Annotation XCIX

”Many are called, but few chosen.” — Matthew 22:14

Whether election is from merit.

Theophylact, explaining this, is noted [censured] by the heretic Oecolampadius, his translator — [on the ground] that he ascribed to the merits of the elect the election of God, which Paul attributes to divine grace alone, in these words: “Many are called, but few chosen. For [there are] few who are saved, and who [are] worthy to be chosen by God: so that to call [is] indeed God’s [part]; but to become elect, or not, is ours.” He shows, therefore, that the parable was spoken on account of the Jews: who were indeed called, but not chosen, because they did not hear [obey]. See below, Annotation 251.