A commentary of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle to the Colossians. And translated…A commentarie of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the Epistle to the Colossians. And translated…

They bidding the Prophets and Apostles farewell, and ⟨p. 24⟩passing over the old Church, will have their defeating or falling away from the Gospel be taken for the consent of the Catholic Church. what is like this? Therefore when we reason about the consent of the Church, let us return unto the Apostles and their preaching: as Paul here doeth. But lest any take too straightly the universal note [all]; Paul meaneth no other thing than that the Gospel was preached here and there far and wide. Of which I am made. He speaketh also of his own person, which was very needful. for we must always take heed, that we do not rashly thrust in our selves into the office of teaching. Therefore doth he testify that the office was enjoined him, that he might procure unto himself right and authority And surely he doeth so join his Apostleship with their faith that they cannot refuse his doctrine, but by forsaking the Gospel which they have embraced.

They bidding the Prophets and Apostles farwell, and ⟨p. 24⟩passing ouer the olde Church, will haue their defeating or falling away from the Gospel be taken for the consent of ye Catholike Church. what is like this? Therefore when we reason about the consent of the Church, let vs returne vnto the Apostles and their preaching: as Paule here doeth. But lest any take too straightly the vniuersall note [all]; Paule meaneth no other thing than that the Gospell was preached here and there farre and wide. Of which I am made. He speaketh also of his owne person, which was very needefull. for we must alwayes take heede, that wee doe not rashlye thrust in our selues into the office of teaching. Therefore doth he testifie that the office was inioyned him, that he might procure vnto himselfe righte and authoritie And surelye he doeth so ioyne his Apostleship with their faith that they cannot refuse his doctrin, but by forsaking the Gospell which they haue embraced.

24 Now rejoice I in sufferings for you, and I fulfil those things that want in the affections of Christ in my flesh, for his body which is the Church. 25 Whereof I am made a Minister, according to the dispensation of God, which is given me toward you, to fulfil the word of God. 26 A mystery hidden from the beginning of times and generations, which now is revealed unto his Saints. 27 Unto whom God would make known what the riches of the glory of this mystery in the Gentiles is, which is, Christ in you, the hope of glory. 26 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may make stand every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To which thing I also labour, striving according to his power, which worketh in me mightily.