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…

1 Luke doeth now now begin to declare what were the proceedings of Paul after that Barnabas and he were separate. And first he showeth that he took to his company at Lystra, Timothy to be his companion. But to the end we may know that Paul did nothing rashly or without good consideration, Luke saith plainly that Timothy was such a man as the brethren did well like of, and that they gave testimony of his godliness: for thus doth he speak word for word. And so Paul himself observeth the like choice, which he elsewhere commandeth to be made in choosing ministers. Neither is it to be thought, that those prophecies did even then come to light wherewith Timothy was set forth,¹ and adorned by the spirit, as Paul doth testify elsewhere. But there seemeth to be some disagreement in that,² in that Luke saith that Timotheus was well reported off amongst the brethren: and Paul will have him to have a good report of those who are without, who is chosen to be a Bishop. I answer, that we must principally look unto the judgement of the godly: as they be sole meet witnesses, and do alone rightly discern well and wisely according to the Spirit of God: and that we ought to attribute no more to the wicked than to blind men. Therefore it appeareth that godliness and holiness of life must be judged according to the will and consent of godly men: that he be counted worthy to be a Bishop, whom they commend. Notwithstanding I confess that even this also is required in the second place, that the very infidels be enforced to commend him: least the Church of God come in danger of their slanders and evil speaking, if it commit it self to be governed by men of evil report.

1 Luke doeth now now begin to declare what were the proceedings of Paul after that Barnabas and he were seperate. And first he sheweth that he took to his company at Lystra, Timothie to be his companion. But to the end we may knowe that Paul did nothing rashly or without good consideration, Luke saith plainely that Timothie was such a man as the brethren did well like of, and that they gaue testimonie of his godlines: for thus doth he speake word for word. And so Paul himselfe obserueth the like choise, which he elsewhere commandeth to be made in choosing ministers. Neither is it to be thought, that those prophecies did euen then come to light wherewith Timothie was set foorth,