Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Galatians 1:17

Verse 17 17.Neither did I return to Jerusalem. What he had just written is now explained, and more fully stated. As if he had said, “I did not ask the authority of any man,” not even of the apostles themselves. It is a mistake to suppose, that, because the apostles are now separately mentioned, they are not included in the words, flesh and blood. Nothing new or different is here added, but merely a clearer explanation of what had been already said. And no disrespect to the apostles is implied... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Galatians 1:18

Verse 18 18.Then after three years. It was not till three years after he had begun to discharge the apostolic office, that he went up to Jerusalem. Thus, he did not, at the outset, receive the calling of men. But lest it should be supposed that he had separate interests from theirs, and was desirous to avoid their society, he tells us that he went up for the express purposeto see (31) Peter. (32) Although he had not waited for their sanction before undertaking the office, yet it was not against... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Galatians 1:19

Verse 19 19.But I saw no other of the apostles. This is added to make it evident that he had but one object in his journey, and attended to nothing else. Except James. Who this James was, deserves inquiry. Almost all the ancients are agreed that he was one of the disciples, whose surname was “Oblias” and “The Just,” and that he presided over the church at Jerusalem. (33) Yet others think that he was the son of Joseph by another wife, and others (which is more probable) that he was the cousin... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Galatians 1:20

Verse 20 20.Now the things which I write to you. This affirmation extends to the whole narrative. The vast earnestness of Paul on this subject is evinced by his resorting to an oath, which cannot lawfully be employed but on great and weighty occasions. Nor is it wonderful that he insists with so much earnestness on this point; for we have already seen to what expedients the impostors had recourse in order to take from him the name and credit of an apostle. Now the modes of swearing used by good... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Galatians 1:22

Verse 22 22.And was unknown by face. This appears to be added for the sake of shewing more strongly the wickedness and malignity of his slanderers. If the churches of Judea who had only heard respecting him, were led to give glory to God for the astonishing change which he had wrought in Paul, how disgraceful was it that those who had beheld the fruits of his amazing labors should not have acted a similar part! If the mere report was enough for the former, why did not the facts before their... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Galatians 1:23

Verse 23 23.Which once he destroyed. This does not mean that faith (36) may actually be destroyed, but that he lessened its influence on the minds of weak men. Besides, it is the will, rather than the deed, that is here expressed. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Galatians 1:24

Verse 24 24.And they glorified God in me (37) This was an evident proof that his ministry was approved by all the churches of Judea, and approved in such a manner, that they broke out into admiration and praise of the wonderful power of God. Thus he indirectly reproves their malice, by showing that their venom and slanders could have no other effect than to hide the glory of God, which, as the apostles admitted and openly acknowledged, shone brightly in the apostleship of Paul. This reminds us... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Galatians 1:11-24

Paul's personal grasp of the gospel. Paul, as we have seen, is so certain of the gospel of grace being the only gospel for sinful men, that he is prepared to pronounce an anathema on all who preach any other gospel. Lest it might be supposed that he took up this intolerant position rashly, he now proceeds to give us a short autobiography, in which he shows how he had received the gospel, and what a hold it had upon him. Let us notice the salient points in this narrative. I. HIS LIFE... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Galatians 1:11-24

Position. "For I make known to you, brethren, as touching the gospel which was preached by me." To the remarkable outburst of feeling with which the apostle approaches the Galatians, succeeds affectionate, calm statement. He addresses them now as brethren. His object in writing to them is not to excommunicate them, but to bring them back from their error. Against the misrepresentations of the Judaists he wishes to make known to them as his brethren his exact position, touching the gospel... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Galatians 1:13

For ye have heard ( ἠκούσατε γάρ ) . This "for" introduces the whole statement which follows down to the end of the chapter; for the entire section is written with the view of substantiating the assertion in Galatians 1:12 , that he had not received the gospel which he preached from man, but solely through illumination imparted immediately from heaven. "Ye have heard," i.e. have been told; as Acts 11:1 ; John 4:1 , and often. "I am only stating what ye have already been... read more

Group of Brands