Commentary on the Epistles to the Corinthians John Calvin (continued)
Commentary on the Corinthians
Apostles were desirous to insinuate themselves by this artifice, and to detract, in proportion to this, from Paul's credit, if they were superior to him in any respect. He says, that he will not give them this advantage. "They will be found," says he, "on a level with us in that glorying which they would wish to have for themselves exclusively." This, however, is a useful admonition in connection with cutting off occasion from the wicked, as often as they desire one. For this is the only way to overcome them — not in the way of furnishing them with arms through our imprudence. 1727
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
13. Saiquidem istiusmodi pseudoapostoli; operarii dolosi sunt, qui transformant se in Apostolos Christi.
14. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 14. Neque id mirum; quondoquidem ipse Satanas transfiguratur in Angelum lucis.
15. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
15. Non magnum igitur, si et ministri illius transformant se, perinde acsi essent ministri iustitiae: quorum finis erit secundum opera ipsorum.
13. For such are false Apostles While he has already taken away from them what they chiefly desired, yet, not contented with having put himself on a level with them with respect to that in which they were desirous to excel, he leaves them nothing for which they deserve any commendation. It was apparently a laudable thing to despise money, but he says, that they make use of a pretense for the purpose of deceiving, exactly as if a harlot were to borrow the apparel of a decent matron. For it was necessary to pull off the mask, which obscured the glory of God.
They are deceitful workers, says he, that is — they do not discover their wickedness at first view, but artfully insinuate themselves under some fair pretext. 1728 Hence they require to be carefully and thoroughly sifted, lest we should receive persons as servants of Christ, as soon as any appearance of excellence is discovered. Nor does Paul in malice and envy put an unfavorable construction upon what might be looked upon as an excellence, but, constrained by their dishonesty, he unfolds to view the evil that lay hid, because there was a dangerous profanation of virtue in pretending to burn with greater zeal than all the servants of Christ.
14. And no marvel It is an argument from the greater to the less. "If 1727"Par nostre imprudence et inconsideration;" — "By our imprudence and inconsideration."
1728"S'insinuent finement sans qu'on y prene garde;" — "They artfully insinuate themselves, unless one be on his guard against them."