Commentary on Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles John Calvin (continued)
John Calvin meaning is quite clear; for he intimates, that though it was free to Christ to exempt himself from all trouble and to lead a happy life, abounding in all good things, he yet underwent a death that was bitter, and in every way ignominious. For the expression, for joy, is the same as, instead of joy; and joy includes every kind of enjoyment. And he says, set before him, because the power of availing himself of this joy was possessed by Christ, had it so pleased him. At the same time if any one thinks that the preposition {ἀντὶ} denotes the final cause, I do not much object; then the meaning would be, that Christ refused not the death of the cross, because he saw its blessed issue. I still prefer the former exposition. 246
But he commends to us the patience of Christ on two accounts, because he endured a most bitter death, and because he despised shame. He then mentions the glorious end of his death, that the faithful might know that all the evils which they may endure will end in their salvation and glory, provided they follow Christ. So also says James, ``Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and ye know the end.'' (James 5:11.) Then the Apostle means that the end of our sufferings will be the same with those of Christ, according to what is said by Paul, ``If we suffer with him, we shall also reign together.'' (Romans 8:17.)
3. For consider him, etc. He enforces his exhortation by comparing Christ with us; for if the Son of God, whom it behoves all to adore, willingly underwent such severe conflicts, who of us should dare to refuse to submit with him to the same? For this one thought alone ought to be sufficient to conquer all temptations, that is, when we know that we are companions or associates of the Son of God, and that he, who was so far above us, willingly came down to our condition, in order that he might animate us by his own example; yea, it is thus that we gather courage, which would otherwise melt away, and turn as it were into despair.
Heb 12:4-8
Hebrews Chapter 12:4-8
4. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 4. Nondum ad sanguinem restitistis adversus peccatum certando. 5. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
5. Et obliti estic exhortationis quae vobis tanquam filiis loquitur, Fili mi, ne disciplinam Domini negligas, et ne deficias dum ab eo argueris:
6. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
6. Quem enim diligit Dominus castigat, flegallat omnem filium quem suscipit. 7. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
246See Appendix Q 2.