Commentary on Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians Timothy Titus and Philemon John Calvin (continued)
CHAPTER 4
of poverty. Let all who wish to be Christ's disciples exercise themselves in acquiring this knowledge which was possessed by Paul, but in the mean time let them accustom themselves to the endurance of poverty in such a manner that it will not be grievous and burdensome to them when they come to be deprived of their riches.
13 I can do all things through Christ As he had boasted of things that were very great, 420 in order that this might not be attributed to pride or furnish others with occasion of foolish boasting, he adds, that it is by Christ that he is endowed with this fortitude. ``I can do all things,'' says he, ``but it is in Christ, not by my own power, for it is Christ that supplies me with strength.'' Hence we infer, that Christ will not be less strong and invincible in us also, if, conscious of our own weakness, we place reliance upon his power alone. When he says all things, he means merely those things which belong to his calling.
14 Nevertheless ye did well How prudently and cautiously he acts, looking round carefully in both directions, that he may not lean too much to the one side or to the other. By proclaiming in magnificent terms his steadfastness, he meant to provide against the Philippians supposing that he had given way under the pressure of want. 421 He now takes care that it may not, from his speaking in high terms, appear as though he despised their kindness --- a thing that would not merely shew cruelty and obstinacy, but also haughtiness. He at the same time provides for this, that if any other of the servants of Christ should stand in need of their assistance they may not be slow to give him help.
Philippians 4:15-23
Philippians 4:15-23
15. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
15. Nostis autem et vos Philippenses, quod initio Evangelii, qunado exivi ex Macedonia, nulla mecum Ecclesia in ratione dati et accepti, nisi vos soli.
16. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 16. Nam et Tessalonicam semel atque iterum mihi, quod opus erat, misistis: 17. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
17. Non quia requiram donum, sed requiro fructum, qui exsuperet in rationem vestram.
18. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
18. Accepi autem omnia et abundo, impletus sum, postquam ab Epaphrodito
420"De choses grandes et excellentes;" — "Of things great and excellent." 421"Qu'il fust abbattu, et eust perdu courage estant en indigence;" — "That he had been overcome, and had lost heart, being in poverty."