Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans

25 I would not have you ignorant. Here he prepareth his auditors unto greater attention, whiles he professeth that he will utter a thing which otherwise is secrete. Neither doeth he that without cause: for he goeth about to conclude this exceeding hard question, in a brief and plain sentence: and yet he openeth that, no man would ever have looked for. But the causal particle, least ye should be arrogant in your selves, doth declare what his purpose is now: namely to bridle the insolencie of the Gentiles, least they should wax proud against the Jews. Furthermore, this admonition was very necessary, least the falling away of that people, should trouble the weak above measure, as though the salvation of them all were for ever to be despaired of. Although the same at this day is no less profitable for us, to the end we might know, that the salvation of a number left, which the Lord at length will gather unto him self, lieth hid as it were sealed with a signet.

25 I woulde not haue you ignoraunt. Here he prepareth his auditours vnto greater attentiō, whiles he professeth that he will vtter a thing which otherwise is secrete. Neither doeth hee that without cause: for hee goeth about to conclude this exceeding harde question, in a briefe and playne sentence: and yet he openeth that, no man woulde euer haue looked for. But the causall particle, least yee shoulde bee arrogant in your selues, doth declare what his purpose is now: namely to brydle the insolencie of the Gentiles, least they shoulde waxe proud against the Iewes. Furthermore, this admonition was verie necessarie, least the falling away of that people, shoulde trouble the weake aboue measure, as though the saluation of them all were for euer to bee despaired of. Although the same at this day is no lesse profitable for vs, to the ende wee might knowe, that the saluation of a nomber left, which the Lorde at length will gather vnto him selfe, lyeth hidde as it were sealed with a signet.

And so often as longer delay shall put us in despair thereof, let us remember the name of mystery: whereby Paul clearly admonisheth, that the manner of their conversion, shall neither be common nor usual. And therefore they do lewdly, who shall go about to measure it by their own sense. For what is more peevish, then to count that incredible, which is removed from our sense? Seeing it is therefore called a mystery, because it is incomprehensible until the time of revelation. Furthermore it is opened to us as to the Romans, that our faith being content with the word, might support us with expectation, until the effect it self come to light. That cecity hath partly. I suppose the word partly, neither simply to respect the time, nor multitude: but I understand it to be put, for, in a sort. By which particle he seemeth unto me, only to go about to temper a word otherwise bitter or sharp by it self. And the word, until, doth not infer the proceeding or order of time, but rather is as much as if it were said, that the fullness of the Gentiles, &c.