A commentary on the whole Epistle to the Hebrews. By M. John Calvin. Translated…A commentarie on the vvhole Epistle to the Hebrevves. By M. Iohn Caluin. Translated…

In the beginning of the book, &c.] Vers. 7 The Hebrew word properly signifies a roll. For we know that the books in old time were folded up after the manner of a roll. Now there is no inconvenience, if by this book we understand the law, which prescribes the rule of holy life to all the children of God. Although another exposition seems more true and proper: to wit, that he confesseth himself to be of the number of those who yield themselves obedient unto God. I grant that the law commands all of us to obey God: But David means that he is numbered among those who are called to obey God. And after, he protests that he obeyed this vocation, when he saith, I desired to do thy will. Which specially agrees unto Christ. For although all the faithful do aspire to the righteousness of God, yet there is none but Christ which may be said to be wholly addicted to do the will of God. And yet notwithstanding this place ought to kindle in us a readiness to obey. For, for this cause Christ is set before us, as the pattern of perfect obedience, to the end that all which are his, should enforce themselves to follow his steppes, striving who can be foremost: yea that they altogether with one consent may answer the calling of god, as also in their whole life to give approbation that these words, Lo I come, are truly fulfilled in them. To the same purpose also is that to be referred which followeth: It is written of me that I should do thy will, O God. As it is said elsewhere, ⟨p. 208⟩that the end of our election is, to be holy and without blame before him. Eph. 1.4.

In the beginning of the booke, &c.] Vers. 7 The Hebrew word properly signifies a roule. For we know that the bookes in olde time were folded vp after the manner of a roll. Now there is no inconuenience, if by this booke we vnderstand the law, which prescribes the rule of holy life to all the children of God. Although another exposition seemes more true and proper: to wit, that he confesseth himselfe to be of the number of those who yeild themselues obedient vnto God. I graunt that the law commands all of vs to obey God: But Dauid meanes that he is numbred among those who are called to obey God. And after, he protests that he obeyed this vocation, when he saith, I desired to doe thy will. Which specially agrees vnto Christ. For although all the faithfull do aspire to the righteousnesse of God, yet there is none but Christ which may be said to be wholly addicted to doe the will of God. And yet notwithstanding this place ought to kindle in vs a readinesse to obey. For, for this cause Christ is set before vs, as the patterne of perfect obedience, to the end that all which are his, should inforce themselues to follow his steppes, striuing who can be formost: yea that they altogether with one consent may answer the calling of god, as also in their whole life to giue approbation that these words, Loe I come, are truly fulfilled in them. To the same purpose also is that to be referred which followeth: It is written of me that I should doe thy will, O God. As it is said elsewhere,