Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles John Calvin (continued)
John Calvin wisheth faith without trouble or cross. For those who did not as yet believe in Christ were far from that affection to be ready to strive for the gospel. And surely it behoveth all the godly to have this gentleness and meekness, that they patiently bear their own cross, and that they wish well to others, and study so much as in them lieth to ease them of all trouble, and that they do in no case envy their quietness and mirth. This courtesy 1477 is far contrary to the bitterness of those who take comfort in wishing that other men were in their misery.
31. They spake together. In that Paul is acquitted by the judgment of them all, it turned to the great renown of the gospel. And when Festus agreeth to the rest he condemneth himself, seeing he had brought Paul into such straits through his unjust dealing, by bringing him in danger of his life under color of changing the place. And though it seemeth that the appeal did hinder 1478 the holy man, yet because this was the only way to escape death, he is content, and doth not seek to get out of that snare; not only because the matter was not even now safe and sound, 1479 but because he was admonished in the vision that he was also called by God to Rome (Acts 23:11).
1477"Humanitas et moderatio," humanity and moderation. 1478"Damnosa esse," was injurious to. 1479"Res jam non erat integra," matters were no longer entire.