Cap. 1.

1 Paule an Apostle , not of men , neither by man , but by Iesus Christ and God the Father , which raised him from the dead ,

2 And all the brethren which are with me , vnto the Churches of Galatia :

3 Grace vnto you and peace from God the Father , and the Lord Iesus Christ :

4 Which gaue himselfe for our sinnes , that he mighte take vs from this present euill worlde , according to the will of God , and of our Father ,

5 Vnto whome be glory for euer , Amen .

1. Paule an Apostle .

I Haue sayde in another place , that Paule in hys salutations is wont to ascribe vnto himself the name of an Apostle , that by his person he mighte get authorytie vnto hys doctrine . The authoritye of the person doth depende neither of the iudgment nor yet of the wil of men : but of the only calling of God , and therefore he requireth to be hearde , because he is an Apostle . Let vs always holde this , That God alone is to be heard in the Churche , and he which is appointed by him a Teacher , euen Iesus Christ . Therefore whosoeuer he be that will take vppon him the place of a Teacher , must speake in the name of GOD or of Christe : but because among the Galathians Paules callyng was more doubted than elsewhere it was : therefore to confirme the same , hee doeth expresse somewhat more heere than in other Epystles hee doeth : for hee doth not only affirme that he was called by God : but on the contrary parte , he denieth that he was called eyther of men or by men . Here note that he speaketh not of the common office of Pastors , but of the office of an Apostle , the slaunderers durst not vtterly spoyle him of the honour of the Ministerie : only they did take away from him the name and right of an Apostle . I speake now of the office of an Apostle in a proper signification : for it is two manner of waies taken , sometime it signifieth any the preachers of the Gospel : but in this place specially it signifieth a principall order in the Churche , so that Paule is equall to Peter , and the rest of the twelue . That first member , That he was not called of men , hee had common with all the true Ministers of Christ . As no man ought to take vnto himselfe the honour : so is it not in the power of men to giue it vnto whome it pleaseth them . It belongeth to God alone to rule his Church : therefore Calling cannot be lawfull but of him . And although a man be rightly sometime called in respect of the Church , who notwithstanding through a wycked desire , and not of a good conscience , doth come vnto the Ministerie : yet neuerthelesse Paule doth here speake of the perfecte approbation of his Calling , in the whych nothing is lacking . Some man wyll obiect , Obiection . Answere . doth it not fall out that the false apostles boast the selfe same thing also ? I graunt it : yea and that more arrogantly , and with greater boldnes than the seruantes of the Lord dare : but the thing in deed fayleth to them , which Paule myght openly shew . The second member , That he was not called by man , doth peculierly belong to the Apostles : neyther should this ( namely to be called by man ) haue been at that time a fault in a Pastor . Paule himselfe with Barnabas did make Elders by election in euery towne Act. 14.23 . the same he doth commaund to bee done of Titus and Timothie . 1. Tim. 5.17 . Tit. 1.3 . And this is the ordinary way to elect Pastors : for we must not waite , till God doth reueale from heauen , those whome he will chose . Why then doth Paule reiect from hym that which is not onely not euill , but also laudable ? I haue already shewed that Paule thought it not sufficient , if he had taken himselfe either a Pastor or any one of the Ministers of the Gospell : for he speaketh ( and the controuersie was ) about the office of an Apostle , and Apostles must be otherwise chosen than Pastors , that is to say immediatly ( as they terme it ) of the Lord himselfe , Mat. 10.1 . So Christ hymselfe chose the twelue : Act. 1.23 . and when a successor was to bee pacled in stead of Iudas , the Church durst not choose one by election but , flieth to lottes . Certayne it is that there was no lottes vsed in the chosing of Pastors : why do they it then in the ordayning of Mathias ? forsooth that he might be chosen of God : because the office of an Apostle must bee discerned from the other ministeries ( or offices . ) Therefore to the end that Paule might exempt himselfe from the common order of Ministers , Obiection . he contendeth that his Calling is immediate from God . But how doth hee deny himselfe to be called by men , when as Luke doth shew Act. 22.21.26 . that he an5d Barnabas were called by the Church of Antiochia ? Some answere , Answere . that he had the function of the office of an Apostle before ( that time : ) and therefore that that Calling was not the foundation of his Apostleship . But then agayne exception myght be made , that at that time he was first appoynted an Apostle to the Gentils : in which number the Galathians were . Therefore the truer and playner answere is , that he would not exclude heere vtterly the Calling of the Church : but only shew that his Apostleshyppe rested vppon a greater prerogatiue , the which is true : For the Antiochians did not lay their handes vpon Paule of theyr owne heads , An oracle is a spech from god . but being commaunded by an Oracle . Because therefore that he was called by Diuine Reuelation , and after that was appointed and called the Apostle of the Gentils by the holy Ghost : it foloweth that he was not brought in by men , howsoeuer the solemne vsage of ordayning was afterward added . If the indirecte contrarietye betweene Paule and the false Apostles please any manne , I gainesay it not : because they boasted of the name of men , it shall bee thus , as though hee saide , Of whomsoeuer they boast themselues to be sent , I certainly will be aboue them , because I haue a commaundement from God and Christe . By Iesus Christe and God the father . Hee maketh God the Father and Christ the authors of his Apostleship . He nameth Christ first , because it belongeth to him to send , and we do our ambassage for him . But to amplify it , he addeth also the father : as if he should say , If the maiestie of Christ suffice not , let them know also , that my office is enioyned me by God the Father which hath raised him . Not without cause in this place doth he make mention of the resurrection : for it is the beginning of the kingdome of Christe . Therefore did they lightly esteeme Paule , in that he was not conuersant with Christ vppon earth : he on the contrary part doth signify , that Christ , as by his resurrection he is glorified , so verily and in deed at length shewed foorth his power in ruling the Church . Therefore more dignity hath Paule his calling , than if he had been ordained of Christ while he was yet mortall . And this circumstance is worthy noting , because Paule doth couertly shewe the wonderfull power of God , which appeared in the resurrection of Christe , to be hatefully spoken against of his backbiters : because the heauenly father which hath raised Christe from death , euen he hath appointed Paule a preacher of that his power .

