Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles John Calvin (continued)
John Calvin
would gladly have burdened Paul.
30. When it was showed to me. The second part of the epistle where the chief captain doth bring the adversaries into contempt, 1407 because they went about to kill Paul treacherously. Whence it is also gathered, that they trouble Paul unjustly, and that they sought so sore against his life without any cause. For if they had persecuted him lawfully, they would have trusted to the goodness of their cause, and not have suffered him to be judged according to law. Now, when as they seek to kill him, it appeareth that they have no reason.
32. And the next day. Though Luke did not express before that the soldiers were commanded to return before they came at their way's end, yet it is certain, that they were appointed to accompany him only unto that place where the chief captain thought Paul would be safe; for he went out privily in the night. And the chief captain knew that so soon as they had finished some part of their journey, there was no farther danger, because the adversaries could have no hope to overtake him; and that it was no point of wisdom 1408 to send part of the garrison far away.
1407"Odium in adversarios retorquet," retorts upon his adversaries their hatred. 1408"Tutum… non esse," it was not safe.