Commentary on the Epistles to the Corinthians John Calvin
John Calvin but, at the same time, do not hesitate to treat Christ himself with contempt. 1705
The expressions — another Christ, and another gospel, are made use of here in a different sense from what they bear in Galatians 1:8. For another is used there in opposition to what is true and genuine, and hence it means false and counterfeit. Here, on the other hand, he means to say — "If the gospel had come to you through their ministry, and not through mine."
5. For I reckon that I am. He now convicts them of ingratitude, by removing the only thing that could serve as an excuse for them, for he shows that he is on a level, even with the chief of the Apostles. The Corinthians, therefore, were ungrateful 1706 in not esteeming him more highly, after having found him, by experience, to be such; while, on the other hand, the authority that was justly due to him, they transferred to persons of no value. For the sake of modesty, however, he says that he reckons so, while the thing was known and manifest to all. His meaning, however, is, that God had honored his Apostleship with no less distinguished marks of favor, than that of John or Peter. Now the man that despises the gifts of God, which he himself recognizes, cannot clear himself from the charge of being spiteful and ungrateful. Hence, wherever you see the gifts of God, you must there reverence God himself: 1707 I mean, that every one is worthy of honor, in so far as he is distinguished by graces received from God, and especially if any advantage has redounded to thee from them.
6. But though I am rude There was one thing 1708 in which he might appear, at first view, to be inferior — that he was devoid of eloquence. This judgment, 1709 therefore, he anticipates and corrects, while he acknowledges himself, indeed, to be rude and unpolished in speech, while at the same time he maintains that he has knowledge By speech here he means, elegance of expression; and by knowledge he means, the very substance of doctrine. For as man has both a soul and a body, so also in doctrine, there is the thing itself that is taught, and the ornament of expression with which it is clothed. Paul, therefore, maintains that he understands, what should be taught, and what is necessary to be known, though he is not an eloquent orator, so as to know how to set off his doctrine by a polished and eloquent manner of expression.
It is asked, however, whether elegance of speech 1710 is not also necessary for Apostles; for how will they otherwise be prepared for teaching? Knowl-
1705"Mais de Christ, il ne leur en chaut, et ne font point de conscience de l'auoir en mespris;" — "But as for Christ, they do not care for him, and they make no scruple to hold him in contempt."
1706"Monstroyent bien en cela leur ingratitude;" — "Showed clearly in this their ingratitude."
1707"En quelque lieu que nous apperceuerons les dons de Dieu, il faut que la il soit honore de nous, et que nous luy portions reuerence;" — "Wherever we recognise the gifts of God, he must there be honored by us, and we must give him reverence."
1708"Il n'y auoit que ceci seul;" — "There was only this one thing." 1709"Ce fol iugement;" — "This foolish judgment." 1710"La faculte de bien parler et auec grace;" — "The power of speaking well and gracefully."