Commentary on Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians Timothy Titus and Philemon John Calvin (continued)
John Calvin
An offering and a sacrifice to God of a sweet smelling savor. While this statement leads us to admire the grace of Christ, it bears directly on the present subject. No language, indeed, can fully represent the consequences and efficacy of Christ's death. This is the only price by which we are reconciled to God. The doctrine of faith on this subject holds the highest rank. But the more extraordinary the discoveries which have reached us of the Redeemer's kindness, the more strongly are we bound to his service. Besides, we may infer from Paul's words, that, unless we love one another, none of our duties will be acceptable in the sight of God. If the reconciliation of men, effected by Christ, was a sacrifice of a sweet smelling savor, 167 we, too, shall be ``unto God a sweet savor,'' (2 Corinthians 2:15,) when this holy perfume is spread over us. To this applies the saying of Christ, ``Leave thy gift before the altar, and go and be reconciled to thy brother.'' (Matthew 5:24.)
Ephesians 5: 3-7
Ephesians 5: 3-7
3. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
3. Scortatio vero et omnis immundities, aut avaritia, ne nominentur quidem inter vos; sicut decet sanctos.
4. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient; but rather giving of thanks.
4. Turpitudo, stultiloquium, facetia; quae non conveniunt, sed magis gratia. 5. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
5. Hoc enim scitis, quod omnis scortator, vel immundus, vel avarus, qui est idololatra, non obtinebit haereditatem in regno Christi et Dei.
6. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
6. Nemo vos decipiat inanibus verbis; nam propter haec venit ira Dei in filios inobedientes (vel, incredulos.)
7. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 7. Ne sitis igitur illorum consortes. 3. But fornication. This chapter, and the third of the Epistle to the Colossians, contain many parallel passages, which an intelligent reader will be at no loss to compare without my assistance. Three things are here enumerated, 167"The offering, in being presented to God, was meant to be, and actually was, a sweet savor to Him. The phrase is based on the peculiar sacrificial idiom of the Old Testament. (Genesis 8:21; Leviticus 1:9, 13, 17; 2:9, 12; 3:5.) It is used typically in 2 Corinthians 2:14, and is explained and expanded in Philippians 4:18 — 'a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.' The burning of spices or incense, so fragrant to the Oriental senses, is figuratively applied to God." — Eadie.