2. And the brethren which are with me . He semeth to haue written in the name of many : ( for this cause ) that if they did attribute litle to him alone , that yet at the leastwise they should harken to many , and not despise the whole congregation . And he is accustomed rather about the end to wryte salutations from the brethren , than to ioyne them to him in the beginning as partners of his wryting , at the least he nameth not aboue two at any time , which two are well knowne , but here he doth otherwise , for hee comprehendeth all , which I thinke is not done without cause : for the consent of so many godly persons ought somwhat to preuaile with the Galathians , to make them apt to be enformed and to be tractable . To the Churches . It was a large countrey , and therefore had many dispersed congregations : Obiection . but it is maruaile that this title is graunted to the Galathians , who almoste were shronke away from Christ , for where the Church is , there is vnity of faith . Answere . I answere , In as much as there was among them the profession of Christianitye , the inuocation of one God , the vse of the Sacramentes , and a Ministerie , such as it was , that there were remaining as yet some markes of a Church . There is not in al Churches then , that purity alwayes that may be required . Those which are most pure haue their blemishes : other some are not only full of spottes , but almoste deformed . It is not meete therefore that wee should so be offended with the faultes of doctrine and manners , that if all thinges like vs not in euery Congregation , we should straight way take from them the name of a Churche . Paule in this place doth teache vs another manner of kindnesse , neuerthelesse so are those Congregations which are faulty to be acknowledged as the Churches of Christe , that we notwithstanding condemne whatsoeuer is euyll in them : neither is it thus , that where there is a Church , whatsoeuer one it bee , there is perfection of all those thinges which are to be wished in the Church . This I speake therefore , because the Papistes catching this word ( Church ) will haue establyshed whatsoeuer they lust to thrust in : although there be great diuersity between the estate & fashion of the Church of Rome and Galatia . If Paule liued at these dayes , he shoulde perceiue there miserable ruines of the Church , and horrible waste and spoile , but no building . If you had rather haue it more briefly , it is called the Church by the figure Synecdoche , where there is some portion of a Church , Synecdoche is a Figure whereby parte is put for the whole . although all thinges answere not fully in it .

3. Grace be vnto you & peace . I haue spoken of this maner of salutation in other epistles . I remaine in opinion , that Paule wisheth God mercifull to the Galathians , & after that , all things to be prosperous : sith that out of God his beneuolence , floweth vnto vs the happy successe of all thinges . He wisheth both , from the Father and also from Christe , because that without Christ there is neither grace nor any good successe .

