Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles John Calvin (continued)
Commentary on Acts the brethren somewhat afterward, 1079 that the magistrates might not be so bold as to rage so freely against the good and innocent brethren. Because he had gotten their heads under his girdle, 1080 he translated his right to help the brethren, that they might be borne with. This was the cause for which he did chide them. And so Paul did wisely use the opportunity offered him; as we must neglect nothing which may take for the bridling of the enemies, that they take not to themselves so much liberty to oppress or vex the innocent, forasmuch as the Lord bringeth to our hands such helps not in vain. Notwithstanding, let us remember that if we have been injured in anything, we must not repay injuries, but we must only endeavor to stay their lust, lest they hurt others in like sort.
38. They were afraid, because they were Romans. They are not once moved with the other point, because they had handled innocents cruelly without discretion; 1081 and yet that was the greater reproach. But because they did not fear that any man would punish them, they were not moved with God's judgment. This is the cause that they do carelessly pass over that which was objected concerning injury done by them, only they are afraid of the officers 1082 of the Romans, and lest they should be beheaded for violating the liberty in the body of a citizen. They knew that this was death if any of the chief governors [prefects] should commit it, then what should become of the officers of one free city? 1083 Such is the fear of the wicked, because they have an amazed 1084 conscience before God, they do long time flatter themselves in all sins, until the punishment 1085 of men hang over their heads.
40. When they saw, etc. They were desired to part presently; yet it became them to regard the brethren, lest the tender seed of the gospel should perish, and undoubtedly they would have tarried longer if they had been suffered, but the prayers and requests of the magistrates were imperious and armed, which they are enforced to obey. Nevertheless, they foreslow [neglect] not their necessary duty, but they exhort the brethren to be constant. And whereas they went straight to Lydia, it is a token, that though the Church were increased, yet that woman was the chief even of a greater number, as touching diligence in duties of godliness; 1086 and that appeareth more plainly thereby, because all the godly were assembled in her house.
1079"Aliquid levationis in posterum afferret," produce some alleviation in future. 1080"Quia illos jam sibi tenebat obnoxios," because he now had them in his power. 1081"Nulla interposita cognitione," without any previous cognisance. 1082"Securibus," axes. 1083"Coloniae," colony. 1084"Stupidam," stupid, dull. 1085"Ultro," vengeance. 1086"In officiis pictatis," in offices of piety.