A commentary of M. I. Calvin upon the Epistle to the GalatiansA commentarie of M. I. Caluine vpon the Epistle to the Galathians

15 After the manner of men.) His will was to show them with this manner of speaking. for it is too too heinous & filthy, that God should have less authority among us than a mortal man, therefore in that that he requireth they should give no less authority to the holy covenant of God, than is accustomed to be given to the common covenants of men: he doth not therein (I say) make men and God equal. for he leaveth to be considered of them how much difference there is between God and men. Although it be a mans covenant. It is an Argument from the less to the more. (that is) mens contracts or Covenants are held firm without controversy: and how much more ought that which God appointeth? whereas the Latins have (in this place) Testamentum, ⟨p. 68⟩Paul hath in the Greek [Greek or Hebrew] with which word oftentimes the Greeks signify a Testament: and sometime also any contract or bargain. Although the plural number is more used in the second sense. It skilleth not much as touching this present place, whether you translate it a Contract or a testament. There is another reason in the Epistle to the Hebrews. 7.22. where the Apostle without doubt doth allude unto Testaments. in this place I had rather take it simply for the Covenant which God made. for the similitude with which the Apostle contendeth in this place, would not so properly agree to a testament as to a covenant or bargain. Let us therefore follow this, that the Apostle maketh his reason from mens covenants to that solemn covenant which God did make with Abraham. for if they remain firm and sure, so that nothing may be added (to them), how much more ought God his Covenant to remain inviolate and unbroken.

15 After the maner of men.) His will was to shewe them with this maner of speaking. for it is too too heynous & filthy, that God should haue lesse authoritie among vs than a mortall man, therefore in that that he requireth they should giue no lesse authoritie to the holy couenaunt of God, than is accustomed to be giuen to the common couenantes of men: he doth not therein (I say) make men and God equall. for he leaueth to bee considered of them howe muche difference there is betweene God and men. Although it be a mans couenaunt. It is an Argumente from the lesse to the more. (that is) mennes contractes or Couenauntes are helde firme without controuersie: and howe muche more ought that which God appoynteth? whereas the Latines haue (in this place) Testamentum, ⟨p. 68⟩