4. Which hath giuen himselfe . He commendeth here from the beginning the grace of Christ , that he may cal back the Galathians vnto him , & retayne them in him . For if they had worthely considered this benefite of redemption , they would neuer haue fallen to strange obseruations . For he which knoweth Christ aright , holdeth him with tooth & naile , embraceth him with both armes , is occupied wholy in him , desireth nothing beside him . This therefore is a very good remedy , wherwith we may purge our minds of all kind of errors & superstitions , ( namely ) to bring into mynd what Christe is vnto vs , & what he hath brought vnto vs . Neyther is it a small thing that is signified in these words , Whiche hath giuen himselfe for our sinnes : for he would premonish the Galathians that the purging of sinnes , & by that meanes perfect righteousnesse is no where els to be sought , but in Christe : because he hath offred himselfe for a sacrifice to his Father , & such an Hoste , as to set any other satisfactions against it , were wrong and wickednes : moreouer that this Redemption is of so great worthines , that it ought wholy to rauish vs into the admiration thereof . But that which in this place Paule ascribeth to Christ , the scripture elsewhere applieth to God the father , and both properly . For both the Father by his eternall counsell hath determined this Purging and satisfaction for vs , & in this hath witnessed his loue toward vs , that he hath not spared his onely begotten sonne , but hath giuen him for vs : And Christ hee offered himselfe a sacrifice to reconcile vs to God , Rom. 8.31 . whereof foloweth that his death is a satisfaction for sinnes . That he might take vs . Hee also declareth the end of our Redemption : that Christe hath gayned vs vnto hym by hys death to bee hys owne . That commeth to passe when we are separated from the world , for as long as we are of the world we partayne not to Christ . This word World is taken here for the corruption that is in the world as , 1. Io. 5.19 . where it is sayd , That the whole world is layd in wickednes , and in many other places . It is otherwise taken in the Gospel , whereas Christ sayth , I pray not that thou take them out of the world : but that thou keepe them from euill . Io. 17.15 . for there he signifieth the present life . What then is the World in this place ? Men separated from the kingdome of God and the grace of Christe . For a man as long as he liueth to himselfe , is totally damned . The World then & Regeneration are thinges opposite or contrary : as also Nature and Grace , the Flesh and the Spirite . And therefore they that are borne of the Worlde , haue nothing but sinne and wyckednes : not by creation , but by corruption . Christe then hath died for our sinnes , that he might redeeme or separate vs from the World . Wicked . He addeth this epithete or title , to shew that he speaketh of the corruption or wyckednes that commeth of sinne , and not of the creature of God , or of corporall life . And yet wyth this one woorde , as with the stroke of a thunderbolt he hurleth downe all the pryde of man . For he witnesseth , that without the renewing which is by the Grace of Christe , there is nothing in vs but meere wyckednesse . For we are of the World : and vntill Chryste take vs out of it , the World raigneth in vs , and we liue vnto it . Howe much soeuer then menne please themselues , they are but mischeuous and wicked with all their iolittye . Vnto themselues they seeme not suche : but let it suffice vs , that the Lord doeth so speake it by the mouth of Paule . According to the will . Hee sheweth the first spring of grace to be the purpose of God : for so God loued the world that he gaue his only begotten sonne , Io. 3.16 . But it is to be noted that Paule is accustomed to set the purpose of God agaynst all desertes or merites of men . So Wyll signifieth here in this place that whyche commonly they call the Good Pleasure . The sence than is , That Christ suffered for vs , not because we were worthy , or because wee brought any thing whyche myght prouoke hym : but because the Counsell of God was so . Of God and our father , is as muche as if it had been saide of God which is our father .

5. Vnto whome be glory . He brasteth forth into sodaine thanks giuing , to quicken their minds to consider this inestimable benefite of God : to that end that they may shew themselues afterward more apt to learne . Although it bee also a generall exhortation , that as often as that mercy of God commeth in minde , strayghtway it should prouoke vs to glorifie hym .

6 I wonder that you are so sone carried ouer from Christ , which hath called you in grace , vnto another Gospell :

7 Whiche is no other thing , but that there are some which trouble you , and are willing to ouerthrowe the Gospell of Christ .

8 But although we , or an Angell from heauen , preach a Gospell vnto you beside that Gospell which wee haue preached vnto you , let him be accursed .

9 As we haue sayd afore , now also say I againe , If any shall preach a Gospell vnto you , beside that which you haue receiued , let him be accursed .

6. I wonder that . He beginneth with chiding , which chiding is somewhat more gentle than they deserued : but his vehement chiding he had rather bestowe vpon the false Apostles , as we shal see . He reprehendeth them for theyr shrinking away , not from his doctrine only , but from Christ . For they might not otherwise hold Christe , than to acknowledge vs by his benefite to be set at liberty from the bondage of the Law : but the necessity which the false Apostles did put in ceremonies was vtterly contrary , and so they were caried ouer from Christe , not because they did altogether cast away Christianitie , but because in suche corruption there was only left vnto them a counterfeite Christ . So at these dayes the Papistes , because they will haue a halfe Christ , and a torne Christ , haue no Christ : and therefore they are caried ouer from Christ , for they are full of superstitious , which are directly contrary wyth the nature of Christ . This must be dilligently marked , That we are caried ouer from Christ , when we fal vnto those thinges which are contrary to his office : for light cannot be mingled with darkenes . After the same reason is it , that hee calleth it another gospell , that is , contrary to the true gospell : & yet the false apostles did professe themselues to preach the gospell of Christ : but whereas they did mingle their fayned deuises , wherewith they destroye the principall force of the Gospell , therefore they had a false , a corrupt , and a counterfeyte gospell . He vseth the word of the present time , as though their fall were now in the doing : as though he should say , I say not that ye are already carried ouer , for then it were more hard for you to returne into the way : but now , whilest you are yet in the middest of your course , drawe backe your feet rather than go forward . Some reade , From him that hath called you in the grace of Christ , meaning of the father : but the reading which I followe is more playn . In that he saith , that they were called of Christ by grace , it serueth to vpbrayde theyr vnthankfulnesse . To fall from the Sonne of God , of it selfe is euill & wycked , but to fall from hyme when hee hath called vs freely to saluation , is much more hatefull , for his goodnesse towards vs augmenteth the greatnesse of our wyckednes , if we be vnthankefull . Soone . He augmenteth the foulenes of their inconstancye . There is no time fit to fall from Chryste , but so much the more are the Galathians to be dyspraysed , in that they were led away euen so soone as Paule was departed from them . Therefore as before he amplified their vnthankfulnes in respect of their free calling : so now he doth augment their lightnes by the circumstaunce of tyme .

