A06492:1346
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.
Paul labouring by all means possible to call the Galatians back again, reasoneth now by his own example.1 I have procured to my self (sayeth he) the hatred and persecution of the Priests and Elders, and of my whole nation, because I take away righteousness from circumcision: which if I would attribute unto it, the Jews would ⟨image 243⟩not only cease to persecute me, but also would love and highly commend me. But now, because I preach the Gospel of Christ & the righteousness of Faith, abolishing the law & circumcision, therefore I suffer persecution.2 Contrariwise the false apostles, to avoid the cross, and this deadly hatred of the Jewish nation, do preach circumcision: and by this means they obtain and retain the favour of the Jews: as he sayeth in the .6. Chapt. following:3 They compel you to be circumcised, &c. Moreover, they would gladly bring to pass, that there should be no dissension, but peace and concord between the Gentiles and the Jews.4 But that is impossible to be done without the loss of the doctrine of Faith, which is the doctrine of the cross and full of offences. Wherefore when he sayeth: If I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the slander of the cross abolished: he meaneth that it were a great absurdity and inconvenience if the offence of the cross should cease. After the same manner he speaketh.5 1. Cor. 1. Christ sent me to preach the Gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. As if he said: I would not that the offence and cross of Christ should be abolished.
Paule labouring by all meanes possible to call the Galathians backe againe, reasoneth now by his owne example.1