Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
When, however, we hear Paul complaining, that in that golden age, in which all excellences
flourished, that there were so few that were rightly affected, 149 let us not be disheartened, if such
is our condition in the present day: only let every one take heed to himself, that he be not justly
reckoned to belong to that catalogue. I should wish, however, that Papists would answer me one
question — where Peter was at that time, for he must have been at Rome, if what they say is true.
O the sad and vile description that Paul gave of him! They utter, therefore, mere fables, when they
pretend that he at that time presided over the Church of Rome. Observe, that the edification of the
Church is termed the things of Christ, because we are truly engaged in his work, when we labor in
the cultivation of his vineyard.
22 But the proof. It is literally, ye know the proof of him, unless you prefer to understand it in
the imperative mood, know ye; (for there had scarcely been opportunity during that short time to
make trial,) but this is not of great moment. What is chiefly to be noticed is, that he furnishes
Timothy with an attestation of fidelity and modesty. In evidence of his fidelity, he declares, that
he had served with him in the gospel, for such a connection was a token of true sincerity. In evidence
of his modesty, he states, that he had submitted to him as to a father. It is not to be wondered, that
this virtue is expressly commended by Paul, for it has in all ages been rare. At the present day,
where will you find one among the young that will give way to his seniors, even in the smallest
thing? to such an extent does impertinence triumph and prevail in the present age! In this passage,
as in many others, we see how diligently Paul makes it his aim to put honor upon pious ministers,
and that not so much for their own sakes, as on the ground of its being for the advantage of the
whole Church, that such persons should be loved and honored, and possess the highest authority.
24 I trust that I myself. He adds this, too, lest they should imagine that anything had happened
to change his intention as to the journey of which he had previously made mention. At the same
time, he always speaks conditionally — If it shall please the Lord. For although he expected
deliverance from the Lord, yet there having been, as we have observed, no express promise, this
expectation was by no means settled, but was, as it were, suspended upon the secret purpose of
God.
Philippians 2:25-30
25. Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you 25. Porro necessarium existimavi
Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in Epaphroditum, fratrem et cooperarium, et
labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, commilitonem meum, Apostolum autem vestrum,
and he that ministered to my wants.
et ministrum necessitatis meae mittere ad vos.
26. For he longed after you all, and was full 26. Quandoquidem desiderabat vos omnes,
of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he et erat anxius animi, propterea quod audieratis
had been sick.
ipsum infirmatum fuisse.
27. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: 27. Et certe infirmatus fuit, ut esset morti
but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, vicinus, sed Deus misertus est illius: neque illius
149 “Qu’il y auoit si peu de gens sages et qui eussent vn cœur entier a nostre Seigneur;” — “That there were so few persons
that were wise, and had devotedness of heart to our Lord.”
47
John Calvin