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

It is doubtful whether he speak of himself or of the Galatians. for it becometh good ministers to burn with holy jealousy, that they may keep the Congregations in a chaste conjoining with their husband. If we understand it to be spoken of Paul, than the meaning is thus, I confess my self in deed to woo you also, but with another purpose and affection▪ and I do that while I am away, no less than while I am with you, because I seek not mine own commodity. Yet it likes me better to be referred to the Galatians, & so also there shall not be so little as one sense, for it may be expounded on this ⟨p. 101⟩manner, These fellows purpose to estrange you from me, that so you being forsaken may go to them: but you that loved me while I was with you, proceed to love me with like love also now I am away. The truer opinion is that Paul used the doubtful sense of the word▪ for whereas he had used this word Aemulari (which I english to be jealous) For Ambire, (which is to woo): he taketh it now for to Imitate or follow, or else to endeavour to be as virtuous as another. For by condemning a preposterous emulation, he exhorteth the Galatians to exercise them selves in the contrary kind of emulation: yea and that when he is away. 19 My little children. Here also he useth a more tender name▪ for more is the name of Child than of brother: and he useth the diminutive, not because of contempt, but to speak them fair▪ although withal he doth somewhat show their tenderness, who ought to have been already springalds. And it is a speech broken of in the midst, as those are, that are most full of affection. For the vehemency of affection breaketh off words in the midst, whilst we find not that which may sufficiently express the thoughts of the mind: and our mind by boiling doth as in were shut up our jaws▪ whom I am in travail of again.) This also serveth to declare his vehement love, in that he abideth mother like travails and pains for their sake. And withal also he showeth his sorrow, for a woman which is brought a bed, is glad: but in the travail she abideth most bitter pains▪ they were once already both conceived, and borne: now the second time must they be borne after their backsliding. He maketh the matter somewhat less hateful, when he saith, Until Christ be shaped.