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

12 For before certain came.) The state of the cause is here described, that Peter for the Jews sake had made a departing from the Gentiles: so that he would drive them from the communion of the Church, except they would renounce the liberty of the Gospel, and put their necks under the yoke of the law. If Paul should now have held his peace, his whole doctrine did fall, his whole building erected through his ministry did lie aground. therefore it was need for him both stoutly to resist, and sharply to fight. Here we behold how warily we must attemper our selves to please men: lest we swerve aside from the right course, with too much desire to please, or else with preposterous fear to offend. If that might happen to Peter, how much more easily shall it happen to us, except we take very good heed?

12 For before certaine came.) The state of the cause is here described, that Peter for the Iewes sake had made a departing from the Gentils: so that he would driue them from the cōmunion of the Church, except they would renounce the liberty of the Gospell, and put their necks vnder the yoke of the law. If Paul should now haue held his peace, his whole doctrine did fall, his whole building erected through his ministerie did lie aground. therefore it was neede for him both stoutly to resist, and sharpely to fight. Here we beholde how warily we must attemper our selues to please men: lest we swerue aside from the right course, with too much desire to please, or else with preposterous feare to offend. If that might happen to Peter, howe much more easilye shall it happen to vs, except we take very good heede?

14 When I saw they went not forward rightly.) Some expound this of the Gentiles, who being troubled with the example of Peter, did now begin to faint: but it is more convenient to understand it of Peter & Barnabas and their followers. The right path or way to the truth of the Gospel, keeping sound the true Doctrine, was to unite and bring in one the Jews and the Gentiles. but to bind the consciences of the Godly with the necessity of keeping the law, and in silence to bury the Doctrine of liberty: were an unworthy reward of unity. The truth of the Gospel. Paul taketh in this place as afore he did: unto which he setteth opposite the colour, wherewith Peter and other did deform the Gospel: Which sith it is so, it is not to be doubted that Pauls contention was serious and weighty. As touching doctrine they did very well agree: but because Peter having no respect of Doctrine did too too servilely follow the Jews mind, therefore is he reproved of halting. There be some which with another pretence may excuse Peter: for that he being the Apostle of the