Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
believers accommodate themselves to this variety. He commands, therefore, that the unruly 607 be
admonished, that is, those who live dissolutely. The term admonition, also, is employed to mean
sharp reproof, such as may bring them back into the right way, for they are deserving of greater
severity, and they cannot be brought to repentance by any other remedy.
Towards the faint-hearted another system of conduct must be pursued, for they have need of
consolation. The weak must also be assisted. By faint-hearted, however, he means those that are
of a broken and afflicted spirit. He accordingly favors them, and the weak, in such a way as to
desire that the unruly should be restrained with some degree of sternness. On the other hand, he
commands that the unruly should be admonished sharply, in order that the weak may be treated
with kindness and humanity, and that the faint-hearted may receive consolation. It is therefore to
no purpose that those that are obstinate and intractable demand that they be soothingly caressed,
inasmuch as remedies must be adapted to diseases.
He recommends, however, patience towards all, for severity must be tempered with some
degree of lenity, even in dealing with the unruly. This patience, however, is, properly speaking,
contrasted with a feeling of irksomeness, 608 for nothing are we more prone to than to feel wearied
out when we set ourselves to cure the diseases of our brethren. The man who has once and again
comforted a person who is faint-hearted, if he is called to do the same thing a third time, will feel
I know not what vexation, nay, even indignation, that will not permit him to persevere in discharging
his duty. Thus, if by admonishing or reproving, we do not immediately do the good that is to be
desired, we lose all hope of future success. Paul had in view to bridle impatience of this nature, by
recommending to us moderation towards all.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-22
15. See that none render evil for evil unto any 15. Videte, ne quis malum pro malo cuiquam
man; but ever follow that which is good, both reddat: sed semper benignitatem sectamini, et
among yourselves, and to all men
mutuam inter vos, et in omnes.
16. Rejoice evermore.
17. Pray without ceasing.
16. Semper gaudete.
17. Indesinenter orate.
18. In everything give thanks: for this is the 18. In omnibus gratias agite: haec enim Dei
will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. voluntas in Christo Iesu erga vos.
19. Quench not the Spirit.
20. Despise not prophesyings.
21. Prove all things: hold fast that which is
good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
19. Spiritum ne extinguatis.
20. Prophetias ne contemnatis.
21. Omnia probate, quod bonum est tenete.
22. Ab omni specie mala abstinete.
607 “The whole phraseology of this verse is military... — those who are out of their ranks, and are neither in a disposition
nor situation to perform the work and duty of a soldier: those who will not do the work prescribed, and who will meddle with
what is not commanded.” —Dr. A. Clarke.—Ed
608 “A l’ennuy qu’on conçoit aiseement en tels affaires;” — “To the irksomeness which one readily feels in such matters.”
184
John Calvin