Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
of his gifts of grace by bestowing grace more largely upon us, provided only you do not place merit,
as they do, in opposition to his unmerited liberality and the merit of Christ.
30 Having the same conflict. He confirms, also, by his own example what he had said, and this
adds no little authority to his doctrine. By the same means, too, he shews them, that there is no
reason why they should feel troubled on account of his bonds, when they behold the issue of the
conflict.
Philippians 2:1-4
CHAPTER 2
1. If there be therefore any consolation in 1. Si qua igitur consolatio (vel, exhortatio) in
Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship Christo, si quod solatium dilectionis, si qua
of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, communicatio Spiritus, si qua viscera et
misericordiae. 92
2. Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, 2. Implete gaudium meum ut idem sentiatis,
having the same love, being of one accord, of eandem habentes caritatem, unanimes, unum
one mind.
sentientes.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or 3. Nihil per contentionem, aut inanem
vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each gloriam, sed per humilitatem alii alios existiment
esteem other better than themselves. se ipsis excellentiores.
4. Look not every man on his own things, but 4. Non considerans quisque quod suum est,
every man also on the things of others. sed quisque quod est aliorum.
1 If there is therefore any consolation. There is an extraordinary tenderness in this exhortation,
93 in which he entreats by all means the Philippians mutually to cherish harmony among themselves,
lest, in the event of their being torn asunder by intestine contentions, they should expose themselves
to the impostures of the false apostles. For when there are disagreements, there is invariably a door
opened for Satan to disseminate impious doctrines, while agreement is the best bulwark for repelling
them.
As the term παρακλήσεως is often taken to mean exhortation, the commencement of the passage
might be explained in this manner: “If an exhortation which is delivered in the name and by the
authority of Christ, has any weight with you.” The other meaning, however, corresponds better
with the context: “If there is among you any consolation of Christ,” by means of which you may
alleviate my griefs, and if you would afford me any consolation and relief, which you assuredly
owe me in the exercise of love; if you take into view that fellowship of the Spirit, which ought to
make us all one; if any feeling of humanity and mercy resides in you, which might stir you up to
92 “Entrailles et misericordes, ou, cordiales affections et misericordes;” — “Bowels and mercies, or, cordial affections and
mercies.”
93 “Ceste exhortation est plene d’affections vehementes;” — “This exhortation is full of intense affections.”
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John Calvin