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…

36 And after a few days Paul said to Barnabas, Returning let us now visit our brethren throughout all Cities wherein we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. 37 And Barnabas counselled to take John whose surname was Mark: 38 But Paul besought him that he which slid back from them in Pamphilia, and had not gone with them to the work, might not be taken to their company. 39 And the contention waxed so hot between them, that they parted company: and Barnabas having taken to him Mark, sailed to Cyprus. 40 But Paul having chosen Silas journeyed, being committed to the grace of god by the brethren. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, establishing the Churches.

36 And after a few daies Paul said to Barnabas, Returning let vs now visit our brethren throughout all Cities wherein we haue preached the word of the Lord, and see how they doe. 37 And Barnabas counsailed to take Ihon whose syrname was Marke: 38 But Paul besought him that he which slid backe from them in Pamphilia, and had not gone with them to the worke, might not bee taken to their companie. 39 And the contention waxed so hot betweene them, that they parted companie: and Barnabas hauing taken to him Marke, sailed to Cyprus. 40 But Paul hauing chosen Silas iorneyed, being committed to the grace of god by the brethren. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, establishing the Churches.

36 Let us visit our brethren. In this history we must first note how careful Paul was for the Churches which he had ordained. He laboureth in deed at Antiochia profitably: but because he remembered that he was an Apostle ordained of God, and not the pastor of one particular place, he keepeth the course of his calling. Secondly, as it did not become him to be tied to one place, so he thinketh with himself that he ⟨p. 381⟩was bound to all whom he begat in the Lord: therefore he will not suffer them to want his help. Moreover the work that was begun in those places could not be neglected, but it would shortly after decay. Yet it is to be thought that Paul stayed still in the Church of Antiochia, until he saw the estate thereof well ordered, and concord established. For we know and try what great force principal Churches have to keep other lesser Churches in order. If there arise any tumult in an obscure street, or if there fall out any offence, the rumour goeth not so far, neither are the neighbours so much moved. But if any place be excellent, it cannot quail without great ruin: or at least but that the lesser buildings shall be therewith sore shaken both far and wide. Therefore Paul in staying a time at Antioch did provide for other Churches: and so we must no less look unto his wisdom than his diligence in this example: because oftentimes the immoderate heat of the Pastors in going about matters, doeth no less hurt than their sluggishness.