the duty of the reborn man, likewise that they should return to that simplicity of doctrine which they had received from Paul. Besides, there are certain παραινετικὰ admonitory (points)