Chapter II: The Various Acts of Divine Providence
CHAPTER II: WHAT ACTS THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD INCLUDES
§ 15. The foreknowledge [πρόνοια] of God in its own [proper] meaning includes three things: foreknowledge of things (for there can be no care for something unknown), the will and concern to foresee (for the will is the beginning of every action), and the action itself by which matters are taken care of and governed. Therefore providence consists of these three: πρόγνωσις [“foreknowledge”], πρόθεσις [“purpose”] or προορισμός [“predetermination”], and διοίκησις [“administration, control”]. Thus Hugh of St. Victor declares: “There are three things to consider in God’s providence: His knowledge that directs, His will that commands, and His power that accomplishes.”
1 This word is related etymologically to 
, the word translated “hold together” in Col. 1:17.