On the Inscription of the Titles
In inscriptione titulorum
Two types of pillar ideas§1
1It appears then that two kinds of pillar ideas are hypothesized; for he would not, while accepting the one of Jacob with fame, have valued the ones of the opponents as impiously founded.
But there they print demonic images of idolatry notoriously; whereas the one of the forefather Jacob, he does not show to have the same character as those.
for that righteous man, who was struck by the Holy Spirit, first indeed sees the very bodily form of Christ being pre-drawn clearly, which is visible and having a local description; second, he records also the victorious trophy of the cross, being depicted as a ladder closely. For by this indeed he was supported from above, having drawn all things toward himself.
It is possible, then, to see and understand how the sufferings of the trials are called a ladder, when some speak unclearly [...]
Greek · §1
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The Vision of the Cross and the Temple§2
2He was describing ascents and descents, and the shape of the cross resembled somewhat a ladder, being joined by straight and slanted timbers.
So, having recounted such a vision, he lifted the stone upon which he had rested his head in peace, and he set it up as a pillar in memory of the history, and an image of the person appearing to him that represented it, in which he established a renewal of memory, foretelling him as a house of God; he was building the temple of the Word of God, just as he himself was saying, 'Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up' (John 2:19).
Already he also named the same thing the gate of heaven, because, being cleansed in body and soul through Christ's work, we are able to approach by divine nature.
Greek · §2
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The Oil and the Two Nations§3
3Therefore, even the oil did not pour idly to the top of the column; but this was indeed a sign of that which Mary was diligently performing, pouring myrrh from the top onto the feet of Christ. And this again happened to be that message of the burial, as the Lord himself clearly made known without ambiguity. And this stone represents that cornerstone, which those building rejected, but it became a head of the corner (Psalm 118:22).
Two nations and two peoples the divine writings declare. And Moses is a witness to this; for in the creation, indeed, recounting the life of Rebekah, he says how she went forth to inquire of the Lord concerning those things which she had conceived. And then again he says: 'The Lord said to her: Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from your belly' (Genesis 25:23).
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The Two Peoples and the Divine Throne§4
4They shall be spread out, and one people shall surpass another, and the greater shall serve the lesser. For indeed there are many nations and many peoples that happen to be, but these two alone are called peoples, who were honored to have the doctrine of piety handed to them—and he mentions neither schisms, nor heresies, nor sects—but indeed they are two peoples spread out over much of the earth, both Christians and Jews.
And the greater, being older in time but lacking in virtue, shall serve the newer; for the foolish shall serve the wise, he said. Therefore, from this, he beforehand wrote of him sitting upon a throne, indicating that he has been shown to be co-throned with the most divine Spirit through the God dwelling in him continually.
Greek · §4
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