Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans

Although he had sufficiently (as in such brevity it could be) unfolded the question of the abrogation of the law: yet because it was both a difficult question, and of it self might bring forth many others, he doeth more copiously declare, how the law is abrogated from us: secondly he showeth what profit we get thereby: because whiles it doeth hold us bound without Christ, it can do nothing but condemn us. And least any should thereby accuse the law, he meeteth with the objections of the flesh, and refuteth them: where he excellently handleth a notable place of the use of the Law.

ALthough hee had sufficiently (as in such breuity it could be) vnfolded the question of the abrogation of ye lawe: yet because it was both a difficult question, and of it selfe might bring foorth many others, he doeth more copiously declare, howe the lawe is abrogated from vs: secondly he sheweth what profite wee get thereby: because whiles it doeth holde vs bounde without Christ, it canne doe nothing but condemne vs. And least any shoulde thereby accuse the lawe, hee meeteth with the obiections of the flesh, and refuteth them: where hee excellently handeleth a notable place of the vse of the Lawe.

1 Do ye not know. Let the general proposition be, that the law was given to no other end unto men, then that it should govern this present life,¹ with those be dead it hath no place. Whereunto afterward, he addeth a more special: namely, that we are dead unto the law in the body of Christ. Some other understand, that the dominion of the law abideth so long to bind us, as the use thereof is in force. But because this sentence is somewhat obscure, and it doth not so properly agree unto that special proposition followeth straightways: I had rather follow those, who take it to be spoken of the life of man, and not of the life of the law. And the interrogation verily hath more strength to set forth the certainty of the matter is spoken of. For it showeth that that is not strange or unknown to any of them: but is indifferently granted among all. For I speak to them have knowledge. This parenthesis, is to be referred thither, whither the proposition is referred, as if he should say, that he knew they were not so unskilful of the law, as they could doubt of that. And albeit both might be understood, of all laws together, yet is it better to understand it, of the law of God, which is now in question. Whereas some think the knowledge of the law, is attributed unto the Romans, because the best part of the world, was under their Empire, & government, that is very childish. For partly he speaketh unto Jews, or other strangers, partly unto vulgar & obscure men. Yea, he chiefly respecteth the Jews, with whom he had to do concerning the abrogation of the law. And least they should think they were dealt withal very captiously, he showeth that he taketh a principle common & known to them all, whereof they could not be ignorant, who were brought up from their infancy in the doctrine of the law.