For the law having the shadow, Vers. 1 &c.] He borrows this similitude from the art of painting: for he takes this word shadow in this place, otherwise than it is taken, Col. 2.17. where S. Paul calls the old ceremonies, shadows, because they had not the very substance of the things in them, which they did represent. But the Apostle saith here, they were like rude draughts, which are but the shadows of the lively painting. For painters are wont to draw that which they purpose to ⟨p. 201⟩counterfeit or represent with a coal, 1before they set on the lively colours with the pencil. The Apostle then puts this difference between the law and the Gospel: to wit, that that which at this day is drawn and painted with fresh and lively colours, was only shadowed out under the law by a rude or gross draught. Thus he yet again confirms that which he said before, to wit, that the law was no vain thing, neither the ceremonies thereof unprofitable. For although it had not the perfect image of heavenly things, as if the workman had put his last endeavour to it, yet even this rough draught was greatly profitable to the Ancient Fathers: albeit our condition be now much better. And let us observe, that even those things which are now set before our eyes, were showed to them a far off. 2And therefore both we, and they have the same Christ, the same righteousness, the same sanctification, and the same salvation: there is no difference or diversity, but in the manner of setting them forth. I think by these words of good things to come, he means eternal good things. I confess indeed that the kingdom of Christ which we now enjoy, was long ago foretold to come: but the words of the Apostle signify that we have the lively portraiture of good things to come. He means then that sample and spiritual pattern, the full enjoying whereof is deferred until the day of the resurrection, and to the world to come. And yet I do again confess that these good things began to be revealed from the beginning of Christ his kingdom: but the question is now, that the good things to come in this place are not only so called in regard of the old Testament, but because we also do yet hope and wait for them.
FOr the law hauing the shadow, Vers. 1 &c.] He borrows this similitude from the art of painting: for he takes this word shadow in this place, otherwise than it is taken, Col. 2.17. where S. Paul calles the old ceremonies, shadows, because they had not the very substance of the things in them, which they did represent. But the Apostle saith here, they were like rude draughts, which are but the shadows of the liuely painting. For painters are wont to drawe that which they purpose to ⟨p. 201⟩counterfeit or represent with a cole, 1before they set on the liuely colours with the pensill. The Apostle then puts this difference betweene the law and the Gospell: to wit, that that which at this day is drawne and painted with fresh and liuely colours, was onely shadowed out vnder the law by a rude or grosse draught. Thus he yet againe confirmes that which he said before, to wit, that the law was no vaine thing, neither the ceremonies thereof vnprofitable. For although it had not the perfect image of heauenly things, as if the workeman had put his last indeauour to it, yet euen this rough draught was greatly profitable to the Auncient Fathers: albeit our condition be now much better. And let vs obserue, that euen those things which are now set before our eyes, were shewed to them a farre off. 2And therefore both we, and they haue the same Christ, the same righteousnesse, the same sanctification, and the same saluation: there is no difference or diuersitie, but in the manner of setting them forth. I thinke by these words of good things to come, he meanes eternall good things. I confesse indeede that the kingdome of Christ which we now enioy, was long agoe foretold to come: but the words of the Apostle signifie that we haue the liuely pourtraiture of good things to come. He meanes then that sample and spirituall patterne, the full enioying whereof is deferred vntill the day of the resurrection, and to the world to come. And yet I doe againe confesse that these good things began to be reuealed from the beginning of Christ his kingdome: but the question is now, that the good things to come in this place are not onely so called in regard of the old Testament, but because we also doe yet hope and waite for them.
- 1A similitude setting forth the difference between the law and the Gospel.A similitude setting forth the difference between the law and the Gospell.
- 2The Jews and Gentiles have but one means of salvation for the substance: the diversity stands only in the manner of revelation.The Iewes and Gentiles haue but one means of saluation for the substance: the diuersitie stands onely in the manner of reuelation.
