The purpose here is not to formulate or prove any theory in
regard to Christ's increase in knowledge, but to endeavor to
reach the exact meaning of the texts with which we are con-
cerned. Certainly we hold that Jesus' experimental knowledge ^
increased since He was truly man and had human faculties, but
we wish to point out that this is not stated in Luke ii. 52. An
account of any of Christ's experiences or actions which repre-
sents Him as using His mental faculties would be as serviceable
for indicating His increase in experimental knowledge, as this
text which merely says that He proceeded in wisdom.'

to have power over Himaelf ." Some of the Fathers (perhaps on account of the con-
flict with Arianism) explain Lk. ii. 5i, that Christ advanced according to human
nature. Theodoret, one of the latter explaining Christ's advance in wisdom, uses
Lk. ii. 49, as we have done. (De Incamatione, M.PG LXXIV. 73.)

1 Saint Luke, 36.
' Christ possessed a threefold knowledge: (1) that derived from the Beatific
Vision of God, (2) infused knowledge, and (3) acquired or experimental knowledge.
