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 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.

36 Let vs visit our brethren. In this historie we must first note how carefull Paul was for the Churches which he had ordained. Hee laboureth in deed at Antiochia profitablie: but because hee remembred that hee was an Apostle ordained of God, and not the pastour of one particular place, hee keepeth the course of his calling. Secondly, as it did not become him to be tied to one place, so he thinketh with himselfe that he ⟨p. 381⟩was bound to all whom he begat in the Lord: therefore he will not suffer them to want his helpe. Moreouer the worke that was begunne in those places could not be neglected, but it woulde shortly after decay. Yet it is to be thought that Paul stayed stil in the Church of Antiochia, vntill he saw the estate thereof well ordered, and concord established. For we knowe and trie what great force principall Churches haue to keepe other lesser Churches in order. If there arise any tumult in an obscure streete, or if there fal out any offence, the rumour goeth not so far, neither are the neighbours so much mooued. But if any place be excellent, it cannot quaile without great ruine: or at least but that the lesser buildings shalbe therewith sore shaken both far and wide. Therefore Paul in staying a time at Antioch did prouide for other Churches: and so we must no lesse looke vnto his wisdome than his diligence in this example: because oftentimes the immoderate heat of the Pastours in going about matters, doeth no lesse hurt than their sluggishnes.