Commentary on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2.pdf

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
danger, they may be on their guard; to the poor, that, satisfied with their lot, they may not so eagerly
desire what would bring more damage than gain. It is true indeed, that riches do not, in their own
nature, hinder us from following God; but, in consequence of the depravity of the human mind, it
is scarcely possible for those who have a great abundance to avoid being intoxicated by them. So
they who are exceedingly rich are held by Satan bound, as it were, in chains, that they may not
raise their thoughts to heaven; nay more, they bury and entangle themselves, and became utter
slaves to the earth. The comparison of the camel., which is soon after added, is intended to amplify
the difficulty; for it means that the rich are so swelled with pride and presumption, that they cannot
endure to be reduced to the straits through which God makes his people to pass. The word camel
denotes, I think, a rope used by sailors, rather than the animal so named. 633
25. And his disciples, when they heard these things, were greatly amazed. The disciples are
astonished, because it ought to awaken in us no little anxiety, that riches obstruct the entrance into
the kingdom of God; for, wherever we turn our eyes, a thousand obstacles will present themselves.
But let us observe that, while they were struck with astonishment, they did not shrink from the
doctrines of Christ. The case was different with him who was lately mentioned; for he was so much
alarmed by the severity of the commandment, that he separated from Christ; while they, though
trembling, and inquiring, who can be saved? do not break off in an opposite direction, but are
desirous to conquer despair. Thus it will be of service to us to tremble at the threatenings of God:
whenever he denounces any thing that is gloomy or dreadful, provided that our minds are not
discouraged, but rather aroused.
26. With men this is impossible. Christ does not entirely free the minds of his disciples from all
anxiety; for it is proper that they should perceive how difficult it is to ascend to heaven; first, that
they may direct all their efforts to this object; and next, that, distrusting themselves, they may
implore strength from heaven. We see how great is our indolence and carelessness; and what the
consequence would be if believers thought that they had to walk at ease, for pastime, along a smooth
and cheerful plain. Such is the reason why Christ does not extenuate the danger — though he
633 “Vray est que le mot CAMELUS, dont a use l’Evangeliste, significant un chameau qu’un chable: mats i’aime mieux le
prendre en la derniere signification pour une grosse carde de nayire.” — “It is true that the word κάμηλος which the Evangelist
has employed, means both a camel and a cable; but I prefer taking it in the latter signification for a large rope used by sailors.”
The two English words camel and cable closely resemble each other, and the corresponding Greek words differ only by a single
vowel; κάμηλος, denoting a camel, and κάμιλος a cable or rope It does not appear that Calvin; relied on certain Manuscripts of
no good authority, which substitute καμίλον, for καμήλον. But he adopted the notion equally unfounded, that Greek writers
sometimes used κάμηλος, in the sense of κάμιλος. Had due allowance been made for the boldness of Eastern imagery, the
supposed difficulty would have disappeared, and the most refined taste would have been fully gratified. The poet Southey has
seized the true spirit of the passage: — “S. The camel and the needle, Is that then in your mind? “T. Even so. The text Is gospel
wisdom. I would ride the camel, — Yea leap him flying, through the needle’s eye, As easily as such a pampered soul Could pass
the narrow gate.” At one period, critics showed a strong leaning to the idea of cable, which our Author favors, but have now
very generally abandoned it, and returned to the true reading. — Ed
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John Calvin