My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
Ver. 1. Be not many masters] Masters of opinions, that boldly obtrude upon others their own placits, and will not have them disputed or debated. Such are the Sorbonists, who rejoice to be called Magistri nostri Parisienses, our Masters of Paris. Bacon, the Carmelite, was called Doctor resolutissimus, because he would endure no guessing or maybes. (Praefat. in 1 Sent.) The pope's parasites persuade the people, that what interpretation soever he gives of Scripture, be it right or wrong, it is without further trial to be received as the very word of God. Est ipsissimum Dei verbum. (Hosius.)
Knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation] sc. If either we become heresiarchs and sect masters, Revelation 19:20, or supercilious censurers of others, Matthew 7:1; Romans 2:1 .
a A leader or founder of a heresy. ŒD