7. Which is not another thing Some do thus expound it , seing there is not another gospell , as though it were a kind of correction , least any man shold thinke there were more gospels . I , as touching the exposition of the words , take it more simply : for he speaketh contemptuously of the doctrine of the false Apostles , that it is onely a matter of troubles and destruction , as though he should say , What bring these men ? What cause haue they to gaynsay the doctrine by me taught ? Forsooth they trouble you , and ouerthrowe the Gospell , and nought els doe they . The sense notwithstanding commeth to one poynt : for I graunt that by this kinde of speaking is corrected that which was spoken of another Gospell . He denieth it therefore to be the Gospell , but a mere perturbation and trouble . Onely I was willing to admonish that Aliud here in this place is ( after my iudgement ) taken for Alia res , that is in English , Another thing , as we are accustomed to saye , That is no other thing but that you wil play the deceiuer . Are willing to ouerthrow . He layeth the seconde accusation agaynst them , that they doe Christ wrong , willing to ouerthrowe his Gospell . It is a wondrous great accusation , for ouerthrowing is more then corrupting . Neither yet doth he vndeseruingly lay it to their charge . For Christ doth not stande , and the doctrine of the Gospell falleth , where as the prayse of mans iustifying is transposed to other , and where the consciences are snarled and entangled . We must alwaye beholde what are the speciallest things in the Gospell , surely he that ouerthroweth these is a destroyer of the Gospell . The name of Christ which is added , maye be two wayes expounded , other for that it commeth from Christe the Author : or that it doth purely shewe Christ . But no doubte he woulde shew by this epithet the true and natural gospel , which ought to be accounted but one .

8 But although we . ) Here he assayleth them with greate boldnesse , to defende the authoritie of his doctrine . And first he affirmeth the doctrine by him preached , to be that only gospell , which to empeyre were great wickednesse . Or else the false Apostles might aunswere him and say : Wee also wishe the Gospell to remayne pure and vncorrupt , neither iudge we lesse honourable of it than thou . As at these dayes the Papists exclaime , that the gospell is holden holy among them , and that they embrace the name thereof with great reuerence : but when you come to the triall of it , then doe they turmoile the pure & plaine doctrine of the Gospell as they were wood . Therefore Paule not content with that generall testification , doth define what maner of thing that Gospell is , and what it conteineth , and he pronounceth his doctrine to be the true Gospell , lest it should be sought els where . For what shall it profite to giue our consent to the Gospell , and wot not what it meaneth ? Among the Papistes peraduenture it might serue , A folded or hidden truth where Fides implicita is in force : but among Christians there is no fayth , where there is no knowledge . Therfore lest the Galathians , beeing otherwise ready to obey the Gospell , should wauer hither and thither , and beeing in doubt should not finde where to set fast footing , Paul biddeth them bide in his doctrine . Further he will haue suche credite giuen to his preaching , that he pronounceth a curse vppon all them that dare speake agaynst it . Yea and he beginneth with him selfe , because it was needefull , for so he preuenteth the reproche wherewith his yll willers woulde haue burdened him : ( as thus ) Thou wilt haue receiued without controuersie whatsoeuer commeth from thee , because it is thine . Therefore to shewe that he maketh no account of him selfe in this case , he taketh euen from him selfe power , whereby he might dare do any thing agaynst this doctrine . He doth not by this meanes make other his inferiors or subiectes : but with him selfe he bringeth all others into frame , as meete it is , to be subiectes to the worde of God . But to the intent that with greater force he might cast downe the false Apostles , he climbeth vp euen to the Angelles : neither doth he simplye denye them to be hearde , if they bring anye other thing , but he sayth they ought to be cursed . This maye seeme vnto some an absurditie , that he ioyneth the Angels in triall with his doctrine : but he that doth rightly waye all thinges , shall see that he did it needefully . Sure it is that the Angels of heauen can bring no other saue the certayne trueth of God : but where the contention was about the credite of the doctrine reuealed by God for the saluation of men : he thoughte it not inoughe to exempte the same from the iudgement of men , excepte he affirmed it also about the Angels . Wherefore when as he pronounceth the iudgement of a curse vppon Angels , if they teache any other thing : although it be an argument Of that which is vnpossible . ab impossibili , notwithstanding it is not superfluous . Neither doth this excesse smally auayle to amplifie the credite of Paules preaching . He sawe both him selfe and it , to be preassed with the highe titles of men , he aunswereth , that not euen the Aungels haue any weighte or authoritie to treade downe his doctrine . Neither dothe he iniurie to the Angels , for sithe they were created to set foorth the glory of God by all meanes that maye be , he which to this ende dothe holily abuse their name , diminisheth nothing their dignitie . And hereof we not onely gather howe great the Maiestie of the worde of God is , but our fayth also taketh a singular confirmation , whylest that we vsing the worde of God , maye safely triumph ouer the Angels and curse them .

