The church has never lacked teachers above the faithful people; faith itself requires theological science in the church

And certainly the church never existed without such men, who by doctrine in divine things stood above the pious and faithful people. For of old doctors of that kind were the patriarchs and the prophets, who had their own schools and disciples — those called in Scripture the sons of the prophets. A school of that kind is thought to have been the hill of God mentioned in (1 Samuel 10). And it is thought to have taken that name because divine teaching was handed down there. Likewise in (2 Chronicles 34) mention is made of the Mishneh, in which Huldah the prophetess is said to have lived. That word is translated by many as school, or college, which our French version has followed. For from the usage of the Chaldee and Rabbinic tongue the root signifies to learn and to teach. Whence the Talmudic text is called by the Hebrews the Mishnah, as if you were to say doctrine, or discipline, by a certain antonomasia.

After the times of the prophets also the Jewish church had its own theologians, who were called Wise Men, Masters, and Scribes. With that title Ezra himself is marked in the book that bears his name. And of this same kind were those who in the Gospel are called doctors and experts of the law. From them Christ, taking away the key of knowledge, handed it to the apostles, and to pastors and teachers, who for their part are their successors.

But besides ordinary bishops and pastors, in whom at least some knowledge of theology is required, the Christian church from the beginning has had its own schools, and doctors professing sacred teaching in them and expounding the divine writings. Especially famous was the Alexandrian school, in which, if Jerome is believed in his book On Ecclesiastical Writers, there had been in an unbroken series, from the times of the evangelist Mark down to Jerome's own times, ecclesiastical doctors. Of whom Pantaenus is especially remembered, and Clement of Alexandria, who succeeded him.

And certainly from the very necessity of faith the necessity of theological science is inferred. For faith cannot be propagated and endure unless there are those who teach, commend, and defend the faith. But it is not for every believer to do this — only for those who are skilled in Scripture and in divine things. So for the preservation of the faith and of the church, and consequently for the salvation of men, theology is necessary: that is, in the church there must be men skilled in divine things, who generate, foster, and nourish faith in others — though it is not necessary that each person be so taught and skilled.