John Calvin on Philemon 1:24-25

24 Demas. This is the same person who afterwards forsook him, as he complains in the Second Epistle to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:10.) And if one of Paul’s assistants, having become weary and discouraged, was afterwards drawn aside by the vanity of the world, let no man reckon too confidently on the zeal of a single year; but, considering how large a portion of the journey still remains to be accomplished, let him pray to God for steadfastness.

END OF THE COMMENTARIES ON THE EPISTLE TO PHILEMON.

A TRANSLATION OF CALVIN’S VERSION

OF THE

FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL TO TIMOTHY

CHAPTER 1

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the appointment of God our Savior, and of the Lord Jesus Christ our hope;

2 To Timothy my own son in the faith, grace, mercy, peace, from God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

3 As I besought thee to remain at Ephesus, when I set out for Macedonia, I wish that thou shouldst charge some not to teach differently; “Autrement, ou, diverse doctrine.” — “Differently, or, different doctrine.” and

4 Not to give heed to fables and to genealogies that have no end, which produce questions rather than the edification of God, which consisteth in faith.

5 Now, the end of time commandment is love, out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned;

6 From which some, having gone astray, have turned aside to idle talking

7 Wishing to be teachers of the law, not understanding what they say, nor concerning what things they affirm.

8 But we know that the law is good, if one use it lawfully;

9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for the righteous man, but for the unrighteous and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

10 For fornicators, for sodomites, for robbers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there be anything else that is contrary to sound doctrine;

11 According to time gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which hath been intrusted to me.

12 And I give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath made me powerful, because he reckoned me faithful, by putting me into the ministry;

13 Who was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an oppressor, but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

14 And the grace of our Lord aboundeth beyond measure, with faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus.

15 It is a faithful saying, and worthy of being fully accepted, that Christ Jesus came into the world, to save sinners, of whom I am the first;

16 But for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me the first, Jesus Christ might show all compassion, for a pattern to those who should believe in him to eternal life.

17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, (be) honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

18 This commandment I recommend to thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before concerning thee, that by them thou mayest war a good warfare;

19 Holding faith and a good conscience, from which some, having turned aside concerning faith, have made shipwreck;

20 Of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

CHAPTER 2

1 I exhort therefore, that, above all, supplications, entreaties, intercessions, and thanksgivings, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all who are placed in authority, that we lead a peaceful and quiet life, with all godliness and decency;

3 For this is good and acceptable before God our Savior;

4 Who wishes that all men may be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

6 Who gave himself the price of redemption for all, (that there might be) a testimony in due time;

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