Abstract:

St. Thomas Aquinas (1224/25-74) was a commentator on Scripture and an academic theologian whose prodigious theological output earned him the titles "Angelic Doctor" and "Common Doctor." This dissertation examines the theology of the episcopacy that he develops in his commentaries on the Pastoral Epistles (PE): 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus. The theme of these letters, according to Aquinas, is the grace of the Holy Spirit in the episcopal office.

Chapter 1 shows that, although theological discourse on the episcopacy since the Second Vatican Council has focused primarily on issues of collegiality, the Council itself invites consideration of the episcopal office as held and exercised by individual bishops in their own right. Aquinas's commentaries or lectures (lectura ) on the PE are distinctive and overlooked theological resources for this question. Chapter 1 then reviews current scholarship on Aquinas's theology of bishops, pointing out a lacuna in studies on the PE lectures. Chapter 2 introduces the lectures on the PE, their dating, the provenance of manuscripts, and the method of theological development within the commentaries. Chapters 3 through 5 examine in turn the theology of the episcopacy found in the lectures on 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. Particular attention is devoted to Aquinas's treatment of the nature, purpose, requisite virtues, disqualifying vices, special duties, and particular graces of the episcopal office. Chapter 6 provides a systematically ordered summary of findings: in his PE lectures, Aquinas describes the episcopacy as a state of perfection (status perfectionis ) wherein the prelate ought both to enjoy profound intimacy with Christ and to love and serve others by leading them to that same intimacy. In doing this, the prelate secures and promotes ecclesial unity. Episcopal teaching and governing duties, along with the graces of the episcopal state follow from and support this fundamental mission. Aquinas grounds effective pastoral work on the quality of the bishop's interior life. Thus construed, the episcopal office demands profound holiness, erudition, and pastoral skill. The dissertation concludes by indicating further avenues of study, examining the value of Aquinas's work for the contemporary theological discussion of the episcopacy.