Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
termed the mortification of the outward man. It is the endurance of the Cross, of which he treats in
the eighth chapter of the same Epistle, and here also, if I do not mistake. For after introducing along
with this the power of his resurrection, Christ crucified is set before us, that we may follow him
through tribulations and distresses; and hence the resurrection of the dead is expressly made mention
of, that we may know that we must die before we live. This is a continued subject of meditation to
believers so long as they sojourn in this world.
This, however, is a choice consolation, that in all our miseries we are partakers of Christ’s
Cross, if we are his members; so that through afflictions the way is opened up for us to everlasting
blessedness, as we read elsewhere,
If we die with him, we shall also live with him; if we suffer with him, we shall also reign with
him. (2 Timothy 2:11,)
We must all therefore be prepared for this — that our whole life shall represent nothing else
than the image of death, until it produce death itself, as the life of Christ is nothing else than a
prelude of death. We enjoy, however, in the mean time, this consolation — that the end is everlasting
blessedness. For the death of Christ is connected with the resurrection. Hence Paul says, that he is
conformed to his death, that he may attain the glory of the resurrection. The phrase, if by any means,
does not indicate doubt, but expresses difficulty, with a view to stimulate our earnest endeavor 189
for it is no light contest, inasmuch as we must struggle against so many and so serious hinderances.
Philippians 3:12-17
12. Not as though I had already attained, 12. Non quod iam apprehenerim, aut iam
either were already perfect: but I follow after, if perfectus sim; sequor autem, si ego quoque
appreehendam, quemadmodum 190 that I may apprehend that for which also I am
et apprehensus
apprehended of Christ Jesus.
sum a Christo Iesu.
13. Brethren, I count not myself to have 13. Fratres, ego me ipsum nondum arbitror
apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting apprehendisse, unum autem, eq que retro sunt
those things which are behind, and reaching forth oblitus, ad ea quae ante sunt me extendens,
unto those things which are before,
14. I press toward the mark for the prize of 14. Secundum scopum sequor ad palmam
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. supernae vocataionis Dei in Christo Iesu
15. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, 15. Quicunque perfecti sumus, hoc sentiamus:
be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be et si quod aliter sentitis, etiam hoc vobis Deus
otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto revelabit.
you.
189 “Afin de nous resueiller et aiguiser a nous y addonner de tant plus grande affection;” — “That it may arouse and stimulate
us to devote ourselves to it with so much greater zeal.”
190 “Comme, ou, pour laquelle cause;” —”As, or, for which cause.”
60
John Calvin