John Calvin's Commentary
2 Timothy
11. A faithful saying. He makes a preface to the sentiment which he
is about to utter; because nothing is more opposite to the feeling
of the flesh, than that we must die in order to live, and that
death is the entrance into life; for we may gather from other
passages, that Paul was wont to make use of a preface of this sort,
in matters of great importance, or hard to be believed.
If we die with him, we shall also live with him. The general
meaning is, that we shall not be partakers of the life and glory of
Christ, unless we have previously died and been humbled with him;
as he says, that all the elect were
'predestinated that they might be
conformed to his image.' (Romans 8:29.)
This is said both for exhorting and comforting believers. Who is
not excited by this exhortation, that we ought not to be distressed
on account of our afflictions, which shall have so happy a result?
The same consideration abates and sweetens all that is bitter in
the cross; because neither pains, nor tortures, nor reproaches, nor
death ought to be received by us with horror, since in these we
share with Christ; more especially seeing that all these things are
the forerunners of a triumph.
By his example, therefore, Paul encourages all believers to receive
joyfully, for the name of Christ, those afflictions in which they
already have a taste of future glory.
If this shocks our belief, and if the cross itself so overpowers
and dazzles our eyes, that we do not perceive Christ in them, let
us remember to present this shield, 'It is a faithful
saying.'
And, indeed, where Christ is present, we must acknowledge that life
and happiness are there. We ought, therefore, to believe firmly,
and to impress deeply on our hearts, this fellowship, that we do
not die apart, but along with Christ, in order that we may
afterwards have life in common with him; that we suffer with him,
in order that we may be partakers of his glory. By death he means
all that outward mortification of which he speaks in 2 Corinthians
4:10. 4
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12. If we deny him, he will also deny
us.
A threatening is likewise added, for the purpose of shaking off
sloth; for he threatens that they who, through the dread of
persecution, leave off the confession of his name, have no part or
lot with Christ.
How unreasonable is it, that we should esteem more highly the
transitory life of this world than the holy and sacred name of the
Son of God !
And why should he reckon among his people those who treacherously
reject him? Here the excuse of weakness is of no value; 5 for, if
men did not willingly deceive themselves with vain flatteries, they
would constantly resist, being endued with the spirit of strength
and courage.
Their base denial of Christ proceeds not only from weakness, but
from unbelief; because it is in consequence of being blinded by the
allurement of the world, that they do not at all perceive the life
which is in the kingdom of God. But this doctrine has more need of
being meditated on than of being explained; for the words of Christ
are perfectly clear,
"Whoever shall deny me, him will I also
deny."
It remains that every one consider with himself, that this is no
childish terror, but the judge seriously pronounces what will be
found, at the appointed time, to be true.
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13. If we are unbelieving, he remaineth
faithful.
The meaning is, that our base desertion takes nothing from the Son
of God or from his glory; because, having everything in himself, he
stands in no need of our confession. As if he had said, "Let them
desert Christ who will, yet they take nothing from him; for when
they perish, he remaineth unchanged."
He cannot deny himself. This is a still stronger expression.
"Christ is not like us, to swerve from his truth."
Hence it is evident, that all who deny Christ are disowned by
him.
And thus he drives away from wicked apostates the flatteries with
which they soothe themselves; because, being in the habit of
changing their hue, according to circumstances, they would
willingly imagine that Christ, in like manner, assumes various
forms, and is liable to change; which Paul affirms to be
impossible.
Yet, at the same time, we must firmly believe what I stated briefly
on a former passage, that our faith is founded on the eternal and
unchangeable truth of Christ, in order that it may not waver
through the unsteadfastness or apostasy of men.
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Contextual readings is very very very important.
