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

12 Be you as I.) Now by fair speaking unto them, he mitigateth the roughness which he used. For although he did not hardly enough inveigh against them, according as the greatness of the matter required: yet because he minded to do them good, he frameth his speech to the end to reconcile or win their harts. This is the duty of a wise Pastor, not to regard what they deserve who have gone amiss, but what is meet for them to bring them into the way again. Therefore he ought to rebuke in season and out of season, but yet with all gentleness and patience, as the same Paul commandeth, 2. Tim. 4.2. According to his reason, he falleth from chidings to entreatings, I desire you, saith he, & he nameth them Brethren, that they may understand, they were not reproachfully in any wise upbraided. But what meaneth this, Be ye as I? it is referred to affection. For his mind is, seeing he bendeth his goodwill to them ward, that ⟨p. 97⟩they should do the like. When therefore I am as you, that is to say, when I seek nothing else but to show my self pleasurable unto you: so is it meet that you should bend your selves to be governed, that you may in like manner show your selves unto me, ready to learn, and also obedient. And here again are Pastors put in mind of their duty: that as much as they may, they apply themselves to the people, and conform themselves (as they say) to their dispositions with whom they live, if they will have them obedient. For this is always in force, Love that thou mayst be beloved. You have done me no injury.) He reckoneth the suspicion, which might make the forenamed chidings hateful. for if we suppose a man to handle his own injuries, or to revenge his own grief: from such an one our minds are utterly turned away, so that whatsoever he saith, it is wrested to a wrong meaning. Therefore Paul doth prevent the Galatians with this prevention, as touching that which privately belongeth unto me, I have no cause to complain of you. Therefore I chide not so with you in respect of mine own cause, or for that I am offended with you▪ and therefore if I be somewhat round with you, I do it because I must do it, and not through hatred and anger.

12 Be you as I.) Now by fayre speaking vnto them, he mittigateth the roughnesse which he vsed. For although hee did not hardly ynough inuey agaynst them, according as the greatnesse of the matter required: yet because he minded to do them good, he frameth his speech to the end to reconcile or win their harts. This is the duty of a wise Pastor, not to regarde what they deserue who haue gon amis, but what is meete for them to bring them into the way againe. Therefore he ought to rebuke in season and out of season, but yet with all gentlenesse and pacience, as the same Paule commaundeth,