Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles John Calvin (continued)
Commentary on Acts reverence those whom he marketh with the mark of his servants. Therefore, forasmuch as powers [miracles] did plainly prove that Christ descended from heaven, his dignity is placed without the lot of man's judgment.
Acts 10:39-43
Acts 10:39-43
39. And we are witnesses of all things which he did in the country of the Jews, and at Jerusalem, whom they slew, hanging him on a tree. 40. Him God raised the third day, and showed him openly, 41. Not unto all the people, but to the witnesses appointed before of God for this purpose; namely, to us who did eat and drink with him after that he was risen from the dead: 42. And he commanded us that we should preach to the people, and should testify that he is appointed judge of the quick and dead. 43. To this man do all the prophets bear witness, that whosoever believeth in him may, through his name, receive remission of sins.
39. And we be witnesses. That he may make his words to be believed, he saith, that he and his fellows in office saw with their eyes all those things which they spake concerning Christ. 707 Shortly after, he taketh the word witness in another sense, when he saith that they were appointed witnesses 708 by God, 709 and that they are brought forth, as it were, by God, that they might by their preaching bring men unto the faith of Christ. So Paul, in the fifteenth of the First to the Corinthians, (1 Corinthians 15:15,) saith,
"We (saith he) should be found false witnesses [of Gods] unless Christ were risen from the dead."
And we have already heard by the mouth of Christ, "Ye shall be my witnesses in Judea, Samaria, and at Jerusalem." And now Peter calleth himself only an historical witness, because he beheld the things which were done. And here he toucheth his death briefly, because it was openly known; he standeth longer upon his resurrection, which was more doubtful, and the knowledge whereof was more available unto faith.
41. If any man demand here, Why God did not show his Son openly to all men after his resurrection? I answer, Although there could no reason be showed, yet ought the counsel of God alone to suffice sober and modest men, that they may assure themselves without all doubt that that is best which God hath thought meet. And yet, assuredly God used this moderation to a good end. For the certainty of the resurrection was proved by many and firm testimonies, and this was profitable to exercise the faith of the godly, to believe the gospel rather than their eyes. As touching the wicked and professed enemies of Christ seeing that being so often convict they would
707"Ita loqui de rebus probe compertis," and so spake of things well ascertained, omitted. 708"Certos testes," sure witnesses. 709"Quo significat publicam apostolis impositam esse personam, utque ad hoc peculiariter delectos esse," by which he intimates that a public character was assigned to the apostles, and that for this they were specially chosen, omitted.