John Calvin Commentary Psalms 122:8

"For my brethren and companions` sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee." — Psalms 122:8 (ASV)

For the sake of my brethren and neighbors. He specifies two reasons why he cared for the Church, in order to stir up, by his example, all the faithful to exercise the same care. These words, however, seem to contain a tacit contrast.

Among the wicked and malicious, he might be suspected or, at least, he risked being slandered, as if, in praising Jerusalem, he was looking more to his own particular advantage than to the public welfare. Therefore, to remove any basis for the objection that, by speaking this way, he was craftily trying to establish his own kingdom, he declares that he is not motivated by personal considerations, but by a concern for the whole Church, which he embraced with sincere heartfelt affection.

"I will speak," says he, "O Jerusalem! of your peace, not because it will be profitable for me or mine, but because your prosperity will extend to all the children of God." For under the term brethren, he undoubtedly includes all believers. He does so because the worship of God, far from remaining intact, would fall into ruin unless Jerusalem continued to stand.

If, then, the salvation of our brethren is regarded by us as important, and if religion for us is a matter of heartfelt commitment, we ought, at the same time, as much as is in our power, to take an interest in the prosperity of the Church.

From this it follows that those who are indifferent to her condition are no less cruel than impious. For if she is the pillar and foundation of truth, the inevitable consequence of her destruction must be the extinction of true piety.

And if the body is destroyed, how can each of its members avoid being destroyed as well? Furthermore, this passage teaches us that the Church is not an empty title, but must be sought where true religion prevails. From this it appears how foolish the Papists are, who, despite having rejected and overthrown the doctrine of the Gospel, still strongly boast of the name of the Church.