Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
1. Therefore, my brethren He concludes his doctrine, as he is wont, with most urgent exhortations,
that he may fix it the more firmly in the minds of men. He also insinuates himself into their affections
by endearing appellations 208 , which at the same time are not dictated by flattery, but by sincere
affection. He calls them his joy and crown; because, delighted to see those who had been gained
over through his instrumentality persevering in the faith 209 , he hoped to attain that triumph, of
which we have spoken 210 , when the Lord will reward with a crown those things which have been
accomplished under his guidance.
When he bids them so stand fast in the Lord, he means that their condition is approved of by
him. At the same time, the particle so might be taken as referring to the doctrine going before; but
the former view is more suitable, so that, by praising their present condition, he exhorts them to
perseverance. They had already, it is true, given some evidence of their constancy. Paul, however,
well knowing human weakness, reckons that they have need of confirmation for the future.
2. I exhort Euodias and Syntyche It is an almost universally received opinion that Paul was
desirous to settle a quarrel, I know not of what sort, between those two women. While I am not
inclined to contend as to this, the words of Paul do not afford ground enough for such a conjecture
to satisfy us that it really was so. It appears, from the testimony which he gives in their favor, that
they were very excellent women; for he assigns to them so much honor as to call them fellow-soldiers
in the gospel 211 . Hence, as their agreement was a matter of great moment 212 , and, on the other
hand, there would be great danger attendant on their disagreement, he stirs them up particularly to
concord.
We must take notice, however, that, whenever he speaks of agreement, he adds also the bond
of it—in the Lord. For every combination will inevitably be accursed, if apart from the Lord, and,
on the other hand, nothing is so disjoined, but that it ought to be reunited in Christ.
3 I entreat thee, also, true yokefellow I am not inclined to dispute as to the gender of the noun,
and shall, accordingly, leave it undetermined 213 , whether he addresses here a man or a woman. At
the same time there is excessive weakness in the argument of Erasmus, who infers that it is a woman
from the circumstance, that mention is made here of other women — as though he did not
immediately subjoin the name of Clement in the same connection. I refrain, however, from that
dispute: only I maintain that it is not Paul’s wife that is designated by this appellation. Those who
maintain this, quote Clement and Ignatius as their authorities. If they quoted correctly, I would not
certainly despise men of such eminence. But as writings are brought forward from Eusebius 214
208 “Et les appelant par noms amiables et gracieux, il tasche de gaigner leurs coeurs;” — “And calling them by lovely and kind
names, he endeavors to gain their hearts.”
209 “Estant ioyeux de les veoir perseuerer en la foy, a laquelle ils auoyent este amenez par son moyen;” — “Being delighted
to see them persevere in the faith, to which they had been brought through his instrumentality.”
210 Calvin seems to refer here to what he had said when commenting on Philippians 2:16. See p. 72.—Ed.
211 “1l les appelle ses compagnes de guerre, d’autant qu’elles ont batail1e auec luy en l’euangile;” — “He calls them his
companions in war, inasmuch as they had struggled hard with him in the gospel.”
212 “C’estoit une chose grandement requise et necessaire qu’elles fussent d’un consentement;” — “It was a thing greatly
requisite and necessary that they should be in a state of agreement.”
213 “Je le laisse a disputer aux autres;” —”I leave it to others to dispute as to this.”
214 “ Comme ainsi soit qu’on metre en auant ie ne scay quels faux escrits sous le nom d’Eusebe;” — “As they set forth I know
not what spurious writings under the name of Eusebius.”
68
John Calvin