John Calvin Commentary Philippians 1:27

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you and be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel;" — Philippians 1:27 (ASV)

Only in a manner worthy of the gospel. We use this type of expression when we want to move to a new subject. Thus, it is as if he had said, “But as for me, the Lord will provide, but as for you, etc., whatever may happen to me, it should nevertheless be your concern to continue in the right course.” When he speaks of a pure and honorable conduct as being worthy of the gospel, he implies, on the other hand, that those who live otherwise do injustice to the gospel.

That whether I come. As the Greek phrase used by Paul is elliptical, I have used videam (I see), instead of videns (seeing). If this does not seem satisfactory, you can supply the main verb Intelligam (I may learn), in this sense: “Whether, when I come and see you, or whether, when absent, I hear about your condition, I may learn in both ways—both by being present and by receiving news—that you stand in one spirit.” However, we do not need to worry about particular terms when the meaning is clear.

Stand in one spirit. This, certainly, is one of the main excellences of the Church, and therefore this is one way of preserving it in a healthy state, since it is torn apart by dissensions. But although Paul desired by means of this antidote to guard against new and strange doctrines, yet he requires a twofold unity—of spirit and soul. The first is, that we have like views; the second, that we be united in heart. For when these two terms are connected together, spiritus (spirit) denotes the understanding, while anima (soul) denotes the will. Furthermore, agreement of views comes first, and then from it springs unity of inclination.

Striving together for the faith. This is the strongest bond of concord, when we have to fight together under the same banner, for this has often been the occasion of reconciling even the greatest enemies. Therefore, so that he might further confirm the unity that existed among the Philippians, he reminds them that they are fellow soldiers, who, having a common enemy and a common warfare, should have their minds united in a holy agreement.

The expression which Paul used in the Greek (συναθλοῦντες τὣ πίστει) is ambiguous. The old interpreter renders it Collaborantes fidei (laboring together with the faith). Erasmus renders it Adiuvantes fidem (Helping the faith), as if meaning, that they gave help to the faith to the utmost of their power.

However, since the dative in Greek is used instead of the ablative of instrumentality (as that language has no ablative), I have no doubt that the Apostle’s meaning is this: “Let the faith of the gospel unite you, especially since that is a common armory against one and the same enemy.” In this way, the particle σύν, which others refer to faith, I take as referring to the Philippians, and more appropriately, if I am not mistaken.

First, everyone is aware how effective an encouragement to concord it is when we have to maintain a conflict together. Furthermore, we know that in the spiritual warfare we are armed with the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16), for repelling the enemy; indeed, faith is both our panoply and our victory. Therefore, he added this clause so that he might show what the purpose of a devout connection is. The wicked, too, conspire together for evil, but their agreement is accursed: let us, therefore, contend with one mind under the banner of faith.