Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles John Calvin
John Calvin
A murmuring of the Greeks. Hereby it appeareth that they were not fully regenerate by the Spirit of God, to whom the diversity of nation and country ministereth occasion of disagreement. For in Christ there is neither Jew nor Grecian, (Galatians 3:28.) Therefore, this indignation smelleth 310 of the flesh and the world. Wherefore we must take good heed that the like fault be not found in us. 311 There is another fault in that they declare their indignation by murmuring. Furthermore it is uncertain whether the complaint were true or no. For when Luke saith that the Greeks murmured, because their widows were not honored, he showeth not what was done in deed, but what they thought was done. And it may be that forasmuch as the apostles did prefer the Jews, 312 because they were better known, the Greeks did think (though falsely) that their widows were despised as strangers. And this seemeth to be more like to be true. Furthermore the word ministering may be expounded two manner of ways, actively or passively. For we know that at the first there were widows chosen unto the ministration. 313
Notwithstanding, I do rather think that the Greeks did complain, because their widows were not so liberally relieved as they wished. So that the ministration shall be that daily distribution which was wont to be made.
2. The twelve having the multitude called unto them It is a point [proof] of patience and meekness that the apostles are no more moved. 314 It is a point of prudence and godly carefulness, in that they prevent the evil which began to arise, 315 without deferring the remedy. For after that every dissension and division hath gathered strength, it is a wound hard to be cured. By this assembly it appeareth that the Church was governed by order and reason, so that the apostles had the chiefest authority, and that they did impart their counsels and purposes unto the people. 316 Again, we must note that the faithful, or Christians, are in this place called disciples, in whom that of Isaiah must be fulfilled, "That they were all taught of God." And again, that of Jeremiah, "They shall all know God, from the least to the greatest."
It pleaseth not. It is in Greek [{ουκ} {αρεστον}] By which word, the Grecians do now express every opinion or decree which is better than another, or which is to be preferred as being better. 317 I do rather think that the apostles declare what is profitable, than simply what they have decreed. But
310"Resipit," savors. 311"Nobis obrepat," creep in upon us. 312"Judaeas," the Jewish widows. 313"Ad diaconiam," for ministering, as deaconnesses. 314"Quod non magis excandescunt apostoli," that the apostles are not more inflamed or offended.
315"Quod mature nascenti malo occurrunt," that they quickly meet the growing evil. 316"Cum plebe tamencommunicarent sua consilia," yet did communicate with the people as to their purpose.
317"Quo nominie Graeci nunc quod aliis praestat, et tanquam melius praeferendum est nunc quodvis placitum designant," by which term the Greeks designate sometimes "whatever is better than, or is to be preferred to, other things;" and at others, "any thing whatever that pleases," or "any decree."
Commentary on Acts if it be not expedient for them to meddle with this business, 318 they seem [now] to acknowledge some fault in that they ministered hitherto. And surely that is true, that use is the father of wisdom. 319 Wherefore there shall be no absurdity if we shall say, that the apostles desire of the Church to be unburdened of that function, after that they have tried [experienced] that it is not meet for them. But if there were any fault, it ought rather to be ascribed unto necessity than unto them; for they took not this burthen upon them greedily, but seeing there was no other way as yet, they had better burthen themselves out of measure than that the poor should be forslowed. 320 And when as they say that it is not meet that they should be occupied in providing for the poor, their meaning is, that are unable to endure both burthens, so that they must needs let the one alone. For it is as if they should say, If thou wilt enjoy our ministry in the preaching of the gospel, deliver us from the charge of the poor, because we are not able to do both. But this seemeth to be spoken out of season by them, because they had not left the charge of teaching before, although they had the oversight of the alms. I answer, forasmuch as the administration was confused, they were so enwrapped, 321 that they could not wholly attend upon doctrine as was meet. Therefore, they refuse that function which draweth them away from the free and perfect 322 charge of teaching. Notwithstanding, we may not think that they had quite cast away all care of the poor, but that they did only seek somewhat to be lightened and eased, that they might attend upon their office. And, in the mean season, they declare that the ministry of the word is so painful 323 that it requireth a whole man, neither will it suffer him to be occupied about any other business; which, if it had been well considered, there had been a far other order taken in the Church.
The Popish bishops did suck 324 up great riches under color of the ministration or deaconship; nevertheless, they entangled themselves in divers businesses, which they were scarce able to overcome, 325 though every one of them had had ten heads. Notwithstanding, such is their wickedness, that they say that there can be no church unless it be drowned in this depth; 326 neither do they cease to brag and boast that they are the successors of the apostles, whereas there is nothing which appeareth to be more contrary. They were careful for this, that they might not be occupied about serving of tables, and so be compelled to leave their own banquets. For whosoever is careful for his own table, he taketh leave to be vacant 327 from other men's
318"Hac cura involvi," to be involved in such business. 319"Prudentiae usum esse patrem," that use (or experience) is the parent of prudence. 320"Negligi," neglected. 321"Sic fuisse implicitos," were so encumbered by it. 322"Solida," entire. 323"Operosum," laborious. 324"Ingurgitarunt," ingulf, swallow up. 325"Quibus vix sufficerent," for which they could hardly suffice. 326"Abysso," abyss. 327"Vacationem sibi sumit," keepeth himself free.