Commentary upon the Epistle to the Galatians

Verse. 1. This I say that the heir as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be Lord of all: Verse. 2. But is under tutors and governors, until the time appointed of the Father.

Verse. 1. This I say that the heire as long as he is a childe, differeth nothing from a seruaunt, though he be Lord of all: Verse. 2. But is vnder tutours and gouernours, vntill the time appoynted of the Father.

YE see with what vehement affection Paul goeth about to call back the Galatians,¹ & what strong arguments he useth in debating that matter, gathering similitudes of experience, of the example of Abraham, of the testimonies of the Scripture, and of the time: so that often times he seemeth to renew the whole matter again. For before he had in a manner finished the disputation concerning justification, concluding that a man is justified before God by faith only and alone. But because he calleth also to remembrance this political example of the little heir, he bringeth the same also for the confirmation of his matter. Thus trying every way, he lieth in wait with a certain holy subtlety to take the Galatians unawares. For the ignorant people are sooner persuaded with similitudes and examples, then with deep and subtle disputations. They will rather behold an Image well painted then a book well written. Paul therefore now, after that he hath brought the similitude of a mans testament, of the prison, and of the schoolmaster, useth also this similitude of an heir (which is familiar and well known to all men) to move and to persuade them. And surely it is a very profitable thing to be furnished with similitudes and examples: which not only Paul, but also the Prophets, & Christ himself also did often use.

YE see with what vehement affection Paule goeth about to call backe the Galathians,¹ & what strong arguments he vseth in debating that matter, gathering similitudes of experience, of the example of Abraham, of the testimonies of the Scripture, and of the time: so that often times he semeth to renew the whole matter againe. For before he had in a maner finished the disputation concerning iustification, concluding that a man is iustified before God by faith only and alone. But because he calleth also to remembraunce this politicall example of the little heire, he bringeth the same also for the confirmation of his matter. Thus trying euery way, he lyeth in waite with a certaine holy subtiltie to take the Galathiās vnwares. For the ignorāt people are sooner perswaded with similitudes and examples, then with deepe and subtill disputations. They will rather behold an Image well painted then a booke well written. Paule therfore now, after that he hath brought the similitude of a mans testament, of the prison, and of the scholemaister, vseth also this similitude of an heyre (which is familiar and wel known to al men) to moue and to perswade them. And surely it is a very profitable thing to be furnished with similitudes and examples: which not onely Paul, but also the Prophets, & Christ himselfe also did often vse.