Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
principal verb Intelligam, (I may learn,) in this sense: “Whether, when I shall come and see you,
or whether I shall, when absent, hear respecting your condition, I may learn in both ways, both by
being present and by receiving intelligence, that ye stand in one spirit.” We need not, however,
feel anxiety as to particular terms, when the meaning is evident.
Stand in one spirit This, certainly, is one of the main excellences of the Church, and hence this
is one means of preserving it in a sound state, inasmuch as it is torn to pieces by dissensions. But
although Paul was desirous by means of this antidote to provide against novel and strange doctrines,
yet he requires a twofold unity — of spirit and soul. The first is, that we have like views; the second,
that we be united in heart. For when these two terms are connected together, spiritus (spirit) denotes
the understanding, while anima (soul) denotes the will. Farther, agreement of views comes first in
order; and then from it springs union of inclination.
Striving together for the faith This is the strongest bond of concord, when we have to fight
together under the same banner, for this has often been the occasion of reconciling even the greatest
enemies. Hence, in order that he may confirm the more the unity that existed among the Philippians,
he calls them to notice that they are fellow-soldiers, who, having a common enemy and a common
warfare, ought to have their minds united together in a holy agreement. The expression which Paul
has made use of in the Greek (συναθλοῦντες τὣ πίστει) is ambiguous. The old interpreter renders
it Collaborantes fidei, (laboring together with the faith.) 83 Erasmus renders it Adiuvantes fidem,
(Helping the faith,) as if meaning, that they gave help to the faith to the utmost of their power. As,
however, the dative in Greek is made use of instead of the ablative of instrumentality, (that language
having no ablative,) I have no doubt that the Apostle’s meaning is this: “Let the faith of the gospel
unite you together, more especially as that is a common armory against one and the same enemy.”
In this way the particle σύν, which others refer to faith, I take as referring to the Philippians, and
with greater propriety, if I am not mistaken. In the first place, every one is aware how effectual an
inducement it is to concord, when we have to maintain a conflict together; and farther, we know
that in the spiritual warfare we are armed with the shield of faith, (Ephesians 6:16,) for repelling
the enemy; nay, more, faith is both our panoply and our victory. Hence he added this clause, that
he might shew what is the end of a pious connection. The wicked, too, conspire together for evil,
but their agreement is accursed: let us, therefore, contend with one mind under the banner of faith.
28 And in nothing terrified. The second thing which he recommends to the Philippians is fortitude
of mind, 84 that they may not be thrown into confusion by the rage of their adversaries. At that time
the most cruel persecutions raged almost everywhere, because Satan strove with all his might to
impede the commencement of the gospel, and was the more enraged in proportion as Christ put
forth powerfully the grace of his Spirit. He exhorts, therefore, the Philippians to stand forward
undaunted, and not be thrown into alarm.
Which is to them a manifest proof. This is the proper meaning of the Greek word, and there was
no consideration that made it necessary for others to render it cause. For the wicked, when they
wage war against the Lord, do already by a trial-fight, as it were, give a token of their ruin, and the
more fiercely they insult over the pious, the more do they prepare themselves for ruin. The Scripture,
assuredly, nowhere teaches, that the afflictions which the saints endure from the wicked are the
cause of their salvation, but Paul in another instance, too, speaks of them as a manifest token or
83 In accordance with the Vulgate, Wiclif (1380) renders as follows: “traueilynge to gidre to the feith of the gospel.” — Ed.
84 “La force et constance de courage;” —”Strength and constancy of courage.”
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John Calvin