Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans

19 We know. Having left the Gentiles he doeth precisely apply those speeches unto the Jews: in subduing of whom there was much more a doe: because they being no less void of righteousness then the Gentiles, did cover themselves with the cloak of the covenant of God, as though this were sufficient holiness for them, that they were distinguished from the residue of the world, by the election of God. And truly he bringeth forth those evasions, which he knew well the Jews had at hand. For whatsoever was spoken sinisterly in the Law against all mankind, they were wont to return it upon the Gentiles: as though they were exempted from the common sort. And surely so they were, but that they fell from their degree. Therefore least some false imagination of their own private worthiness should hinder them, and […] they should restrain those things unto the Gentiles […] which do no less appertain unto themselves: Paul here preventeth that, ⟨image 51⟩and by an argument taken from the end of the Scripture, he showeth that they are not only in the same condition with the common sort of men, but that that judgment is peculiarly denounced of them. And hereby we see the diligence of the Apostle in refelling objections.¹ For to whom is the law given, or to whose instruction ought it to serve if not to the Jews? In that therefore it maketh mention of others, that it doeth (as it were) by the way, or (as they say) lightly: but to his own scholars it doeth principally apply his doctrine. In the law. He saith the Jews are those to whom the Law was appointed: whereby it followeth that it doeth properly appertain unto them: and under the law he understandeth also the Prophets: and so comprehendeth the whole old Testament.

19 Wee knowe. Hauing left the Gentiles hee doeth precisely applie those speeches vnto the Iewes: in subduing of whom there was much more a doe: because they being no lesse voyde of righteousnesse then the Gentiles, did couer themselues with the cloake of the couenant of God, as though this were sufficient holinesse for them, that they were distinguished from the residue of the worlde, by the election of God. And truely hee bringeth foorth those euasions, which he knewe well the Iewes had at hande. For whatsoeuer was spoken sinisterly in the Lawe against all mankinde, they were wont to returne it vpon the Gentiles: as though they were exempted from the common sort. And surely so they were, but that they fell from their degree. Therefore least some false imagination of their owne priuate worthynesse shoulde hinder them, and they shoulde restrayne those thinges vnto the Gentiles whiche doe no lesse appertayne vnto themselues: Paule heer preuenteth that,