Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
It is, however, with good reason that he says that he had sent Timothy with this view — that
they might receive a confirmation of their faith from his example. They might be intimidated by
unpleasant reports as to persecutions; but Paul’s undaunted constancy was fitted so much the more
to animate them, so as to keep them from giving way. And, assuredly, the fellowship which ought
to subsist between the saints and members of Christ extends even thus far — that the faith of one
is the consolation of others. Thus, when the Thessalonians heard that Paul was going on with
indefatigable zeal, and was by strength of faith surmounting all dangers and all difficulties, and
that his faith continued everywhere victorious against Satan and the world, this brought them no
small consolation. More especially we are, or at least ought to be, stimulated by the examples of
those by whom we were instructed in the faith, as is stated in the end of the Epistle to the Hebrews.
(Hebrews 13:7) Paul, accordingly, means that they ought to be fortified by his example, so as not
to give way under their afflictions. As, however, they might have been offended if Paul had
entertained a fear lest they should all give way under persecutions, (inasmuch as this would have
been an evidence of excessive distrust,) he mitigates this harshness by saying — lest any one, or,
that no one. There was, however, good reason to fear this, as there are always some weak persons
in every society.
3 For ye yourselves know. As all would gladly exempt themselves from the necessity of bearing
the cross, Paul teaches that there is no reason why believers should feel dismayed on occasion of
persecutions, as though it were a thing that was new and unusual, inasmuch as this is our condition,
which the Lord has assigned to us. For this manner of expression — we are appointed to it — is
as though he had said, that we are Christians on this condition. He says, however, that they know
it, because it became them to fight the more bravely, 556 inasmuch as they had been forewarned in
time. In addition to this, incessant afflictions made Paul contemptible among rude and ignorant
persons. On this account he states that nothing had befallen him but what he had long before, in
the manner of a prophet, foretold.
5 Lest perhaps the tempter has tempted you. By this term he teaches us that temptations are
always to be dreaded, because it is the proper office of Satan to tempt. As, however, he never ceases
to place ambushes for us on all sides, and to lay snares for us all around, so we must be on our
watch, eagerly taking heed. And now he says openly what in the outset he had avoided saying, as
being too harsh — that he had felt concerned lest his labors should be vain, if, peradventure, Satan
should prevail. And this he does that they may be carefully upon their watch, and may stir themselves
up the more vigorously to resistance.
1 Thessalonians 3:6-10
6. But now when Timotheus came from you 6. Nuper autem quum venisset Timotheus ad
unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith nos a vobis, et annuntiasset nobis fidem et
and charity, and that ye have good remembrance dilectionem vestram, et quod bonam nostri
of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we memoriam habetis semper, desiderantes nos
also to see you:
videre, quemadmodum et nos ipsi vos:
556 “Plus vaillamment et courageusement;” — “More valiantly and courageously.”
165
John Calvin