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

7 Therefore thou art no longer a servant.) That is to say, there is not any more bondage in the Christian Church, but a free estate of Children. How the Fathers under the Law were servants, hath already been said: namely because their liberty was not yet revealed, but it was shut under the folds and yoke of the law. He speaketh again than of the difference of the old and new Testament. The old Fathers were also the sons of God, and heirs by Christ▪ but we are so after another sort: because we have Christ present, and therefore we have the use of his riches. He prosecuteth this whole matter more largely in the Epistle to the Romans, where you may seek that which here I let pass, because I have there spoken of it.

7 Therefore thou art no longer a seruaunt.) That is to say, there is not any more bondage in the Christian Church, but a free estate of Children. How the Fathers vnder the Law were seruauntes, hath already bene sayde: namely because their libertie was not yet reuealed, but it was shut vnder the folds and yoke of the lawe. He speaketh agayne than of the difference of the olde and new Testament. The olde Fathers were also the sonnes of God, and heires by Christe▪ but wee are so after another sorte: because we haue Christ present, and therefore wee haue the vse of his riches. He prosecuteth this whole matter more largely in the Epistle to the Romaynes, where you may seeke that whiche here I lette passe, because I haue there spoken of it.

8 When as yet ye knew not.) By this he doth not so much teach, as reprove. and surely he hath already abundantly proved that which he would (prove), so that his reprehensions cannot be frustrated, as though the matter were doubtful. Furthermore he directeth his purpose to this point, that by comparing of the time past, he might make their present fall appear greater. whereas in time past saith he, ye did worship as Gods those which were not Gods, it is no great marvel: because whereas the ignorance of God is, there is horrible blindness. at such time therefore ye wandered in darkness: but now at this time in the middest of light how detestable a thing is it so foully to go out of the way? It followeth than, that the Galatians in the corrupting of the Gospel were less to be excused, than they were in time past in time of Idolatry. these are the contents. But here is to be noted, before we be lightened into the knowledge of one God, that we always serve Idols: with what colour soever we cover (our) false religion. Wherefore needful it is that sure knowledge must go before the lawful service of God. Nature is put here in this place for the thing it self, or else the substance. For whatsoever men imagine of God, it is but a feigned device, and nothing and therefore all Idols by opinion are Gods: but in very deed they are nothing.