Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
governed his Church under dark coverings, both of words and of ceremonies, he has suddenly shone
forth in full brightness by means of the doctrine of the gospel. The second is — that whereas nothing
was previously seen but external figures, Christ has been exhibited, bringing with him the full truth,
which had lain concealed. The third is, what I have mentioned — that the whole world, which had
up to this time been estranged from God, is called to the hope of salvation, and the same inheritance
of eternal life is offered to all. An attentive consideration of these things constrains us to reverence
and adore this mystery which Paul proclaims, however it may be held in contempt by the world, or
even in derision.
Which is now revealed. Lest any one should turn aside to another meaning the term mystery,
as though he were speaking of a thing that was still secret and unknown, he adds, that it has now
at length been published, 341 that it might be known by mankind. What, therefore, was in its own
nature secret, has been made manifest by the will of God. Hence, there is no reason why its obscurity
should alarm us, after the revelation that God has made of it. He adds, however, to the saints, for
God’s arm has not been revealed to all, (Isaiah 53:1,) that they might understand his counsel.
27. To whom God was pleased to make known. Here he puts a bridle upon the presumption of
men, that they may not allow themselves to be wise, or to inquire beyond what they ought, but may
learn to rest satisfied with this one thing that it has so pleased God. For the good pleasure of God
ought to be perfectly sufficient for us as a reason. This, however, is said principally for the purpose
of commending the grace of God; for Paul intimates, that mankind did by no means furnish occasion
for God’s making them participants of this secret, when he teaches that he was led to this of his
own accord, and because he was pleased to do so. For it is customary for Paul to place the good
pleasure of God in opposition to all human merits and external causes.
What are the riches. We must always take notice, in what magnificent terms he speaks in
extolling the dignity of the gospel. For he was well aware that the ingratitude of men is so great,
that notwithstanding that this treasure is inestimable, and the grace of God in it is so distinguished,
they, nevertheless, carelessly despise it, or at least think lightly of it. Hence, not resting satisfied
with the term mystery, he adds glory, and that, too, not trivial or common. For riches, according to
Paul, denote, as is well known, amplitude. 342 He states particularly, that those riches have been
manifested among the Gentiles; for what is more wonderful than that the Gentiles, who had during
so many ages been sunk in death, so as to appear to be utterly ruined, are all on a sudden reckoned
among the sons of God, and receive the inheritance of salvation?
Which is Christ in you. What he had said as to the Gentiles generally he applies to the Colossians
themselves, that they may more effectually recognize in themselves the grace of God, and may
embrace it with greater reverence. He says, therefore, which is Christ, meaning by this, that all that
secret is contained in Christ, and that all the riches of heavenly wisdom are obtained by them when
they have Christ, as we shall find him stating more openly a little afterwards. He adds, in you,
because they now possess Christ, from whom they were lately so much estranged, that nothing
could exceed it. Lastly, he calls Christ the hope of glory, that they may know that nothing is wanting
to them for complete blessedness when they have obtained Christ. This, however, is a wonderful
work of God, that in earthen and frail vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7) the hope of heavenly glory resides.
341 “Publié et manifesté;” — “Published and manifested.”
342 “Signifient magnificence;” — “Denote magnificence.”
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John Calvin