Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
position by any machinations of Satan. On the other hand, if any one has not fixed his roots in
Christ, 355 he will easily be
carried about with every wind of doctrine, (Ephesians 4:14,)
just as a tree that is not supported by any root. 356
The third metaphor is that of a foundation, for a house that is not supported by a foundation
quickly falls to ruins. The case is the same with those who lean on any other foundation than Christ,
or at least are not securely founded on him, but have the building of their faith suspended, as it
were, in the air, in consequence of their weakness and levity.
These two things are to be observed in the Apostle’s words — that the stability of those who
rely upon Christ is immovable, and their course is not at all wavering, or liable to error, (and this
is an admirable commendation of faith from its effect;) and, secondly, that we must make progress
in Christ aye and until we have taken deep root in him. From this we may readily gather, that those
who do not know Christ only wander into bypaths, and are tossed about in disquietude.
7. And confirmed in the faith. He now repeats without a figure the same thing that he had
expressed by metaphors, — that the prosecution of the way, the support of the root, and of the
foundation, is firmness and steadfastness of faith. And observe, that this argument is set before
them in consequence of their having been well instructed, in order that they may safely and
confidently secure their footing in the faith with which they had been made acquainted.
Abounding. He would not have them simply remain immovable, but would have them grow
every day more and more. When he adds, with thanksgiving, he would have them always keep in
mind from what source faith itself proceeds, that they may not be puffed up with presumption, but
may rather with fear repose themselves in the gift of God. And, unquestionably, ingratitude is very
frequently the reason why we are deprived of the light of the gospel, as well as of other divine
favors.
Colossians 2:8-12
8. Beware lest any man spoil you through 8. Videte ne quis vos praedetur per
philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of philosophiam et inanem deceptionem, secundum
men, after the rudiments of the world, and not traditionem hominum secundum elementa mundi,
357 after Christ.
et non secundum Christum:
9. Quoniam in ipso habitat omnis plenitudo
Deitatis corporaliter. 358
9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the
Godhead bodily.
10. And ye are complete in him, which is the 10. Et estis in ipso completi, qui est caput
head of all principality and power:
omnis principatus et potestatis,
355 “Si quelque vn n’ha la racine de son cœur plantee et fichee en Christ;” — “If any one has not the root of his heart planted
and fixed in Christ.”
356 “Que n’ha point les racines profondes;” — “That has not deep roots.”
357 “Selon les rudimens du monde;” — “according to the rudiments of the world.”
358 “Corporellement, ou, essenciellement;” — “Bodily, or, essentially.”
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John Calvin