9 As I haue sayde afore . ) When hee sayth let him be Anathema id . accursed these words Of you must be vnderstanded , I haue spoken of this worde Anathema 1. Cor. 12.3 . which in this place signifieth a curse , and is vsed for the Hebrewe word Chorem . Nowe letting passe the mention of him selfe and the Angelles , he doth agayne generally repeate , that it is lawfull for no maner of man to deliuer any other thing then that which they had learned . Note this verbe Accepistis , You haue receiued , for he alwayes endeuoureth , that they hang not vppon an vnknowen Gospell of their owne imagining , but holde the certayne definition thereof , and be earnestly perswaded , that that which was deliuered vnto them and they had embraced , is the true Gospell of Christe . For nothing is lesse agreable with fayth then supposing or imagining . What then if any man doubt , not knowing what thing or what manner of thing the Gospell is ? He dothe therefore commaunde that they shoulde be helde for diuels whatsoeuer they bee , that dare bring an other gospell contrarie to hys , calling that another , vnto whiche the inuentions of others are patched . Neither was the doctrine of the false Apostles altogeather repugnaunt or contrarye , but it was corrupted with false additions . The shift therefore of the Papists is childish , wheras they dally thus with Paules words , First that his whole preaching is not extant : neither that it can be knowen what it conteined , except the Galatians which heard it might be raysed vp from the dead for to be witnesses : moreouer that it is not forbidden , but that somwhat may be added : but only this the other gospels are condemned . As for Pauls Gospell , we gather , and that not darkely , out of his writinges , what maner a one it was , as farre forth as skilleth vs to know : It is manifest that the whole Papacie is an horrible ouerthrower of this Gospell . Lastly by the circumstaunce it is playne , that euery falsified Doctrine is contrary to Paules preaching , and therefore they helpe themselues nothing by cauilling on this maner .

10 Doe I now perswade after men , or after God ? or do I seeke to please men ? if I shoulde as yet please men , I were not the seruaunt of Christ .

11 I make it knowne vnto you , bretheren , as touching the Gospell that was preached by me , that it was not after man .

12 For I neither tooke it , neither learned it of man : but by the r●uelation of Iesu Christ .

13 And ye heard of my conuersation , whiche in time past was in Iewish Religion : that aboue measure I did persecute the Churche of GOD , and spoyled it .

14 And I did profite in Iewish religion aboue many my companions in my kindred , when as I was greatly studious Studiosus desirous or diligent to attaine anye thing . of the traditions of my fathers .

Because he had so boldly extolled his preaching , now doth he without vaine boasting , shew that he did it lawfully : and he vseth two Argumentes to shew it : The first is of the effect of his minde , because he doth not apply himselfe vnto men ambitiously or to flatter . The seconde is much more forcible , in that hee himselfe is not the authour of this Gospell , but hauing receyued it of God , hath faythfully deliuered the same by hande .

10 Doe I now perswade . ) This place for the ambiguitie of the Greeke construction , is diuersly expounded . Some doe thus translate it , 10. Doe I perswade men or God ? Others doe take God for godly thinges , and men for humane thinges , which sense would very well agree , if it were not somewhat far disagreeing from the wordes , I had rather therefore to followe that sence which was lesse forced , for it is a common thing with the Greekes to vnderstande the preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Paule speaketh not of the argument of his preaching , but of the purpose of his minde , that he hath regard vnto God rather then vnto men , although the doctrine be aunswerable to the affection of him that teacheth . For as corruption of doctrine springeth of ambition , auarice , or any other wicked desire , so a right conscience maketh that the pure truth is retained . Therfore he enforceth that his doctrine is true , in that it is not conformed vnto men . Or do I seeke to please men ? This second differeth not much from the first : notwithstanding it differeth somwhat : for the desire to get fauor is the cause why we speake after men . Where such ambition raigneth in our harts , that we couet to frame our speeche to win the fauour of men , it may not be that we can teach sincerely . Therfore Paule doth testifie himselfe to be pure and free from this vice , and that he may with the more boldnesse attempt himselfe also from slaunder he speaketh asking the question : For questions haue more waight , for that we giue our aduersaries leaue to speake againste vs if they haue any thing ( to say . ) For that was a signe of great suertie , which the testimony of a good conscience gaue to Paule : because , indeede , he knewe himselfe so to haue done his duety , that he was not in daunger of such a reproche . For if I should please men . A sentence worthy of remembraunce : that the ambitious , that is , they which hunt after the fauour of men , cannot serue Christe : Notwithstanding hee speaketh of his owne person singulerly in this sence , that hee hath willingly put himselfe out of fauour with men , that he might giue himselfe to serue Christ : and compareth the state of his life afore , with his life nowe . He was in verye great estimation , he was receiued in euerye place with great applaudings and welcomes , wherefore if he would haue pleased men , he needed not chaunge his estate , But hereof is to be gathered that generall doctrine which I spake of : Whosoeuer will faithfullye serue Christ , they must couragiously contemn the fauour of men . This worde , Men , hath in this place a certaine note : for the Ministers or seruauntes of Christ may not purposely desyre to please men : but there are diuers sortes of men . Looke whome Christe is pleasaunt vnto , let vs study to please them in Christe : they that will haue true Doctrine set behinde their affections , them in no wise must we obay . And truly this battayle must alwayes be sustayned of Godly and sound Pastors , that they set noughte by the offending of them , which will haue what they list in all thinges . For the Church shall alwaye haue Drones and wicked persons , which will preferre their owne will before the worde of God . Yea and the good men are sometyme tempted of the Diuell , so that they be angry with their Pastor that aduiseth them rightly : whether they doe it of ignoraunce , or of infirmitie . It is our partes therefore not to be afrayde of any offence , so that thereby we doe not alienate the weake from Christ . Manye doe otherwise expounde this place , as though it were Concessio , ( that is a graunting or yielding ) and they thinke this the sence , If I didde please men , Then I were not the Seruaunte of Christe : I graunte it . But who will vpbrayde this vnto mee ? Who seeth not that I seeke not the fauoure of menne ? But that former sence doeth more please me , in that Paule maketh mention , of howe greate fauour of men , he hath bereft himselfe : that he mighte wholye giue himselfe to Christ .

