Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans

9 And I say that Jesus Christ. Now he showeth how Christ hath received us all: where he leaveth no difference between the Jews and Gentiles, save that he was first promised to the Jews, and in a manner peculiarly appointed to them, before he should be exhibited to the Gentiles. Howbeit he showeth that even in that, which was the cause of all contentions, there was no difference between them: because he collected or gathered them both, from a miserable dissipation or dispersion, and being gathered together hath brought them into the kingdom of the father, that they might be one flock in one fold, under one shepherd.

9 And I say that Iesus Christe. Nowe he sheweth howe Christ hath receiued vs all: where hee leaueth no difference betweene the Iewes and Gentiles, saue that he was first promised to the Iewes, and in a manner peculierly appointed to them, before hee shoulde be exhibited to the Gentiles. Howbeit he sheweth that euen in that, which was the cause of all contentions, there was no difference betweene them: because hee collected or gathered them both, from a miserable dissipation or dispersion, and being gathered together hath brought them into the kingdome of the father, that they might bee one flocke in one folde, vnder one sheepehearde.

Thereupon he inferreth, that they ought to agree amongst themselves, and not contemn one another, seeing Christ did contemn neither of them. First therefore he speaketh of the Jews, and saith, Christ was sent unto them, that he might fulfil the trueth of God, in performing the promises given to the fathers. And this is a singular honour, that Christ being Lord ⟨image 204⟩of heaven and earth, became flesh, that he might serve to their salvation. For the more he humbled himself for their sake, the more he honoured them. And that he taketh as undoubted for a thing confessed: whereby it is more wonderful, that there should be so great impudency in certain frenzy heads, that they doubt not to conclude in the flesh, and tie unto this present world, all the promises of the old Testament. And least the Gentiles should arrogate to themselves any dignity above the Jews, Paul plainly denounceth that salvation which Christ brought, in respect of the covenant, to be proper unto the Jews: because by his coming he fulfilled that which the Father in old time promised to Abraham, and so was the minister of that people. Whereby it followeth, that the old covenant indeed was spiritual, notwithstanding it was annexed unto earthly figures. For that accomplishment of the which Paul now speaketh, must needs he referred unto eternal salvation. Finally, least any should cavil, that salvation was only promised to the nephews, seeing the covenant was committed to the hands of Abraham, expressly he bindeth the promises to the fathers. Therefore either the virtue of Christ shall be contained in corporal benefits, or the covenant made with Abraham is extended further then to the flesh.