Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians

Comm on Phil, Col, Thes
see what sort of theology there is under the Papacy, what is contained in the books of philosophers,
and what wisdom profane men hold in estimation. Let us, however, bear in mind, that the wisdom
which is alone commended by Paul is comprehended in the will of God.
10. That ye may walk worthy of God. In the first place he teaches, what is the end of spiritual
understanding, and for what purpose we ought to make proficiency in God’s school — that we
may walk worthy of God, that is, that it may be manifest in our life, that we have not in vain been
taught by God. Whoever they may be that do not direct their endeavors towards this object, may
possibly toil and labor much, but they do nothing better than wander about in endless windings,
without making any progress. 289 Farther, he admonishes us, that if we would walk worthy of God,
we must above all things take heed that we regulate our whole course of life according to the will
of God, renouncing our own understanding, and bidding farewell to all the inclinations of our flesh.
This also he again confirms by saying — unto all obedience, or, as they commonly say,
well-pleasing. Hence if it is asked, what kind of life is worthy of God, let us always keep in view
this definition of Paul — that it is such a life as, leaving the opinions of men, and leaving, in short,
all carnal inclination, is regulated so as to be in subjection to God alone. From this follow good
works, which are the fruits that God requires from us.
Increasing, in the knowledge of God. He again repeats, that they have not arrived at such
perfection as not to stand in need of farther increase; by which admonition he prepares them, and
as it were leads them by the hand, to an eagerness for proficiency, that they may shew themselves
ready to listen, and teachable. What is here said to the Colossians, let all believers take as said to
themselves, and draw from this a common exhortation that we must always make progress in the
doctrine of piety until death.
11. Strengthened with all might. As he has previously prayed that they might have both a sound
understanding and the right use of it, so also now he prays that they may have courage and constancy.
In this manner he puts them in mind of their own weakness, for he says, that they will not be strong
otherwise than by the Lord’s help; and not only so, but with the view of magnifying this exercise
of grace the more, he adds, according to his glorious power. “So far from any one being able to
stand, through dependence on his own strength, the power of God shews itself illustriously in
helping our infirmity.” Lastly, he shews in what it is that the strength of believers ought to display
itself — in all patience and long-suffering. For they are constantly, while in this world, exercised
with the cross, and a thousand temptations daily present themselves, so as to weigh them down,
and they see nothing of what God has promised. They must, therefore, arm themselves with an
admirable patience, that what Isaiah says may be accomplished,
In hope and in silence shall be your strength. 290
(Isaiah 30:15.)
It is preferable to connect with this sentence the clause, with joy. For although the other reading
is more commonly to be met with in the Latin versions, this is more in accordance with the Greek
manuscripts, and, unquestionably, patience is not sustained otherwise than by alacrity of mind, and
will never be maintained with fortitude by any one that is not satisfied with his condition.
289 “Mais ils ne feront que tracasser çà et là, et tourner a l’entour du pot (comme on dit) sans s’auancer;” — “But they will do
nothing else than hurry hither and thither, and go about the bush (as they say) without making progress.”
290 Lowth’s rendering of the passage is similar: “In silence, and in pious confidence, shall be your strength.” — Ed.
87
John Calvin