Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles John Calvin (continued)
John Calvin
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But omitting these things, let us mark this sentence. We know what a holy thing it is to be careful for the poor. Therefore, forasmuch as the apostles prefer the preaching of the gospel before if we gather thereby that no obedience is more acceptable to God. Notwithstanding, the hardness is also declared, 328 when as they say that they cannot discharge both these duties. Surely we are not better than they. Therefore, let every one of us that is called unto the function of teaching addict himself wholly to order this his estate well. 329 For we are inclined to nothing more than to fall to slothfulness. Again, the flesh ministereth goodly cloaks and colors, so that those men cannot see by and by that they are led away from their calling which enwrap themselves in strange business. Wherefore, to the end ministers may prick forward themselves to do their duty, let them remember this saying of the apostles oftentimes, wherein they declare that, forasmuch as they are called unto the function of teaching, they must not any longer take charge of the poor. Therefore, what excuses have profane affairs 330 (taken in hand even for some private gain) where that is set aside, which is otherwise accounted no small part of the worship of God.
3. Therefore, brethren, look out. Now we see to what end deacons were made. The word itself is indeed general, yet is it properly taken for those which are stewards for the poor. Whereby it appeareth how licentiously the Papists do mock God and men, who assign unto their deacons no other office but this, to have the charge of 331 the paten and chalice. Surely we need no disputation to prove that they agree in no point with the apostles. But if the readers be desirous to see any more concerning this point, they may repair unto our Institution, chapter 8. As touching this present place, the Church is permitted to choose. For it is tyrannous if any one man appoint or make ministers at his pleasure. 332 Therefore, this is the (most) lawful way, that those be chosen by common voices 333 who are to take upon them 334 any public function in the Church. And the apostles prescribe what manner [of] persons ought to be chosen, to wit, men of tried honesty and credit, 335 men endued with wisdom 336 and other gifts of the Spirit. And this is the mean between tyranny and confused liberty, 337 that nothing be done without 338 the consent and approbation of the people, yet so that the pastors moderate
328"Difficultas monstratur," the difficulty is shown. 329"Spartae suae ornandae, (ut est in proverbio,") to adorn his own Sparta, (as the proverb expresses it.)
330"Occupationes," occupation. 331"Tractent," to handle. 332"Constituat suo arbitrio," constitute at his own pleasure. 333"Elegi communibus suffragiis," be elected by the common suffrages. 334"Obidentia," are to perform. 335"Probate fidei," of tried faith. 336"Prudentia," wisdom or prudence. 337"Licentiam," licentious freedom. 338"Nisi ex," except by.