Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

S. Paul in his Epistle to the Rom. 16.26. and to the Galath. 4.4. calls this year the fullness of time. We have also seen heretofore that the Prophet in Chap. 49.8. said, Behold the acceptable time, behold the day of salvation: which sentence S. Paul in 2. Cor. 6.2. applies to his preaching of the Gospel. For when the Lord summons us thereby, then is the gate of heaven set open unto us, that we should forthwith enter into the possession of Gods graces. We must not therefore put it off till to morrow; but we must make use of the time, and take the occasion whilst so large mercies are offered unto us.

S. Paul in his Epistle to the Rom. 16.26. and to the Galath. 4.4. calles this yeere the fulnes of time. We haue also seene heretofore that the Prophet in Chap. 49.8. said, Behold the acceptable time, behold the day of saluation: which sentence S. Paul in 2. Cor. 6.2. applies to his preaching of the Gospell. For when the Lord summons vs thereby, then is the gate of heauen set open vnto vs, that wee should forthwith enter into the possession of Gods graces. Wee must not therefore put it off till to morrow; but wee must make vse of the time, and take the occasion whilest so large mercies are offered vnto vs.

But here seems to be a repugnancy between these two, namely, Quest. the acceptable year, and the day of vengeance. What is the reason why Isaiah hath joined things so different together? Truly, Ans. because God can not work the deliverance of his Church, but he must therewithal show himself a just Judge in revenging himself upon the wicked. The acceptable time then is to be referred unto the elect: and the day of vengeance unto the wicked, who never cease persecuting of the Church. It is needful therefore that in the deliverance thereof they should be chastised. According to which Paul saith,