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

The sense notwithstanding is certain, that the Apostles having heard Pauls Gospel, pronounced not their Gospel against it (as men accustomed when any thing they have better and more perfect) but being content to expound the same, have embraced his doctrine simply and ⟨p. 31⟩without delay: so that as in a thing never a whit doubtful, there was no alteration between them. And yet that Paul took not upon him the first place in speaking, as excelling (the rest) as they do which prescribe a form (of speaking) unto others: but he expounded his faith, of which there was sprung sinister reports: and they (I mean the Apostles) allowed the same with their assent.

The sence notwithstanding is certayne, that the Apostles hauing heard Paules Gospell, pronounced not their Gospell againste it (as men accustomed when anye thing they haue better and more perfect) but being content to expounde the same, haue embraced his doctrine simplye and ⟨p. 31⟩without delay: so that as in a thing neuer a whitte doubtfull, there was no alteration betweene them. And yet that Paule tooke not vpon him the first place in speaking, as excelling (the rest) as they doe which prescribe a forme (of speaking) vnto others: but he expounded his fayth, of whiche there was sprong sinister reports: and they (I meane the Apostles) allowed the same with their assent.

7 Nay rather contrariwise. They did straight way give unto him the right hands of fellowship. therefore they did give their testimony to his doctrine, and that without exception, because they brought nothing against it, as is accustomed in matters of controversy. and they professed that his and their Gospel was all one: and therefore they did vouchsafe him the honour and degree of fellow in commission with them. Moreover the manner of this fellowship was such, that they parted the Provinces or charge among them. therefore they were equal, therefore Paul was no whit under them. To give the right hands of fellowship, doth signify in this place, to be covenant fellows. When they saw the Gospel.) He doth deny the Apostles to have gratified him in this (respect) that he was by their beck or grant made an Apostle: but that the honour of the Apostleship was yielded to him by them: lest they should take away that which God had given. He doth always urge this, that he was made an Apostle by the gift and ordinance of God: but he adjoineth here in this place, that he was of the Apostles acknowledged to be such an one. and thereof it followeth that those Varlets did endeavour that which the Apostles durst not, least they should resist the election of God. And here he beginneth to challenge unto himself, that which was proper and peculiar unto him before (all) others: that is to say the Apostleship of uncircumcision. for in this point did Paul and Barnabas differ from the residue, for that they two were appointed Apostles to the Gentiles. That was brought to pass by the Oracle of God: the which to be ratified, the Apostles not only suffered it, but also willed it, because it was ungodly not to obey (it). We see than after what fashion according to the oracle they divided their offices among