Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
In addition to this, in the multitude of the believers at that time there was beheld an
accomplishment of the many predictions which extend the reign of Christ from the East to the West.
Is it a trivial or common aid to faith, to see accomplished before our eyes what the Prophets long
since predicted as to the extending of the kingdom of Christ through all countries of the world?
What I speak of, there is no believer that does not experience in himself. Paul accordingly had it
in view to encourage the Colossians the more by this statement, that, by seeing in various places
the fruit and progress of the gospel, they might embrace it with more eager zeal. Αὐξανόμενον,
which I have rendered propagatur, (is propagated,) does not occur in some copies; but, from its
suiting better with the context, I did not choose to omit it. It also appears front the commentaries
of the ancients that this reading was always the more generally received. 284
Since the day ye heard it, and knew the grace. Here he praises them on account of their docility,
inasmuch as they immediately embraced sound doctrine; and he praises them on account of their
constancy, inasmuch as they persevered in it. It is also with propriety that the faith of the gospel is
called the knowledge of God’s grace; for no one has ever tasted of the gospel but the man that knew
himself to be reconciled to God, and took hold of the salvation that is held forth in Christ.
In truth means truly and without pretense; for as he had previously declared that the gospel is
undoubted truth, so he now adds, that it had been purely administered by them, and that by Epaphras.
For while all boast that they preach the gospel, and yet at the same time there are many evil workers,
(Philippians 3:2,) through whose ignorance, or ambition, or avarice, its purity is adulterated, it is
of great importance that faithful ministers should be distinguished from the less upright. For it is
not enough to hold the term gospel, unless we know that this is the true gospel — what was preached
by Paul and Epaphras. Hence Paul confirms the doctrine of Epaphras by giving it his approbation,
that he may induce the Colossians to adhere to it, and may, by the same means, call them back from
those profligates who endeavored to introduce strange doctrines. He at the same time dignifies
Epaphras with a special distinction, that he may have more authority among them; and lastly, he
presents him to the Colossians in an amiable aspect, by saying that he had borne testimony to him
of their love. Paul everywhere makes it his particular aim, that he may, by his recommendation,
render those who he knows serve Christ faithfully, very dear to the Churches; as, on the other hand,
the ministers of Satan are wholly intent on alienating, by unfavourable representations, 285 the minds
of the simple from faithful pastors.
Love in the Spirit I take to mean, spiritual love, according to the view of Chrysostom, with
whom, however, I do not agree in the interpretation of the preceding words. Now, spiritual love is
of such a nature as has no view to the world, but is consecrated to the service of piety, 286 and has,
as it were, an internal root, while carnal friendships depend on external causes.
Colossians 1:9-11
284 “This” (καὶ αὐξανόμενον) “is the reading of the Vatican and all the most ancient authorities.” — Penn. — Ed
285 “Par faux rapports et calomnies;” — “By false reports and calumnies.”
286 “Mais est commencee et comme consacree a l’adueu de la piete et cognoissance de Dieu;” — “But is commenced and, as
it were, consecrated to the service of piety and the knowledge of God.”
85
John Calvin