Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
God, so it is only the expectation of final redemption that keeps us from giving way. 512 Let every
one, therefore, that would persevere in a course of holy life, apply his whole mind to a expectation
of Christ’s coming. It is also worthy of notice, that he uses the expression waiting for Christ, instead
of the hope of everlasting salvation. For, unquestionably, without Christ we are ruined and thrown
into despair, but when Christ shews himself, life and prosperity do at the same time shine forth
upon us. 513 Let us bear in mind, however, that this is said to believers exclusively, for as for the
wicked, as he will come to be their Judge, so they can do nothing but tremble in looking for him.
This is what he afterwards subjoins — that Christ delivereth us from the wrath to come. For
this is felt by none but those who, being reconciled to God by faith, have conscience already pacified;
otherwise, 514 his name is dreadful. Christ, it is true, delivered us by his death from the anger of
God, but the import of that deliverance will become apparent on the last day. 515 This statement,
however, consists of two departments. The first is, that the wrath of God and everlasting destruction
are impending over the human race, inasmuch as all have sinned, and come short of the glory of
God. (Romans 3:23) The second is, that there is no way of escape but through the grace of Christ;
for it is not without good grounds that Paul assigns to him this office. It is, however, an inestimable
gift, that the pious, whenever mention is made of judgment, know that Christ will come as a
Redeemer to them.
In addition to this, he says emphatically, the wrath to come, that he may rouse up pious minds,
lest they should fail from looking at the present life. For as faith is a looking at things that do not
appear, (Hebrews 11:1) nothing is less befitting than that we should estimate the wrath of God,
according as any one is afflicted in the world; as nothing is more absurd than to take hold of the
transient blessings which we enjoy, that we may from them form an estimate of God’s favor. While,
therefore, on the one hand, the wicked sport themselves at their ease, and we, on the other hand,
languish in misery, let us learn to fear the vengeance of God, which is hid from the eyes of flesh,
and take our satisfaction in the secret delights of the spiritual life. 516
10 Whom he raised up. He makes mention here of Christ’s resurrection, on which the hope of
our resurrection is founded, for death everywhere besets us. Hence, unless we learn to look to
Christ, our minds will give way at every turn. By the same consideration, he admonishes them that
Christ is to be waited for from heaven, because we will find nothing in the world to bear us up, 517
while there are innumerable trials to overwhelm us. Another circumstance must be noticed; 518 for
as Christ rose for this end — that he might make us all at length, as being his members, partakers
of the same glory with himself, Paul intimates that his resurrection would be vain, unless he again
appeared as their Redeemer, and extended to the whole body of the Church the fruit and effect of
that power which he manifested in himself. 519
512 “Que ne nous lassions et perdions courage;” — “That we do not give way and lose heart.”
513 “Jettent sur nous leurs rayons;” — “Cast upon us their rays.”
514 “Aux autres;” — “To others.”
515 “Mais’au dernier iour sera veu a l’oeil le fruit de ceste deliurance, et de quelle importance elle est;” — “But on the last day
will be visible to the eye the fruit of that deliverance, and of what importance it is.”
516 “En delices et plaisirs de la vie spirituelle, lesquels nous ne voyons point;” — “In the delights and pleasures of the spiritual
life which we do not see.”
517 “Et faire demeurer fermes;” — “And make us remain firm.”
518 “A laquelle ceci se rapporte;” — “To what this refers.”
519 “Laquelle il a vne fois monstree en sa personne;” — “Which he once shewed in his own person.”
152
John Calvin