Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles John Calvin
John Calvin
These things are also meet for our time. We know how proudly the Papists boast of that maxim of theirs, that lawful councils must be obeyed, because they represent the Church. Moreover, they call those lawful councils, and they will have them so accounted, wherein nothing is wanting touching the external form, and such a council was this whereof Luke speaketh in this place; and yet, notwithstanding, we know that it was gathered to put out 261 the name of Christ; for although the priests did then creep in unto honor by subtlety, or by inordinate suit, 262 to win the favor of men, or by other wicked policies, or whether they burst in unto the same by bribery, or murder, 263 yet the dignity of the priesthood did continue as yet until Christ was revealed. There was in the assembly of the elders a representing of the Church; but where the truth of God is not sought, all outward appearance is nothing else but a mere visor. Therefore, it is in vain for the Papists to cover their abominations with the shadow of this buckler, because it is not sufficient for those to be gathered together who are rulers of the Church, unless they do this in the name of Christ, otherwise forasmuch as it is an usual policy of Satan to transform himself into an angel of light, (2 Corinthians 11:14,) we will grant him as fit a covert under the title of the Church as he can wish.
He brought them without violence. We have spoken somewhat before of the captain of the temple. For I do not think 264 that it was lawful for the Jews to set and appoint whom they would to rule the temple, but that the president of the province did appoint one to have the government of the temple. And he saith, that they were brought without violence, that is, that they were not drawn violently, lest any tumult should arise, so that, whereas they neither fear nor reverence God, they are afraid of men. The apostles also do show their modesty in that, that whereas they are guided with a great number of men, yet do they suffer themselves to be led away by the officers, lest they should be authors of any tumult.
Acts 5:27-28
Acts 5:27-28
27. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council; and the chief priest asked them, 28. Saying, Did not we, in commanding, command you, that you should not teach in this name? And behold ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and you will bring the blood of this man upon us.
28. The chief priest layeth two crimes to the charge of the apostles, for he accuseth them of contumacy or stubbornness, 265 because they obeyed not the decree of the council. In the second member he betrayeth an evil
261"Extinguendam," to extinguish. 262"Ambitu," by intrigue. 263"Mutuis caedibus," mutual slaughter. 264"Neque enim mihi probabile est," for it does not seem to me probable. 265"Inobedientiae et contumaciae," of contumacy and disobedience.