A17646:131
A commentary of M. I. Calvin upon the Epistle to the GalatiansA commentarie of M. I. Caluine vpon the Epistle to the Galathians
A commentary of M. I. Calvin upon the Epistle to the Galatians: and translated into English by R.V.A commentarie of M. I. Caluine vpon the Epistle to the Galathians: and translated into English by R.V.
London: printed by Thomas Purfoote, 1581
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
19 For what is the Law than? it was added because of transgressions, until the seed should come to which it was promised, ordained by Angels in the hand of a Mediator. 20 Furthermore a Mediator is not of one: but GOD is one. 21 Is the Law than against the Promises of God? God forbid. for if there had been a Law given which ⟨p. 71⟩mought have made alive, than righteousness should have been by the law indeed. 22 But the Scripture hath shut all under sin, that the promise by the faith of Jesus Christ, might be given to them which believe.
19 For what is the Lawe than? it was added because of transgressiōs, vntill the seede should come to which it was promised, ordained by Angels in the hand of a Mediator. 20 Furthermore a Mediator is not of one: but GOD is one. 21 Is the Lawe than againste the Promises of God? God forbid. for if there had bene a Lawe giuen whiche ⟨p. 71⟩mought haue made aliue, than righteousnesse shold haue bene by the law indeede. 22 But the Scripture hath shutte all vnder sinne, that the promise by the faith of Iesus Christ, might be giuen to them which beleeue.
When we hear that the Law doeth nothing avail to bring righteousness, by and by divers cogitations come in our brains: either than that it is unprofitable, or to no use, or contrary to the Covenant of GOD, or some such like thing. yea rather that might come in mind: Why should we not say that of the Law, which Jeremiah chap. 31. ver. 31. hath said of the new Testament, that the latter was given to correct the weakness of the former doctrine. Such Objections as these be, must Paul answer, if he would satisfy the Galatians. First than he requireth what the use of the Law is. for in as much as it followed the promise, it seemeth that it ought to supply that which was wanting in it: and certainly it was doubted hereof, whether that the promise by it self were of none effect except it were holpen of the Law. We must mark that Paul speaketh not only of the moral law, but of the whole Ministry of Moses. which truly was proper to Moses. and that was to prescribe a rule how to live, and Ceremonies whereby they might exercise themselves in the service of GOD, and after that to join promises and threatenings. And whereas many promises of Gods free mercy and of Christ are included therein, which belong unto faith: that happeneth accidentally as it were, and is taken from else where, as far forth as the Law is compared with the Doctrine of grace. You must therefore bear in memory, that this is the sum of the Question, Why, after the promise being made, doth Moses steppe in with that new covenant. He that doth these things shall live in them.