John Calvin Commentary Philippians 3:15

"Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you:" — Philippians 3:15 (ASV)

As many as are perfect—So that no one might misunderstand this as spoken of the generality of people, as though he were explaining the simple elements to those who are mere children in Christ, he declares that it is a rule which all who are perfect should follow. Now, the rule is this: we must renounce confidence in all things so that we may glory in Christ’s righteousness alone, and, preferring it to everything else, aspire to participate in his sufferings, which may be the means of leading us to a blessed resurrection.

Where now will be that state of perfection which monks dream of—where the confused medley of such contrivances—where, in short, the whole system of Popery, which is nothing other than an imaginary perfection that has nothing in common with this rule of Paul? Undoubtedly, whoever understands this single term will clearly perceive that everything taught in the Papacy regarding the attainment of righteousness and salvation is nauseous dung.

If in anything otherwise—By this same means he both humbles them and inspires them with good hope, for he admonishes them not to be puffed up in their ignorance. At the same time, he encourages them to be of good courage when he says that we must wait for the revelation of God.

For we know how great an obstacle obstinacy is to truth. This, therefore, is the best preparation for teachableness: when we do not take pleasure in error. Paul, accordingly, teaches indirectly that we must make way for the revelation of God if we have not yet attained what we seek.

Furthermore, when he teaches that we must advance by degrees, he encourages them not to draw back in the middle of the course. At the same time, he maintains beyond all controversy what he has previously taught, when he teaches that others who differ from him will have a revelation given to them of what they do not yet know.

For it is as though he had said, “The Lord will one day show you that the very thing which I have stated is a perfect rule of true knowledge and of right living.” No one could speak in this manner if he were not fully assured of the reasonableness and accuracy of his doctrine.

Meanwhile, let us also learn from this passage that we must bear for a time with ignorance in our weak brothers and forgive them, if it is not immediately given to them to be altogether of one mind with us. Paul felt assured about his doctrine, and yet he allows those who could not yet receive it time to make progress. He does not for that reason stop regarding them as brothers, only he cautions them against flattering themselves in their ignorance.

The translation of the Latin copies in the preterite, revelavit, (he has revealed), I have no hesitation in rejecting as unsuitable and inappropriate.