Fulgentius of Ruspe

In his own words on 1 Timothy

• 1 Timothy 1:6

  In the ark and in the house, one and the same church was prefigured. As for those who perished outside the ark in the flood and in those who died by the sword outside that house, a twofold mystery can be considered: In the flood the baptism of Christians is prefigured. So it seems to me to apply now for the current time, and not unfittingly. Heretics, if they remain outside the church, by their baptism, deserve punishment, not life. Those who, denying Christ, leave the church catholic, will perish in eternal punishment. For blessed Peter expounds the mystery of the ark in these words, … "while God patiently waited in the days of Noah during the building of the ark in which a few persons, eight in all, were saved through water: this prefigured baptism, which saves you now; it is not a removal of dust from the body but an appeal to God for a clean conscience." With similar intent the apostle Paul teaches, "The aim of this instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith."

  ON THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS 1.20

• 1 Timothy 3:15

  We know through the grace of God that the holy church is called a virgin, as the apostle says, "I betrothed you to one husband to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ," but in that one virgin herself, virgins in the plural are also named. For we read, "Virgins will be brought to the king after her." Nor is there any doubt that there is one church which is spread throughout the whole world which is called by the apostle "the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth." Still this is one church in such a way that in it many are called churches.

  LETTERS 14.7