The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated…The commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated…

31 They rejoiced over the consolation. Seeing that the Epistle is so short, and containeth nothing but a bare narration, what consolation could they have by it? But we must note, that there was no small matter of consolation therein, because when they knew the consent of the Apostles, they were all pacified, and also whereas before there was variance among them, they are now reconciled one to another. Seeing there went a false report about, that all the Apostles were against Paul and Barnabas, this same had shaken some who were too light of belief: many did stand in doubt: the wicked abused this occasion to speak evil: othersome were pricked forward with love of novelty and with curiosity, and one was set against another. But now after that they see that the judgement of the first Church doth agree with the doctrine of Paul and Barnabas, they obtain that for which the children of God ought most to wish, that being established in the right faith, and being of one mind among themselves, they may with quiet minds have peace one with another.

31 They reioyced ouer the consolation. Seing that the Epistle is so short, and containeth nothing but a bare narration, what consolation coulde they haue by it? But we must note, that there was no small matter of consolation therein, because when they knewe the consent of the Apostles, they were all pacified, and also whereas before there was variance among them, they are now reconciled one to another. Seing there went a false report about, that all the Apostles were against Paul and Barnabas, this same had shaken some who were too light of beliefe: manie did stand in doubt: the wicked abused this occasion to speak euil: othersome were pricked forward with loue of noualty and with curiositie, and one was set against another. But now after that they see that the iudgement of the first Church doth agree with the doctrine of Paul and Barnabas, they obtaine that for which the children of God ought most to wish, that being established in the right faith, and being of one mind among themselues, they may with quiet mindes haue peace one with another.

32 Judas and Silas. These two brethren were sent for this cause, that they might also testify the same thing by word which was contained in the letters, and more also. Otherwise the Apostles would not have sent such short letters concerning so great and weighty a matter: and they would have also spoken somewhat touching the mysteries of faith, and would have made some long exhortation, wherein they would have persuaded them unto the study of godliness. Now Luke showeth some farther thing by them done: to wit, that being furnished with the gift of Prophecy, they edify the Church in general, as if he should say, they did not only do their duty faithfully in the cause which was now in hand: but they did also take good and profitable pains in teaching and exhorting the Church. And we must note that he saith that they exhorted the Church because they were Prophets: for it is not a thing common to all men to enter such an excellent function. Therefore we must beware least any man pass his bounds: as Paul teacheth