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

3 Under the Elements of the world. &c.) Elements he calleth either by their proper name outward and bodily things, or else Metaphorically, rudiments. I allow better of the second. But why saith he they are of the world, which had a spiritual meaning? it is as much as if he should have said, We had not the truth bare and naked, but wrapped in earthly figures he teacheth than, that that which was outward, was of the world, although there were under it a heavenly mystery.

3 Vnder the Elements of the world. &c.) Elementes hee calleth eyther by theire proper name outwarde and bodilye thinges, or else Metaphoricallye, rudimentes. I allow better of the seconde. But why sayth he they are of the worlde, which had a spirituall meaning? it is as much as if he shoulde haue sayd, We had not the truth bare and naked, but wrapped in earthlye figures he teacheth than, that that which was outwarde, was of the world, although there were vnder it a heauenly misterie.

4 When the fullness came.) He proceedeth in the similitude which he begun with, and doth apply unto his purpose the time determined of the Father. and yet withal he showeth, that that time which was ordained by Gods providence was a ripe time and a seasonable. That therefore is a just opportunity and the right dispensation of doing, which is governed by the providence of GOD. So it belonged unto GOD alone to judge and determine, when it was expedient for the Son to be revealed unto the world, whereby is restrained all curiosity, that not any man, (who is not satisfied with the secrete counsel of God) shall dare move contention why Christ hath not sooner appeared. Let the readers, if they will know more, seek in the end of the Epistle to the Romans. God hath sent his son. Here in few words he hath comprehended many things▪ for the son which was sent must have been before▪ whereby is proved his eternal Godhead. Christ than is the son of God, sent out of heaven. He sayeth that he was made of a woman, because he put on our nature. and so he maketh it known that he consisteth of two natures. Some Books have, borne: but that other reading (I mean made) is more used, and, in my judgement, more agreeable. For he would by name discern Christ from all other men: because he was made of the seed of his mother, and not by the carnal copulation of man and woman. or else this were Ray cold, and put in without cause. Of a Woman: this word is generally referred to the sex or kind. Brought under the law, word for word it is thus. Made under the Law but my mind was to set forth the meaning more familiarly. Christ therefore the son of God, who by right should have been free from