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

9 And when they did know the grace. In displeasure doth he defame their proud disdainfulness, who made little account of the grace of God, which drew the principal Apostles to have him in admiration and reverence. For their winking was not to be borne withal, if they would pretend that they knew ⟨p. 34⟩not that which the Apostles in the beginning did manifestly see. Here are we admonished, to give place to the grace of God, wheresoever it is seen, except we mean to war against the holy Ghost him self, who will not have his gifts to be idle and fruitless. Therefore the grace which the Apostles did see to be given to Paul and Barnabas, did provoke and move them to establish their fellowship in the ministry. James & Cephas. I have afore showed that this James was the son of Alpheus: neither could he be the brother of John, which Herod had a little afore slain, and that he should be one of the disciples, which should so much excel the Apostles, in my judgement, is very unlikely. And that he (I mean James) was a principal among the Apostles, Luke also doth show, who doth attribute unto him the conclusion and the defining of the cause in the Council. Act. 15.13. and 21.18. he showeth that all the Seniors of the Church of Jerusalem were gathered together unto him. That they seemed to be pillars, he speaketh not it in contempt, but he allegeth the common opinion: because thereof it followeth, that that which they did, might not be refused or rejected rashly or lightly. Seeing that the question is here touching dignity it is marvel that James is preferred before Peter. it may hap that it was because he was ruler or bishop of the Church of Jerusalem. As touching the name Pillar, we know that the nature of things doth so bear or suffer, that they which excel in wit, in wisdom, or in other gifts, are also superiors in authority. In the Church of God the matter standeth thus, that as every one excelleth in greater grace, so the more honour should be given unto him. For it is unthankfulness, nay rather impiety, not to worship the spirit of God, wheresoever he appeareth in his gifts. Moreover as the people cannot lack a Pastor: so every company of Pastors doth require some moderator or ruler. But let that always be in force, that he which is chief of all, be as though he were Minister.