A06492:1273
Commentary upon the Epistle to the Galatians
A commentary of M. Doctor Martin Luther upon the Epistle of S. Paul to the Galatians first collected and gathered word by word out of his preaching, and now out of Latin faithfully translated into English for the unlearned. Wherein is set forth most excellently the glorious riches of Gods grace ...A commentarie of M. Doctor Martin Luther vpon the Epistle of S. Paul to the Galathians first collected and gathered vvord by vvord out of his preaching, and novv out of Latine faithfully translated into English for the vnlearned. Wherein is set forth most excellently the glorious riches of Gods grace ...
London: printed by Thomas Vautroullier dwelling wihtin sic, 1575London: printed by Thomas Vautroullier dvvelling vvihtin sic, 1575
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
This is therefore a most certain and clear sentence, that Christ is unprofitable, that is to say, he is borne, crucified and risen again in vain to him that is circumcised, that is, which putteth his trust in circumcision. For (as I have said before) Paul speaketh not here of the work of circumcision (which hurteth not him that hath no affiance or opinion of righteousness in it):1 but of the use of the work, that is to say of the confidence and righteousness that is annexed to the work: For we must understand Paul according to the matter whereof he entreateth, or according to the argument which he hath in hand: which is, that men ⟨p. 226⟩be not justified by the law, by works, by circumcision or such like. He saith not that works of them selves are nothing, but the confidence & righteousness of works are nothing: for that maketh Christ unprofitable. Therefore who so receiveth circumcision with this opinion that it is necessary to justification, to him Christ availeth nothing.
This is therfore a most certaine and cleare sentence, that Christ is vnprofitable, that is to say, he is borne, crucified and risen againe in vaine to him that is circumcised, that is, which putteth his trust in circumcision. For (as I haue sayd before) Paule speaketh not here of the worke of circumcision (which hurteth not him that hath no affiance or opinion of righteousnes in it):1 but of the vse of the worke, that is to say of the confidence and righteousnes that is annexed to the worke: For we must vnderstand Paule according to ye matter wherof he intreateth, or according to the argument which he hath in hand: which is, that mē ⟨p. 226⟩be not iustified by the lawe, by works, by circumcision or such like. He sayth not that workes of them selues are nothing, but the confidence & righteousnes of workes are nothing: for that maketh Christe vnprofitable. Therfore who so receaueth circumcision with this opinion that it is necessary to iustification, to him Christ auaileth nothing.
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