Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists Matthew Mark and Luke John Calvin (continued)
Luke 1:39-45
LUKE 1:39-45
Luke 1:39-45 39. And Mary arising in those days went into the mountainous parts 36 with haste, into a city of Judah, 40. And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. 41. And it happened, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe started 37 in her womb, and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost, 42. And exclaimed with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44. For lo, when the voice of thy salutation was made 38 in my ears, the babe started for joy in my womb. 45. And blessed is she who believed: for there shall be a fulfillment 39 to those things which have been told her by the Lord. 40
39. And Mary arising This departure mentioned by Luke proves that Mary's faith was not of a transitory nature: for the promise of God does not fade away with the presence of the angel, but is impressed upon her mind. The haste indicates a sincere and strong affection. We may infer from it that the Virgin disregarded every thing else and formed a just estimate of this grace of God. But it may be inquired, what was her object in undertaking this journey? It certainly was not made for the mere purpose of inquiry: for she cherished in her heart by faith the Son of God as already conceived in her womb. Nor do I agree with those who think that she came for the purpose of congratulating Elisabeth.41 I think it more probable that her object was, partly to increase and strengthen her faith, and partly to celebrate the grace
36"In montana;" — "et s'en alla hastivement aux montagnes;" — "and went away hastily to the mountains."
37"L'enfant tressaillit." 38"Facta est;" — "est parvenue a mes aureilles;" — "reached my ears." 39"Complementum erit." 40"Car les choses qui luy ont este dites par le Seigneur luy seront accomplies." — "For the things which were told her by the Lord shall be accomplished to her."
41"Gratulandi causa;" — "pour faire caresse a sa cousine."