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

14 For the whole law.) You must understand a close or unuttered contrariety between this exhortation of Paul, and the doctrine of the false Apostles. for whereas they did stick in only ceremonies, Paul here by the way doth briefly touch, what the true duties & exercises of Christians are. To this end therefore belongeth the present commendation of love, that the Galatians may understand, that the principal point of christian perfection is placed therein. But it must be seen why he comprehendeth all the commandments of the law under charity: whereas the law consisteth of ii. tables, of which the first is a doctrine concerning ⟨p. 126⟩the worshipping of God, & the duties of godliness: & the later is a doctrine of love or charity. for it is an absurdity to make of the part the whole. Some (in expounding this place) wind away on this fashion, saying, that no other thing is taught in the first table▪ but that we should love God with all our hart. But Paul doth plainly (speak of) charity toward our neighbours, than must we seek another solution that is stronger. I grant that piety toward God, standeth before love toward our neighbours: and that therefore the observing or keeping of the first table is of more weight in the sight of God, than of the later. But piety or godliness is a thing hidden from the sense or understanding of men: as God himself is invisible, and though ceremonies were ordained to testify the same (I mean godliness): yet were they no sure proofs thereof. for often it happeneth that none are more stout and busy observers of ceremonies than be hypocrites. God therefore will take a trial of our affection toward him, by our love toward our brethren, which he setteth down unto us one toward another. And this is the reason why love is called the fulfilling of the law, not only in this place, but also Ro. 13.8. not because it excelleth the worshipping of God▪ but for that it is a confirmation thereof. I said even now that God is invisible, but he manifesteth himself unto us in our brethren, and requireth in the person of them that which is due to himself. Love therefore toward men riseth not but of the fear and love of God. Therefore it is no marvel if the effect contain, by the figure Synecdoche, under it, the cause whereof it is a sign.

14 For the whole law.) You must vnderstand a close or vnvttered contrarietie betweene this exhortation of Paule, and the doctrine of the false Apostles. for whereas they did stick in only ceremonies, Paule here by the way doth briefelye touch, what the true dueties & excercises of Christians are. To this end therefore belongeth ye presēt cōmendation of loue, yt the Galathians may vnderstād, that ye principall poynt of christian perfectiō is placed therin. But it must be seene why he comprehendeth all the cōmandements of ye law vnder charity: whereas the law cōsisteth of ii. tables, of which ye first is a doctrine cōcerning