Commentary on the Epistles to the Corinthians John Calvin (continued)
Commentary on the Corinthians
Hence we must carefully guard against pressing them beyond this limit. 1217
For nothing is more dangerous, than to give Satan a handle, to tempt an offender to despair. Now we furnish Satan with arms in every instance, in which we leave without consolation those, who are in good earnest affected with a view of their sin.
9. For I had written to you also for this purpose. He anticipates an objection, that they might bring forward. "What then did you mean, when you were so very indignant, because we had not inflicted punishment upon him? From being so stern a judge, to become all at once a defender — is not this indicative of a man, that wavers between conflicting dispositions?" 1218 This idea might detract greatly from Paul's authority; but he answers, that he has obtained what he asked, and that he was therefore satisfied, so that he must now give way to compassion. For, their carelessness having been corrected, there was nothing to hinder their lifting up the man by their clemency, when now prostrate and downcast. 1219
10. To whom ye forgive. That he might the more readily appease them, he added his vote in support of the pardon extended by them. 1220 "Do not hesitate to forgive: I promise that I shall confirm whatever you may have done, and I already subscribe your sentence of forgiveness." Secondly, he says that he does this for their sake; and that too, sincerely and cordially. He had already shown how desirous he was, that the man's welfare should be consulted: he now declares, that he grants this willingly to the Corinthians.
Instead of the expression in the sight of Christ, some prefer person, 1221 because Paul in that reconciliation was in the room of Christ, 1222 and did in a manner represent his person. 1223 I am, however, more inclined to understand him as declaring, that he forgives sincerely and without any pretence. For he is accustomed to employ this phrase to express pure and undisguised rectitude. If, however, any one prefers the former interpretation, it is to be observed that the person of Christ is interposed, because there is nothing that ought to incline us more to the exercise of mercy.
11. That we may not be taken advantage of by Satan. This may be viewed as referring to what he had said previously respecting excessive sorrow. For it is a most wicked 1224 fraud of Satan, when depriving us of all consolation,
1217"Plus qu'il est yci demonstré;" — "Beyond what is here pointed out." 1218"D'vn homme inconstant, et qui est mené de contraires affections;" — "Of a man that is unsteady, and is influenced by conflicting dispositions."
1219"Ce poure homme le voyans bien confus et abbatu;" — "This poor man, on seeing him much abashed and overcome."
1220"A ce pecheur;" — "To this offender." 1221"Aucuns aiment mieux dire, En la personne de Christ;" — "Some prefer to say, In the person of Christ."
1222"Estoit comme lieutenant de Christ;" — "Was as it were Christ's lieutenant." 1223Raphelius, in his Semicent. Annot., quotes a passage from Eusebius, (Hist. Eccl. lib. in. cap. 38,) in which he makes mention of the Epistle of Clement, {ἣν} {ἐκ} {προσώπου} {τὢς}' '' {Ρωμαίων} {᾿Εκκλησίας}'' {τὣ} {Κορινθίων} {διετυπώσατο} --- ``which he wrote in the name of the Church of the Romans to that of the Corinthians.'' --- Ed.
1224"Tres dangereuse;" — "Very dangerous."