Commentary upon the Epistle to the Galatians

I take this clause to be spoken by way of derision. And yet I deny not but that it may be also expounded morally: to wit,¹ that they which do the law civilly and externally, that is, without faith, shall live in it: that is to wit, they shall not be punished, but shall have corporal rewards through it. But I understand this place generally, as I do that saying of Christ: Do this and thou shalt live: so that a man may take it to be spoken in manner of a taunt or derision. Now, Paul here goeth about to show what is the very true righteousness of the law and of the Gospel.² The righteousness of the law is to fulfil the law according to that saying: He that shall do those things shall live in them. The righteousness of faith is to believe according to that saying: The righteous man doth live by faith. ³The law therefore requireth that we should yield somewhat unto God. But faith requireth no works of us, or that we should give any thing unto God, but that we believing the promise of God, should receive of him. Therefore the office of the law in his highest perfection is to work,⁴ as the office of faith is to assent unto the promises. For faith is the faith of the promise, and the work is the work of the law. Paul therefore standeth upon this word Doing: and that he may plainly show what is the confidence of the law and what is the confidence of works, he compareth the one with the other, the promise with the law, and faith with works. He saith that of the law there cometh nothing else but only Doing: but faith is a clean