11 I make it knowne vnto you . ) This is a moste strong argument , and a speciall staye on whiche his cause dependeth , That he receyued not his Gospell of men , but it was reuealed vnto him by GOD . And because this mought haue bene denyed him , he ioyneth an expositiue proofe , that is , a proofe which consisteth in the declaration of the thing done . But that this declaration maye haue the more force , he protesteth that he speaketh not of an obscure or darke thing , but such as he is ready to make proofe off , for such an Exordium or beginning is meete for an earnest matter . He denyeth it to be after man , because it sauoureth of no humane thing , or else because it was not forged or made by man : for proofe whereof , hee doth straighte waye put too , that hee was not taughte of anye earthly maister .

12 For I neither tooke it of man . ) What than ? shall a mans authoritie be therefore the baser , if hee being taughte by the ministerie of man , do afterwarde so become a teacher ? But it is requisite alwayes to consider with what engines the false Apostles inuaded him , videlicet , that he tooke an halting and counterfeyte Gospell of some no verye good mayster , or at the least of some base teacher , and vnderstanding it but weakelye , nowe rashlye to preache it . In the meane while they boasted themselues the Disciples of the highest Apostles , the sence of whose myndes they hadde perfectlye . It was therefore needefull for Paule to sette his Doctrine agaynste all the World , and to stay him vppon this shore . viz. That it was reuealed vnto h●m by GOD , and not taughte him in the schoole of any man , otherwise he shoulde neuer haue bene deliuered from the slaunders of the false Apostles . Obiection . If anye will obiecte that he was taught of Ananias , Act. the ninth Chapt. the tenth ver. The solution thereof is easie : Answere . there is no let but that GOD by himselfe hath taught him by Oracles , and to garnishe the ministerie also , hath vsed mans helpe in teaching him , as I haue sayde afore that he was both called immediately by Oracle of God , and also was ordayned by the voyces of men and solemne approbation or admission , these things disagree not in themselues .

13 For ye haue heard my conuersation . ) All this Narration is added in steede of a probation or proofe , for he sheweth that all his life long hee didde so muche abhorre the Gospell , that he was an hatefull enemie thereof , and a spoyler of Christians , thereof we gather that his conuersion was of GOD , And certesse hee appealeth them as witnesses of a thing not doubtfull , that that whiche hee speaketh of maye bee oute of doubt .

He calleth them his Companions which were of the same tyme , for if he had made the comparison with the Elders , it hadde bene vnproper . The traditions of my Fathers . Hee meaneth not those additions with whiche the lawe of GOD was corrupted , but the law of God it selfe , in whiche hee was broughte vp from his childehoode , and which he hadde receiued from his Fathers and Graundsires by mouth . When as therefore he was greatly addicted to the customes of the Fathers : it was not easy for him to be remoued from it , except the Lorde had drawne him by myracle .

15 And after that it pleased God which had seperated me from my mothers wombe , and called mee by his grace .

16 To reueale his sonne vnto me , that I might preache him among the Gentils , straight way I conferred not with flesh and blood .

17 Neither returned I to Ierusalem to them which wer Apostles before me : but I went into Arabia , and againe I returned to Damasco .

18 Three yeres after that I came back to Ierusalem , that I mighte see Peter , and I remained with him fifteene dayes .

19 Other of the Apostles I saw none but James the brother of our Lorde .

20 Furthermore the thinges whiche I write vnto you , beholde before God , I lye not .

21 After that I came into the Countreys of Syria and Cilicia .

22 And I was vnknowne in face to the churches of Jury , which were in Christ .

23 But only this report was among them . Hee that in time past persecuted vs , now preacheth the faith , which in time past he ouerthrew .

