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…

5 The Churches were confirmed. By this we gather, that that which Luke setteth down, or rather toucheth concerning the decrees of the apostles, was as it were put in by the way, being not much appertinent unto the matter. For he commendeth a far other fruit of Pauls doctrine, when he saith that the churches were confirmed in the faith. Therefore Paul did so order external things, that he was principally careful for the kingdom of God, which consisteth in the doctrine of the gospel, and doth far surpass and surmount external order. Therefore those decrees were mentioned, in as much as they were expedient for maintaining concord, that we might know that the holy man had a care thereof. But religion and godliness hath the former place, whose sole foundation is faith: which again doth stay it self upon the pure word of God, and doth not depend upon mens laws. Now by this example Luke pricketh us forward to proceed continually: least at the beginning sloth or neglect of profiting come upon us. Also the way to increase faith is expressed, to wit when the Lord doth stir us up by the industry of his servants: as at that time he used the labour and diligence of Paul and his companions. When he addeth immediately that they were also increased in number: he commendeth another fruit of preaching: and yet he doth therewithal signify unto us, that the more those profit in faith, who are first called, the more do they bring unto Christ: as if faith did creep abroad unto others by branches.

5 The Churches were confirmed. By this we gather, that that which Luke setteth down, or rather toucheth cōcerning the decrees of the apostles, was as it were put in by the way, being not much appertinent vnto the matter. For he commendeth a farre other fruit of Pauls doctrine, when he saith that the churches were confirmed in the faith. Therfore Paule did so order external things, that he was principally careful for the kingdome of God, which consisteth in the doctrine of the gospel, and doth farre surpasse and surmount externall order. Therefore those decrees were mentioned, in as much as they were expedient for mainteining concord, that we might know that the holy man had a care thereof. But religion and godlines hath the former place, whose sole foundation is faith: which againe doth stay it selfe vpon the pure worde of God, and doth not depend vpon mens lawes. Now by this example Luke pricketh vs forward to proceed cōtinually: least at the beginning sloth or neglect of profiting come vpon vs. Also the way to increase faith is expressed, to wit when the Lord doth stirre vs vp by the industry of his seruants: as at that time he vsed the labour and diligēce of Paul and his companions. When he addeth immediatly that they were also increased in number: he commendeth another fruit of preaching: and yet he doth therwithal signifie vnto vs, that the more those profite in faith, who are first called, the more doe they bring vnto Christ: as if faith did creepe abroade vnto others by branches.