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…

That this sense is in Pauls words, is easily apparent by the text for he joineth by & by after, that he suffereth according to the dispensation committed unto him. And we know that the ministry not of redeeming, but ⟨p. 28⟩of edifying the Church was committed unto him, and he doeth plainly by and by confess the same. And that is it also that that he writeth to Timothy 2. Epistle and 2. Chap. verse 10, that he abideth all things for the elects sake, that they may obtain salvation which is in Christ Jesus. And 2. Corinth. 1.4. that he suffereth all things willingly for their comfort and salvation. Let the godly readers than learn to hate and detest these profane sophisters, who to the end they may smooth on a colour upon their feigned devises, do so notoriously corrupt the Scriptures and falsify them.

That this sence is in Paules words, is easilye apparant by the text for he ioyneth by & by after, yt he suffreth according to ye dispensation cōmitted vnto him. And we know that the ministerie not of redeeming, but ⟨p. 28⟩of edifieng the Church was committed vnto him, and he doeth playnely by and by confesse the same. And that is it also that that he writeth to Timothie 2. Epistle and 2. Chap. verse 10, that he abideth all thinges for the elects sake, that they may obteine saluation which is in Christ Iesus. And 2. Corinth. 1.4. that he suffereth all things willingly for their comforte and saluation. Let the godly readers than learn to hate and detest these prophane sophisters, who to the ende they maye smothe on a colour vppon their fayned deuyses, doe so notorioulye corrupt the Scriptures and falsifie them.

25 Whereof I am made a Minister. Lo, in what respect he suffereth for the Church: namely because he is a minister, not to give the price of redemption (as Augustine skilfully and godlily doth speak it) but to preach. Furthermore otherwise doth he now call himself a Minister of the Church, than he doeth 1. Cor 2.4. call himself the Minister of God, and a little before [the minister] of the Gospel. For the Apostles serve God and Christ to promote the glory of them both: they serve the Church for the salvation thereof, and minister the Gospel it self. The reason of the Ministry therefore is diverse in those kinds of speakings: but the one of them cannot stand without the other. And he saith, toward you; that they may know that the charge thereof belongeth also unto him. To fulfil the word. He joineth the end or final cause of his ministry: that the word of God might be effectuous, which is done while it is obediently received. For this is the strength of the Gospel: that it may be the power of God into salvation to every one that believeth,