24 And they glorified God in me .

15 After it pleased God . ) The seconde peece of his Narration , is of his wonderfull conuersion : but here must be made a resolution in that he was called by the grace of God to preach Christ among the Gentils : and in that , straight way after his calling , not consulting with the Apostles , he prepared him to the worke enioyned him without any doubting , being certayne of God his determination . Erasmus disagreeth in the construction of the wordes from the common translations ( in Latine ) for thus he ioineth it , When it seemed good vnto God that I should preach Christ among the Gentils , which called me to this , that he might reueale him by me . But the old translation is more apte in my iudgement , for first the reuelation of Christ was offered vnto him : and after that the preaching was committed . Or else if it like you to follow the translation of Erasmus so that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doe signifie in english by me , yet for all that this peece , that I should preache , is added to expresse the maner of the reuelation . But at the firste blushe , the reasoning of Paule may seeme not so firme , for howsoeuer he was conuerted to Christianitie , he did by and by take vpon him , without asking counsell of the Apostles , the office of preaching the Gospell , and doth it not for all that follow therefore that he was appointed vnto it by the reuelation of Christ , but hee endeuoreth with many reasons to proue it , all which if you gather into one , they will be sufficient to make a full argument , first that he was called by Gods grace : secondly , that his Apostleship was approued of the rest of the Apostles : and so forth . Let the Readers therefore remember to reade his whole narration together : and so therevpon to conclude of the whole , and not of the singuler partes . Which had seperated me . ) This separation was the councell of God whereby Paule was appointed to the office of an Apostle , before he did know himselfe to bee borne a man : His calling afterward followed in due time , when as the Lord manifested his will as touching him , and commanded him to be in a readinesse vnto his worke . But there is no doubt , but that God , before the worlde was made , determyned what he woulde doe with euery one of vs , and assigned by his secret iudgement to euery one his duety and charge . But otherwhile the scripture doth vse to place these three degrees : The eternall predestination of God : his appoynting from the mothers wombe : and calling which is the effecte and fulfilling of both . The Lord speaketh somewhat otherwise , Ieremy the first chap. the fift ver. that the wordes of Paule doe sounde : and yet in the same sence or meaning . Before that I did shape thee in thy mothers wombe , I did know thee : before thou camest oute of thy mothers wombe I sanctified thee : I gaue thee to be a Prophet to the Nations or Gentils . God also sanctified Paule not yet borne , to the office of an Apostle as he did Ieremie to the office of a Prophet , but he again is said to separat vs from our mothers wombe , because that to this end we are brought forth into the world , that he might fulfil in vs that which he hath determined . And our calling is deferred euen vntill it be a fitte time to execute , when as God hath made vs meete to fulfill that office which he enioyneth vs . Thus therefore may you resolue Paules wordes , When it pleased God to reueale his sonne by me , which called me , as before he did seperate me . For he would declare his calling to depende vpon the secret election of God : neither that he was therefore appoynted an Apostle , because he had prepared himselfe by his owne industrie to take vpon him so great an office : or els because God had found him meete , as to whom he might commit this busines : but because he was appoynted thervnto by the hidden counsell of God , & that before he was borne : For so he is accustomed to ascribe the cause of his calling , to the free pleasure of God : which is diligently to be marked . For therby we are taught , that it is to be referred to the grace of God , not onely that we are elected and adopted vnto eternall life : but also that he vouchsafeth to vse our helpe , wheras otherwise we are vtterly vnprofitable : and that he assigneth vs a lawfull calling , in which we may exercise our selues . For what had Paule beeing not yet borne that was worthy of so great honour ? Thus then must we make our count , that this is altogether the gifte of God , and not gotten by our power , that we are called to gouerne his Church . Finally in that some do more subtilly dispute in the worde , Seperated , they do it without cause , and out of season . Neither is God sayd to seperate vs , because he doth put into vs some habite or forme , wherby we may differ from other : but because he doth order vs by his counsell . Although verily he had already manifestly inoughe attributed his calling to the grace & fauour of God , when he made the beginning thereof that voluntary separation from his mothers wombe : yet agayne by name doth he expresse it , partly that the commendation of the grace might take away al opinion of bosting , partly that he might testifie his thankfulnes to God . For he is accustomed willingly to do thus , euen where he hath no controuersie with the false Apostles .

16 To reueale his sonne . If you reade , To reueale his sonne by me : it shal be the final cause of the Apostleship , to make Christ manifest . How ? by preaching him among the Gentiles , that which the false Apostles laid to his charge as a fault . But wheras in Greeke it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , I take it to be an Hebrue phrase for mihi , for with the Hebrues ב is often superfluous : which is wel inough knowen to them that are expert in the tong . The sense then is , that Christ was reuealed to Paul , not that he alone should haue the fruition of the knowlege of him , & that he should keepe him close in his bosome : but that he should preach him being by him knowen among the Gentiles . Straightway I conferred not . To confer With flesh and bloud , is to take flesh and bloud to counsell . And as touching the signification of these words , his minde was simply to exclude all counsels of men : for generally in this place he comprehendeth all men , & whatsoeuer wisdome or counsell they haue , as by & by will appeare by the text : naye rather he doth by name shewe or note the Apostles , & that with that purpose , that the immediate calling of God may more clearly appeare . He therefore vsing only the authoritie of God , & being content therwith , prepareth himselfe to the office of preaching .

