Sermons of M. John Calvin upon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the GalatiansSermons of M. Iohn Caluine vpon the Epistle of Saincte Paule to the Galathians

11 And when Peter came too Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those that were of the Circumcision. 13 And the other Jews also dissembled with him, insomuch that Barnabas also was brought into their dissimulation.

11 And vvhen Peter came too Antioch, I vvithstoode him to his face, bycause he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certaine came from Iames, hee eate vvith the Gentiles: but vvhen they vvere come, hee vvithdrevve and separated himselfe, fearing those that vvere of the Circumcision. 13 And the other Ievves also dissembled vvith him, in somuche that Barnabas also vvas brought intoo their dissimulation.

We have seen heretofore whereabouts the doctrine of Saint Paul strove: that is to wit, about his abolishing of the Ceremonies of the law. Now, they that strove against him had colour fair enough, saying that the law was given of God, and that it was not lawful to alter any part of it, seeing that God was the Author of it. But they should have considered to what end the Ceremonies were given to the people of old time. True it is that like as God is unchangeable, so his word also endureth steadfast for ever: but yet doth it not follow thereupon, that God should not appoint men the things which he knoweth to be meet for them. Therefore the Ceremonies were ordained for a time, too serve the necessity of the Jews. Also there was this respect which I have touched: that before the coming of Jesus Christ, it was requisite that there should be certain shadows too bring the faithful more further forward, that is, that they might be confirmed in the hope of the redeemer that was promised them. And thereupon we may well gather, that Gods enjoining of the Ceremonies, was not too ⟨p. 71⟩the end they should continue for ever, and stand always in their full and perfect state: but to the intent they should continue for a time, to serve to keep that people in the hope that was given them of the things which we now have in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the very body and substance of the shadows that were in the time of the law. Ye see then to what point we must come. And yet cannot a man argue, that God is variable as some fantastical persons do, who have alleged the same reason. For shall we say that God changeth his purpose, because he maketh Summer and Winter? We see the sundry seasons of the year, we see the earth wax green, and the trees bud flowers, and afterward bring forth fruit, and we see all things as good as dead in the Winter time: All this variety cometh surely of God: but yet doth it not therefore follow, that he changeth his nature.