Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
the other by pious zeal, as being desirous to maintain along with him the defense of the gospel. The
former, he says, do not preach Christ purely, because it was not a right zeal. 68 For the term does
not apply to doctrine, because it is possible that the man who teaches most purely, may, nevertheless,
not be of a sincere mind. 69 Now, that this impurity was in the mind, and did not shew itself in
doctrine, may be inferred from the context. Paul assuredly would have felt no pleasure in seeing
the gospel corrupted; yet he declares that he rejoices in the preaching of those persons, while it was
not simple or sincere.
It is asked, however, how such preaching could be injurious to him? I answer, that many
occasions are unknown to us, inasmuch as we are not acquainted with the circumstances of the
times. It is asked farther, “Since the gospel cannot be preached but by those that understand it, what
motive induced those persons to persecute the doctrine of which they approved?” I answer, that
ambition is blind, nay, it is a furious beast. Hence it is not to be wondered if false brethren snatch
a weapon from the gospel for harassing good and pious pastors. 70 Paul, assuredly, says nothing
here 71 of which I have not myself had experience. For there are living at this very day those who
have preached the gospel with no other design, than that they might gratify the rage of the wicked
by persecuting pious pastors. As to Paul’s enemies, it is of importance to observe, if they were
Jews, how mad their hatred was, so as even to forget on what account they hated him. For while
they made it their aim to destroy him, they exerted themselves to promote the gospel, on account
of which they were hostile to him; but they imagined, no doubt, that the cause of Christ would stand
or fall 72 in the person of one individual. If, however, there were envious persons, 73 who were thus
hurried away by ambition, we ought to acknowledge the wonderful goodness of God, who,
notwithstanding, gave such a prosperous issue to their depraved affections.
17 That for the defense. Those who truly loved Christ reckoned that it would be a disgrace to
them if they did not associate themselves with Paul as his companions, when maintaining the cause
of the gospel; and we must act in such a manner, as to give a helping hand, as far as possible, to
the servants of Christ when in difficulty. 74 Observe, again, this expression — for the defense of the
gospel For since Christ confers upon us so great an honor, what excuse shall we have, if we shall
be traitors to his cause, 75 or what may we expect, if we betray it by our silence, but that he shall in
return desert our cause, who is our sole Advocate, or Patron, with the Father? 76 (1 John 2:1.)
68 “Pource que leur zele n’estoit pas pur;” — “Because their zeal was not pure.”
69 “Il se pent bien faire, que celuy qui enseignera vne doctrine pure et saine, aura toutesfois vne mauvaise affection;” — “It
may quite well happen, that the man who teaches pure and sound doctrine, will have, nevertheless, an evil disposition.”
70 “Certes le sainct Apostre ne dit rien yci;” — “Certainly the holy Apostle says nothing here.”
71 “Il ne se faut esbahir si les faux-freres prenent occasion de l’evangile, et s’ils s’en forgent des bastons pour tormenter les
bons et fideles pasteurs;” — “It ought not to appear surprising, if false brethren take occasion from the gospel, and contrive
weapons for themselves for torturing good and faithful pastors.”
72 “Mais voyla: il leur sembloit que la doctrine consistoit ou tomboit bas;” — “But mark! it seemed to them that doctrine stood
or fell.”
73 “Que si c’estoit d’autres que Juifs, ascauoir quelques enuieux de Sainct Paul;” — “But if there were other than Jews —
some that were envious of St. Paul.”
74 “Estans en quelque necessite;” — “When they are in any emergency.”
75 “Praevaricatores ” The term is employed by classical writers in the sense of betraying the cause of one’s client, and by
neglect or collusion assisting his opponent. See Quinct. 9:2. — Ed.
76 “Si nous nous entendons auec la partie aduerse d’iceluy;” — “If we should connect ourselves with the party opposed to
him.”
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John Calvin