Commentary on Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians Timothy Titus and Philemon John Calvin
Chapter
Philippians 1-4
Philippians 2:1-4
1. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
1. Si qua igitur consolatio (vel, exhortatio) in Christo, si quod solatium dilectionis, si qua communicatio Spiritus, si qua viscera et misericordiae. 263
2. Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
2. Implete gaudium meum ut idem sentiatis, eandem habentes caritatem, unanimes, unum sentientes.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
3. Nihil per contentionem, aut inanem gloriam, sed per humilitatem alii alios existiment se ipsis excellentiores.
4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
4. Non considerans quisque quod suum est, sed quisque quod est aliorum. 1 If there is therefore any consolation. There is an extraordinary tenderness in this exhortation, 264 in which he entreats by all means the Philippians mutually to cherish harmony among themselves, lest, in the event of their being torn asunder by intestine contentions, they should expose themselves to the impostures of the false apostles. For when there are disagreements, there is invariably a door opened for Satan to disseminate impious doctrines, while agreement is the best bulwark for repelling them.
As the term {παρακλήσεως} is often taken to mean exhortation, the commencement of the passage might be explained in this manner: ``If an exhortation which is delivered in the name and by the authority of Christ, has any weight with you.'' The other meaning, however, corresponds better with the context: ``If there is among you any consolation of Christ,'' by means of which you may alleviate my griefs, and if you would afford me any consolation and relief, which you assuredly owe me in the exercise of love; if you take into view
263"Entrailles et misericordes, ou, cordiales affections et misericordes;" — "Bowels and mercies, or, cordial affections and mercies."
264"Ceste exhortation est plene d'affections vehementes;" — "This exhortation is full of intense affections."