Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
the scepter by which God reigns over us, and by means of it we are singled out to life eternal. 479
But of this form of expression we shall treat more fully elsewhere.
12 Always striving. Here we have an example of a good pastor, whom distance of place cannot
induce to forget the Church, so as to prevent him from taking the care of it with him beyond the
sea. We must notice, also, the strength of entreaty that is expressed in the word striving. For although
the Apostle had it in view here to express intensity of affection, he at the same time admonishes
the Colossians not to look upon the prayers of their pastor as useless, but, on the contrary, to reckon
that they would afford them no small assistance. Lastly, let us infer from Paul’s words, that the
perfection of Christians is, when they stand complete in the will of God, that they may not suspend
their scheme of life upon anything else.
Colossians 4:14-18
14. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, 14. Salutat vos Lucas medicus dilectus, et
greet you.
Demas.
15. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, 15. Salutate fratres qui sunt Laodiceae, et
and Nymphas, and the church which is in his Nympham, et Ecclesiam quae est domi ipsius;
house.
16. And when this epistle is read among you, 16. Et quum lecta fuerit apud vos epistola,
cause that it be read also in the church of the facite ut etiam in Laodicensium Ecclesia legatur:
Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle et eam quae ex Laodicea est ut vos legatis.
from Laodicea.
17. And say to Archippus, Take heed to the 17. Et dicite Archippo: Vide ministerium
ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, quod accepisti in Domino, ut illud impleas.
that thou fulfil it.
18. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. 18. Salutatio, mea manu Pauli. Memores
Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. estote vinculorum meorum. Gratia vobiscum.
Amen.
Written from Rome to the Colossians by
Tychicus and Onesimus.
Missa e Roma per Tychicum et Onesimum.
14. Luke saluteth you. I do not agree with those who understand this to be Luke the Evangelist;
for I am of opinion that he was too well known to stand in need of such a designation, and he would
have been signalized by a more magnificent eulogium. He would, undoubtedly, have called him
his fellow-helper, or at least his companion and participant in his conflicts. I rather conjecture that
he was absent at that time, and that it is another of the same name that is called a physician, to
distinguish him from the other. Demas, of whom he makes mention, is undoubtedly the person of
whom he complains — that he afterwards deserted him. (2 Timothy 4:10.)
479 “Nous sommes receus a la vie eternelle;” — “We are received to life eternal.”
142
John Calvin