Commentary on the First Book of the Sentences - Sacred Doctrine, the Trinity, Predestination, and Creation, Volume I - Gregorius de Arimino

This first volume presents Gregory of Rimini’s scholastic commentary on the First Book of the Sentences of Peter Lombard, a foundational medieval theological text. Written within the late Augustinian tradition, the work is marked by rigorous logical analysis and a strong emphasis on divine sovereignty and theological precision.

The commentary begins with the nature of sacred doctrine, examining theology as a science grounded in divine revelation and ordered toward the knowledge of God. Gregory carefully distinguishes between natural and supernatural knowledge, emphasizing the dependence of theology on revealed truth.

A central portion is devoted to the doctrine of the Trinity, where he analyzes the unity of divine essence and the distinction of persons through relations of origin. His treatment reflects a careful commitment to doctrinal orthodoxy while employing precise scholastic distinctions.

The work also addresses predestination, a key theme in Gregory’s theology, emphasizing the absolute priority of divine will and foreknowledge in the order of salvation. He explores the implications of grace, foreordination, and human dependence on divine causality.

Finally, the volume treats creation, explaining the origin of the world ex nihilo and its continual dependence on God as first cause. Gregory presents creation as a free and ordered act of divine will, grounding all being in God’s sustaining power.

Throughout the volume, Gregory of Rimini employs a highly analytical and methodical style, characteristic of the late medieval scholastic tradition, with a strong focus on logical clarity and theological necessity.