Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans

First, he giveth to God only all glory: secondly, to the end he might show how it is due unto him, by the way he rehearseth certain virtues of his, whereby appeareth, he only is worthy of all praise. He saith he is only wise: which praise whiles it is given to him, it is taken from all the creatures. Although Paul seemeth, after he hath spoken of the secrete counsel of God, purposely to have added this praise, that he might draw all men into reverence and admiration of the wisdom of God. For we know, when men in the works of God find not out the cause, how ready they are to murmur. By adding that God is able to confirm the Romans, he assureth them of final perseverance.

First, hee giueth to God onely all glory: secondly, to the ende hee might shewe howe it is due vnto hym, by the way hee rehearseth certaine vertues of his, whereby appeareth, he onely is worthie of all praise. Hee saith hee is onely wise: which prayse whiles it is giuen to him, it is taken from all the creatures. Although Paul seemeth, after hee hath spoken of the secrete counsaile of God, purposely to haue added this prayse, that he might drawe all men into reuerence and admiration of the wisedome of God. For wee knowe, when men in the workes of God finde not out the cause, howe readie they are to murmure. By adding that God is able to confirme the Romanes, hee assureth them of final perseuerance.

And that they might more certainly depend on his power, he addeth that the same is testified unto us in the Gospel: where thou seest, the gospel doth not only bring unto us present grace; but also doth bring unto us assurance of grace still to continue. For there, God doeth not only promise to be our father in present, but also that he will be unto the end. Yea, his adoption is extended beyond death, because it bringeth us unto the eternal inheritance. The residue are put to commend the virtue and dignity of the Gospel. He calleth the Gospel, the preaching of Christ, so that surely the whole sum thereof is contained in the ⟨p. 202⟩knowledge of Christ: he calleth his doctrine the revelation of the mystery: which ought not only to make us more attentive in hearing of it, but also impress an high reverence thereof in our hearts, and how high a secrete that is, he signifieth, when he addeth that from the beginning of the world by so many ages it was hidden. Verily it hath not a proud and haughty wisdom, such as the sons of this world covet, of whom also it is therefore contemned: but it declareth those unspeakable treasures of celestial wisdom, above every capacity: which if the angels also themselves do reverence with admiration, surely no man can sufficiently wonder at it. Neither ought this wisdom to be therefore less esteemed, because it lieth hid under a base & simple stile: because so it hath pleased the Lord, to subdue the arrogance of the flesh. And because great doubt might arise, how this mystery which by so many ages was hidden, did so suddenly appear forth: he teacheth, that that came not to pass through the temerity of men, nor by chance, but by the eternal ordinance of God: where also he shutteth the gate against curious questions, which the waywardness of mans wit is wont to move. For whatsoever cometh suddenly and besides their expectation, they think it is done at unawares: whereby they gather oftentimes wickedly, that the works of God are absurd, or at the least they entangle themselves, with many troublesome doubts. Paul therefore admonisheth, that that which appeared now suddenly, was decreed of God before the world were made.