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

11 And I brethren.) An argument drawn from the final cause. I mought, saith he, avoid the hatred of men, dangers and persecutions: if I would but only mingle ceremonies with Christ. whereas therefore I contend so greatly about this matter to (maintain) the contrary, I do it not for mine own cause nor yet for mine own profit. But doeth it therefore follow that it is true which he teacheth? I answer, that the right affection and pure conscience of the Teacher is of no small force to win credit. moreover it is not credible, that any man is so mad, that he will willingly procure hurt to himself. lastly he causeth his Adversaries to be suspected, for that by preaching Circumcision, they provide for their own quietness, rather then faithfully to serve Christ. The sum is, that Paul detesteth all ambition ⟨p. 123⟩and covetousness, finally he respected not himself, in that he contemned favour and praise: and that he offered himself to persecutions and to the fury of many, rather than he would bend but the very breadth of a nail from the purity of the Gospel. The slander of the Cross is done away. Paul willingly doth name the Gospel the Cross, or the preaching of the cross, whilst his mind is to set the base simplicity thereof against the bubbles of humane wisdom or righteousness. for both the Jews being puffed up with their ungracious confidence of righteousness, and the Greeks with their foolish persuasion of wisdom, did despise the baseness of the Gospel. When as therefore he saith now, that there shall not be any more any slander of the cross, if the preaching of circumcision be allowed, he meaneth that the Jews will not molest him, but that he shall have a room to teach by their good leave: because that painted and counterfeit Gospel compact of Moses and Christ shall no more offend them, but that kind of mingle mangle will be tolerable unto them, because they shall remain in the possession of their ancient dignity.

11 And I bretheren.) An argumente drawne from the finall cause. I mought, sayth he, auoyde the hatred of men, daungers and persecutions: if I woulde but onlye mingle ceremonies with Christ. whereas therefore I contende so greatlye aboute this matter to (maintayne) the contrarye, I doe it not for myne owne cause nor yet for myne owne profite. But doeth it therefore followe that it is true whiche hee teacheth? I aunswere, that the right affection and pure conscience of the Teacher is of no small force to winne credite. moreouer it is not credible, that any man is so madde, that hee will willinglye procure hurte to himselfe. lastlye hee causeth his Aduersaryes to bee suspected, for that by preaching Circumcision, they prouyde for their owne quietnesse, rather then faythfullye to serue Christe. The summe is, that Paule detesteth al ambition