Not of works; any works whatever, and not only works of the ceremonial law: for if they only were excluded, the opposition between God and man, grace and works, were not right, which yet we find so often elsewhere; {see Rom_11:6} men might not be saved by works of the ceremonial law, and yet still be saved by works, and of themselves.
Lest any man should boast; glory in their own works or worth, as men are apt to do when they think they have any thing of their own which contributes to their salvation see Rom_3:27 4:2.