The sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle of S. Paul too the…The sermons of M. Iohn Caluin, vpon the Epistle of S. Paule too the…

Now besides this, Saint Paul by the diversity of the offices which he setteth down, expresseth yet better how greatly forecasting our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed himself for the salvation of those that are his, in that he hath left nothing behind, which was requisite & ⟨p. 177⟩convenient too bring them too the heritage of salvation▪ We must note here concerning these offices which S. Paul rehearseth, that some of them served but for a time, as the office of Apostleship. For they were not chosen of purpose too continue too the worlds end, •ut only too publish abroad the doctrine of the Gospel, until it was received through the whole world (I mean in all kingdoms and Countries) though every man showed not himself obedient unto it.¹ Then was there that special reason why our Lord Jesus Christ ordained the twelve Apostles,² unto whom Saint Paul was joined afterward to preach among the Gentiles: and it was as an entering into the possession of his kingdom. But after that the Gospel was once authorized after that manner, the office of Apostleship ceased. Yet notwithstanding, they had companions and helpfellowes, who were not of equal degree […] in commission with them, too sow abroad the seed of […] them doth Saint Paul name Evangelists or Gospellers. According whereunto,³ writing unto Timothy he sayeth▪ Go through diligently with the work of an Evangelist, Those two Offices then served but for that time.

Now besydes this, Saint Paule by the diuersitie of the offices which he setteth downe, expresseth yit better how greatly forecasting our Lord Iesus Christ hath shewed himself for the saluation of those that are his, in that he hath left nothing behynd, which was requisite & ⟨p. 177⟩conuenient too bring them too the heritage of saluation▪ Wee must note here concerning these offices which S. Paul reherceth, that some of thē serued but for a tyme, as the office of Apostleship. For they were not chozen of purpose too continew too the worlds end, ut only too publish abrode the doctrine of the Gospell, vntill it was receyued through the whole world (I meane in all kingdomes and Countries) though euery man shewed not himself obedient vntoo it.