Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Calvin on Philippians 2:5-11 Series: vs.9-11

Philippians 2:9-11. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 
 
"Therefore God hath highly exalted. By adding consolation, he shews that abasement, to which the human mind is averse, is in the highest degree desirable. 
Now, that all are happy who, along with Christ, voluntarily abase themselves, he shews by his example; for from the most abject condition he was exalted to the highest elevation. 
Every one therefore that humbles himself will in like manner be exalted. 
Who would now be reluctant to exercise humility, by means of
which the glory of the heavenly kingdom is attained? 
Hath given him a name Name here is employed to mean dignity — a manner of expression which is abundantly common in all languages.
Every knee might bow. Though respect is shewn to men also be means of this rite, there can nevertheless be no doubt that what is here meant is that adoration which belongs exclusively to God, of which the bending of the knee is a token.
As to this, it is proper to notice, that God is to be worshiped
--not merely with the inward affection of the heart, 
--but also by outward profession.
 Is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. It might also be read, In the glory, because the particle εἰς (to) is often used in place of ἐν (in.) 
I prefer, however, to retain its proper signification, as meaning, that as the majesty of God has been manifested to men through Christ, so it shines forth in Christ, and the Father is glorified in the Son."
John Calvin