Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
in our hearts; because we constantly feel there great conflicts, while the flesh lusteth against the
Spirit. (Galatians 5:17.)
The clause, to which ye are called, intimates what manner of peace this is — that unity which
Christ has consecrated among us under his own direction. 447 For God has reconciled us to himself
in Christ, (2 Corinthians 5:18,) with this view, that we may live in entire harmony among ourselves.
He adds, in one body, meaning by this, that we cannot be in a state of agreement with God otherwise
than by being united among ourselves as members of one body. When he bids us be thankful, I do
not take this as referring so much to the remembrance of favors, as to sweetness of manners. Hence,
with the view of removing ambiguity, I prefer to render it, “Be amiable.” At the same time I
acknowledge that, if gratitude takes possession of our minds, 448 we shall without fail be inclined
to cherish mutual affection among ourselves.
16. Let the word of Christ dwell. He would have the doctrine of the gospel be familiarly known
by them. Hence we may infer by what spirit those are actuated in the present day, who cruelly 449
interdict the Christian people from making use of it, and furiously vociferate, that no pestilence is
more to be dreaded, than that the reading of the Scriptures should be thrown open to the common
people. For, unquestionably, Paul here addresses men and women of all ranks; nor would he simply
have them take a slight taste merely of the word of Christ, but exhorts that it should dwell in them;
that is, that it should have a settled abode, and that largely, that they may make it their aim to
advance and increase more and more every day. As, however, the desire of learning is extravagant
on the part of many, while they pervert the word of the Lord for their own ambition, or for vain
curiosity, or in some way corrupt it, he on this account adds, in all wisdom — that, being instructed
by it, we may be wise as we ought to be.
Farther, he gives a short definition of this wisdom — that the Colossians teach one another
Teaching is taken here to mean profitable instruction, which tends to edification, as in Romans
12:7 — He that teacheth, on teaching; also in Timothy — “All Scripture is profitable for teaching.”
(2 Timothy 3:16.) This is the true use of Christ’s word. As, however, doctrine is sometimes in itself
cold, and, as one says, 450 when it is simply shewn what is right, virtue is praised 451 and left to starve,
452 he adds at the same time admonition, which is, as it were, a confirmation of doctrine and
incitement to it. Nor does he mean that the word of Christ ought to be of benefit merely to
individuals, that they may teach themselves, but he requires mutual teaching and admonition.
Psalms, hymns. He does not restrict the word of Christ to these particular departments, but
rather intimates that all our communications should be adapted to edification, that even those which
tend to hilarity may have no empty savor. “Leave to unbelievers that foolish delight which they
take from ludicrous and frivolous jests and witticisms; 453 and let your communications, not merely
those that are grave, but those also that are joyful and exhilarating, contain something profitable.
447 “En son nom et authorite;” — “In his own name and authority.”
448 “Si nous auons les cœurs et les sens abbreuuez de ceste affection de n’estre point ingrats;” — “If we have our hearts and
minds thoroughly imbued with this disposition of being not unthankful.”
449 “Si estroitement et auec si grande cruaute;” — “So strictly and with such great cruelty.”
450 “Comme a dit anciennement vn poëte Latin; — “As a Latin poet has anciently said.”
451 “Probitas laudatur et alget;” — “Virtue is praised and starves,” — that is, is slighted. See Juv. 1:74. — Ed.
452 “Il se trouue assez de gens qui louënt vertu, mais cependant elle se morfond: c’est a dire, il n’y en a gueres qui se mettent
a l’ensuyure;” — “There are persons enough who praise virtue, but in the mean time it starves; that is to say, there are scarcely
any of them that set themselves to pursue it.”
453 “Plaisanteries pleines de vanite et niaiserie;” — “Pleasantries full of vanity and silliness.”
133
John Calvin