Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
16. Nevertheless, whereto we have already 16. Caeterum quo perveniamus, ut idem
attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind sentiamus, eadem procedamus regula.
the same thing.
17. Brethren, be followers together of me, 17. Simul imitatorres mei estote, fratres, et
and mark them which walk so as ye have us for considerate eos qui sic ambulant: quemadmodum
an ensample.
nos habetis pro exemplari.
12 Not as though I had already apprehended Paul insists upon this, that he may convince the
Philippians that he thinks of nothing but Christ — knows nothing else — desires nothing else —
is occupied with no other subject of meditation. In connection with this, there is much weight in
what he now adds — that he himself, while he had given up all hinderances, had nevertheless not
attained that object of aim, and that, on this account, he always aimed and eagerly aspired at
something further. How much more was this incumbent on the Philippians, who were still far behind
him?
It is asked, however, what it is that Paul says he has not yet attained? For unquestionably, so
soon as we are by faith ingrafted into the body of Christ, we have already entered the kingdom of
God, and, as it is stated in Ephesians 2:6, we already, in hope, sit in heavenly places. I answer, that
our salvation, in the mean time, is in hope, so that the inheritance indeed is secure; but we
nevertheless have it not as yet in possession. At the same time, Paul here looks at something else
— the advancement of faith, and of that mortification of which he had made mention. He had said
that he aimed and eagerly aspired at the resurrection of the dead through fellowship in the Cross
of Christ. He adds, that he has not as yet arrived at this. At what? At the attainment of having entire
fellowship in Christ’s sufferings, having a full taste of the power of his resurrection, and knowing
him perfectly. He teaches, therefore, by his own example, that we ought to make progress, and that
the knowledge of Christ is an attainment of such difficulty, that even those who apply themselves
exclusively to it, do nevertheless not attain perfection in it so long as they live. This, however, does
not detract in any degree from the authority of Paul’s doctrine, inasmuch as he had acquired as
much as was sufficient for discharging the office committed to him. In the mean time, it was
necessary for him to make progress, that this divinely-furnished instructor of all might be trained
to humility.
As also I have been apprehended This clause he has inserted by way of correction, that he might
ascribe all his endeavors to the grace of God. It is not of much importance whether you read as, or
in so far as; for the meaning in either case remains the same — that Paul was apprehended by
Christ, that he might apprehend Christ; that is, that he did nothing except under Christ’s influence
and guidance. I have chosen, however, the more distinct rendering, as it seemed to be optional.
13 I reckon not myself to have as yet apprehended He does not here call in question the certainty
of his salvation, as though he were still in suspense, but repeats what he had said before — that he
still aimed at making farther progress, because he had not yet attained the end of his calling. He
shews this immediately after, by saying that he was intent on this one thing, leaving off everything
else. Now, he compares our life to a race-course, the limits of which God has marked out to us for
running in. For as it would profit the runner nothing to have left the starting-point, unless he went
forward to the goal, so we must also pursue the course of our calling until death, and must not cease
until we have obtained what we seek. Farther, as the way is marked out to the runner, that he may
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John Calvin