John Calvin Commentary Philippians 2:21

"For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ." — Philippians 2:21 (ASV)

For all seek their own things. He does not speak of those who had openly abandoned the pursuit of piety, but of those very persons whom he counted as brothers, indeed, even those whom he admitted to close fellowship with him. These persons, he nevertheless says, were so enthusiastic in pursuing their own interests, that they were inappropriately cold in the work of the Lord.

It may seem at first glance as if it were no great fault to seek one’s own profit; but how insufferable it is in the servants of Christ appears from this: it makes those who give way to it utterly useless. For it is impossible that the person who is devoted to self would apply himself to the interests of the Church.

So then, you will say, did Paul associate with men who were worthless and mere pretenders? I answer that it is not to be understood as if they were focused exclusively on their own interests and gave no care whatever to the Church. Rather, absorbed in their own individual interests, they were to some extent negligent in promoting the public advantage of the Church. For one of two dispositions must necessarily prevail over us—either, disregarding ourselves, we are devoted to Christ and the things that are Christ’s, or, excessively focused on our own advantage, we serve Christ superficially.

From this it appears how great a hindrance it is to Christ’s ministers to seek their own interests. Nor do these excuses hold any weight: “I do harm to no one”—“I must also have regard for my own advantage”—“I am not so devoid of feeling as not to be prompted by regard for my own advantage.” For you must give up your own right if you want to discharge your duty; concern for your own interests must not be put before Christ’s glory, or even placed on the same level with it.

Wherever Christ calls you, you must go promptly, leaving aside all other things. You ought to regard your calling in such a way that you turn all your powers of perception away from everything that would impede you.

It might be in your power to live elsewhere in greater wealth, but God has bound you to the Church, which affords you only very moderate support. You might elsewhere have more honor, but God has assigned you a situation in which you live humbly. You might have elsewhere a healthier climate or a more delightful region, but your station is appointed here.

You might wish to deal with more humane people; you feel offended by their ingratitude, barbarity, or pride. In short, you have no sympathy with the disposition or the customs of the people among whom you are. But you must struggle with yourself and, as it were, do violence to opposing inclinations, so that you may keep to the task you have been given, for you are not free, nor at your own disposal.

Ultimately, forget yourself, if you would serve God.

If, however, Paul so severely reproves those who were more concerned for themselves than for the Church, what judgment can those expect who, while entirely devoted to their own affairs, disregard the edification of the Church? However they may now flatter themselves, God will not spare them.

An allowance can be made for ministers of the Church to look after their own interests, provided it does not hinder them from seeking the kingdom of Christ. But in that case, they will not be seen as seeking their own interests, just as a person’s life is evaluated according to its primary goal. When he says all, we are not to understand the term as denoting universality, as if it implied there was no exception. For there were others also, such as Epaphroditus, but these were few, and he attributes to all what was very generally prevalent.

When, however, we hear Paul complaining that in that golden age, in which all excellences flourished, there were so few who were properly motivated, let us not be disheartened if this is our condition today. Only let everyone take heed to himself, that he is not justly counted as belonging to that category.

I would wish, however, that Papists would answer me one question: where was Peter at that time? For he must have been at Rome, if what they say is true. Oh, the sad and vile description that Paul gave of him! Therefore, they speak mere fables when they claim that he presided over the Church of Rome at that time.

Observe that the edification of the Church is termed the things of Christ, because we are truly engaged in His work when we labor in cultivating His vineyard.