17 Neither returned I to Ierusalem . It is an exposition & also an amplification of the former sentence : as if he should say , I haue desired no man in the world to be mine autor , no not euen the Apostles them selues . They are therfore deceiued which say that the Apostles are not comprehended vnder flesh and bloud , because he doth name them now apart . For he doth not adioyne any new or contrary thing , but only doth expound more playnly that which was darkly spoken . Neither is he therfore reprochful to the Apostles in such maner of appellation : because , to the end that he might shew him selfe not to haue bin moued by man , it was needful for him to set them opposite vnto god , for cause of the forged braggings of lewd persons . And wheras the creature is compared with God , although it ( I meane the creature ) be pressed downe with low & base titles , it hath no wrong done to it . But I went into Arabia . Luke in his history of the Actes hath passed ouer these 3. yeres , as neither also he doth recken vp al other things : colde therefore is their false surmise , which seeke in this place some pretence of contrarietie . But let the godly readers waye what a greeuous battell of temptation tooke hold of Paule immediatly after his first seruice while he was yet but a young souldier , who the day before forhonors sake was sent with a goodly band to Damasco , & to day like a banished man is compelled to wander in a straunge countrie : and yet for all that fainteth not .

18 Three yeres . The thirde yere at last after he exercised the office of an Apostle , he went vp to Ierusalem , therefore hee began not by the calling of man . And neuerthelesse lest he should seeme to haue his considerations contrary from others , & therfore to flie the sight of them : he saith that he came for this purpose , to see Peter : therefore although he waited their authoritye in taking vpon him his office , yet hee helde not his degree of Apostleship , they being agaynst it , but agreeing to it , and allowing it , and this is that which he intendeth , that neither he was at anye time of contrary opinion to the other Apostles , & moreouer that he did well agree with them . He noteth the short time that he spent there , to shew that he came not thither to learn , but only that they might common one with another . To that ende belongeth that which he addeth , that he saw no other , because that he going somewhether else , made his iorney that way only .

19 But Iames. ) Who this Iames was we must see . The olde writers for the most part do agree that it was one of the Disciples , by surname Oblias and Iustus , which ruled the Church of Ierusalem . Although some think him the son of Ioseph by another wife : some ( which is more like to be true ) think him cosine German to Christ of his mothers sister : but seing he is reckoned among the Apostles , I allow not the opinion . Neither is the excuse of Hierome of any force . That this name is otherwhile set ouer from the xii . vnto other , seing that here he speaketh of the highest dignity , & we shal heare that the same ( Iames ) is a litte after accounted among the principal pillers , therfore it seemeth to me much more probable to be the son of Alphaeus of whome he speaketh . As for the rest it is likely that they were then dispearsed through diuerse Countreyes , for they rested not in one place idle . Although Luke doe shew Act. 11.15 . that he was brought by Barnabas to the Apostles : yet that is not to be vnderstanded of the xii . but of these two , which then were alone at Ierusalem . 20 Fathermore the things which I write vnto you . ) This affirmation is extended to the whole narration : & it sheweth how seriously Paule contendeth about this matter in that he putteth to an oth , the whiche it is not lawful to vse , but in great causes & those of much waight . And it is no maruaile though he stay long in so greate a contention , for wee saw afore what the deceauers didde goe about , by taking awaye from him the name and honour of an Apostle . But the fashions of swearing which the Sayntes vse , must bee marked of vs : that we may vnderstande that with an othe wee doe nothing else but call before the iudgement of God , the fidelitie and truth of our sayinges and doinges : the whiche when wee doe it , needefull it is that religion & the feare of God should gouerne .

22 I was in face vnknowne . ) This seemeth to be added , that he might the more largely set out the mallice and ill will of his backbiters . For if onely heresay did moue the iewish Churches to giue glory vnto God because he had so wonderfully wrought in Paule : how detestable a thing is it , that they , vnto whome his maruailous vertues were manifest by their effect , should not doe the like ? if onely report suffised them , why were not these content with the sight of the thinges ? He is sayde to haue ouerthrowne the faith , not because faith of it selfe is able to be ouerthrowne , but because he destroyed the same in weake persons . Finally the enterprise is more respected then the effect .

24 They did glorifie . ) This was a manifest token , that his ministerie was approued of all the Churches of Iury , and so approued that with great wondering and praise they acknowledged the great power of God . So glauncingly he nippeth his ill willers , in that they by their spite and slaunders onely profite herein , that they darken the glory of God , whiche the Apostles had acknowledged and openly confessed to shine in the Apostleship of Paule . In the meane space here is by the way prescribed vnto vs a rule , how much we ought to reuerence the Saints of God . For such is either our wickednesse , or our vnthankefulnesse , or our readinesse to superstition , that looke whome we see garnished with the giftes of God , those we worship as it were Gods , not remembring of whome they had those giftes . And therefore we are warned in this place rather to cast our eyes vpon the Authour , that we may ascribe vnto him that which is his . And also we are taught that it was an occasion to prayse God , in that Paule of an enimie was become a Minister .