Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
1 Paul an Apostle. I have already, in repeated instances, explained the design of such inscriptions.
As, however, the Colossians had never seen him, and on that account his authority was not as yet
so firmly established among them as to make his private name 278 by itself sufficient, he premises
that he is an Apostle of Christ set apart by the will of God. From this it followed, that he did not
act rashly in writing to persons that were not known by him, inasmuch as he was discharging an
embassy with which God had intrusted him. For he was not bound to one Church merely, but his
Apostleship extended to all. The term saints which he applies to them is more honorable, but in
calling them faithful brethren, he allures them more willingly to listen to him. As for other things,
they may be found explained in the foregoing Epistles.
3. We give thanks to God. He praises the faith and love of the Colossians, that it may encourage
them the more to alacrity and constancy of perseverance. Farther, by shewing that he has a persuasion
of this kind respecting them, he procures their friendly regards, that they may be the more favourably
inclined and teachable for receiving his doctrine. We must always take notice that he makes use of
thanksgiving in place of congratulation, by which he teaches us, that in all our joys we must readily
call to remembrance the goodness of God, inasmuch as everything that is pleasant and agreeable
to us is a kindness conferred by him. Besides, he admonishes us, by his example, to acknowledge
with gratitude not merely those things which the Lord confers upon us, but also those things which
he confers upon others.
But for what things does he give thanks to the Lord? For the faith and love of the Colossians.
He acknowledges, therefore, that both are conferred by God: otherwise the gratitude were pretended.
And what have we otherwise than through his liberality? If, however, even the smallest favors come
to us from that source, how much more ought this same acknowledgment to be made in reference
to those two gifts, in which the entire sum of our excellence consists?
To the God and Father. 279 Understand the expression thus — To God who is the Father of
Christ. For it is not lawful for us to acknowledge any other God than him who has manifested
himself to us in his Son. And this is the only key for opening the door to us, if we are desirous to
have access to the true God. For on this account, also, is he a Father to us, because he has embraced
us in his only begotten Son, and in him also sets forth his paternal favor for our contemplation.
Always for you, Some explain it thus — We give thanks to God always for you, that is,
continually. Others explain it to mean — Praying always for you. It may also be interpreted in this
way, “Whenever we pray for you, we at the same time give thanks to God;” and this is the simple
meaning, “We give thanks to God, and we at the same time pray.” By this he intimates, that the
condition of believers is never in this world perfect, so as not to have, invariably, something wanting.
For even the man who has begun admirably well, may fall short in a hundred instances every day;
and we must ever be making progress while we are as yet on the way. Let us therefore bear in mind
that we must rejoice in the favors that we have already received, and give thanks to God for them
in such a manner, as to seek at the same time from him perseverance and advancement.
4. Having heard of your faith. This was a means of stirring up his love towards them, and his
concern for their welfare, when he heard it that they were distinguished by faith and love. And,
unquestionably, gifts of God that are so excellent ought to have such an effect upon us as to stir us
278 “Son simple et priué nom;” — “His simple and private name.”
279 “A Dieu qui est le Pere. Il y auroit mot a mot, A Dieu et Pere;” — “To God who is the Father. It were literally, To God and
Father.”
83
John Calvin