Commentary on Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians Timothy Titus and Philemon John Calvin
CHAPTER 2
as if Paul enjoined men to do what they must have done before they were born, and even before the foundations of the world were laid.
Others, who infer from these words that free-will is sufficient for preparing a man, that he may be fit and qualified for obeying God, do not at first sight appear to be so absurd as the former, yet there is no solidity in what they advance. The Apostle enjoins that men who desire to consecrate themselves to the Lord cleanse themselves from the pollution of wicked men; and throughout the Scriptures God gives the same injunction; for we find nothing here but what we have seen in many passages of Paul's writings, and especially in the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, ``Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.'' 1082
Beyond all controversy, we are called to holiness. But the question about the calling and duty of Christians is totally different from the question about their power or ability. We do not deny that it is demanded from believers that they purify themselves; but elsewhere the Lord declares that this is their duty, while he promises by Ezekiel that he will send
waters, that we may be cleansed.'' (Ezekiel 36:25.) Wherefore we ought to supplicate the Lord to cleanse us, instead of vainly trying our strength in this matter without his assistance.
A vessel sanctified for honor means, set apart for honorable and magnificent purposes. In like manner, what is useful to the head of the family is put for that which is applied to agreeable purposes. He afterwards explains the metaphor, when he adds, that we must be prepared for every good work. Away with the wild language of fanatics, ``I will contribute to the glory of God, as Pharaoh did; for is it not all one, provided that God be glorified?'' For here God explicitly states in what manner he wishes us to serve him, that is, by a religious and holy life.
2 Timothy 2:22-26
2 Timothy 2:22-26 22. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
22. Juvenilis cupiditates fuge; sequere autem justitiam, fidem, dilecgionem, pacem cum omnibus invocantibus Dominum ex puro corde.
23. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
23. Stultas vero et ineruditas quaestiones vita, sciens quod generant pungas. 24. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
24. Atqui servum Domini non oportet pugnare; sed placidum esse erga
1082This quotation is taken from Isaiah 52:11, but the passage to which our author, quoting from memory, makes reference, is 2 Corinthians 6:17, where the words of Isaiah have undergone considerable variation See Calvin's Com. On Corinthians, vol. 2, p. 261. — Ed.