16. Concerning types.

D. What is a type? M. That which we call a figure, or form, as for example the Apostle says, "For all things happened to them by way of a figure" (1 Cor 10:11). And again, "Adam, who is the form of the one to come" (Rom 5:14). Nor indeed is it beside the point that some one thing is indicated by many terms. D. What then is a type, or figure? M. The manifestation of unknown things, present, or past, or future, through deeds (in view of the fact that they are deeds).

[2] D. Give the types of past things. M. For example, the lowliness of the catechumens. For they bear the type of Adam, shut out of paradise and from an awareness of his sins fearing the divine gaze, because of which they walk even in public with heads covered.

[3] D. Give in present things. M. For example, Aaron's robe, which bore the names of the twelve tribes engraved in stones (Ex 28:9-12), showing that he so to speak was supplicating on behalf of all the people.

[4] D. Give concerning future things. M. In these there is no difficulty; still, from an overabundance, as for example the two Testaments were shown in the case of the two sons of Abraham (Gal 4:24).

[5] D. Since we have said that there is almost the same definition even concerning prophecy, what is the difference? M. That in prophecy by means of words (in view of the fact that they are words) future things are indicated; but events are declared in types from events. Nevertheless, these two can be so confused in definition that we say that prophecy is a type in words, in view of the fact that there are words, and conversely, a type is a prophecy in events, to what extent the events are recognized to exist.