Commentary on Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians Timothy Titus and Philemon John Calvin
John Calvin
10. To the intent that now, unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places, might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
10. Ut nunc patefieret principatibus et potestatibus in coelestibus per ecclesiam varie multiplex sapientia Dei,
11. According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
11. Secundum propositum aeternum, quod statuit in Christo Iesu Domino nostro,
12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
12. Perquem habemus audaciam, et aditum in fiducia, per fidem ejus. 13. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
13. Quare peto, ne deficiatis in afflictionibus meis pro vobis, quae est gloria vestra.
7. Of which I was made a minister. Having declared the gospel to be the instrument employed in communicating grace to the Gentiles, he now adds, that he was made a minister of the Gospel; and thus applies to himself the general statements which had been made. But, to avoid claiming for himself more than is proper, he affirms that it is the gift of the grace of God, and that this gift was an exhibition of divine power. As if he had said, ``Inquire not what I have deserved; for in the free exercise of kindness, the Lord made me an apostle of the Gentiles, not for any excellence of mine, but by his own grace. Inquire not what I formerly was; for it is the Lord's prerogative to `exalt them of low degree.' '' (Luke 1:52.) To produce something great out of nothing, shews the effectual working of his power.
8. To me, who am the least. He labors to exhibit himself, and everything that belongs to him, in as humiliating a light as possible, in order that the grace of God may be the more highly exalted. But this acknowledgment had the additional effect of anticipating the objections which his adversaries might bring against him. ``Who is this man that God should have raised him above all his brethren? What superior excellence did he possess that he should be chosen in preference to all the others?'' All such comparisons of personal worth are set aside by the confession, that he was the least of all the saints.
This is no hypocritical declaration. Most men are ready enough to make professions of feigned humility, while their minds are swelled with pride, and in words to acknowledge themselves inferior to every one else, while they wish to be regarded with the highest esteem, and think themselves entitled to the highest honor. Paul is perfectly sincere in admitting his unworthiness; nay, at other times he speaks of himself in far more degrading language.
I am the least of the apostles, and am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.'' (1 Corinthians 15:9.)
Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief''