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…

6 And when they had gone through Phrygia and the country if Galatia, they were forbidden of the holy Ghost to speak the word in Asia. 7 And going into Mysia they assayed to go into Bithynia: and the spirit suffered them not. 8 And when they had passed through Mysia, they came down to Troada. 9 And Paul saw a vision by night, There was a certain man of Macedonia, stā ding and praying him, and saying, coming into Macedonia, help us. ⟨p. 388⟩10 And so soon as he saw the vision, we sought straightway to go into Macedonia, being surely confirmed that the Lord had called us to preach the Gospel to them.

6 And when they had gone through Phrygia and the countrie if Galacia, they were forbidden of the holy Ghost to speake the word in Asia. 7 And going into Mysia they assayed to goe into Bithynia: and the spirite suffered them not. 8 And when they had passed through Mysia, they came downe to Troada. 9 And Paul saw a vision by night, There was a certain man of Macedonia, stā ding and praying him, and saying, comming into Macedonia, helpe vs. ⟨p. 388⟩10 And so soone as he saw the vision, we sought streightway to goe into Macedonia, being surely confirmed that the Lord had called vs to preach the Gospel to them.

6 When they had gone throughout. Luke showeth here how diligent & careful Paul and his companions were in the office of teaching: for he saith that they journeyed through diverse regions of the lesser Asia, that they might preach the gospel. But he reciteth one thing which is worth the remembering, that they were forbidden by the Spirit of God to speak of Christ in some places, which serveth not a little to set forth the Apostleship of Paul: as undoubtedly he was not a little encouraged to proceed, when he knew that the Spirit of God was his guide in his way, and the governor of his actions. And whereas whither soever they came they prepared themselves to teach, they did that according to their calling, and according to the commandment of God. For they were sent to preach and publish the Gospel to the Gentiles without exception: but the Lord revealed his counsel in governing the course of their journey, which was before unknown, even in a moment. Notwithstanding the question is, If Paul taught no where but whither he was led by the Spirit, what certainty shall the ministers of the Church have at this day of their calling, who are certified by no Oracles when they must speak or hold their peace? I answer, Seeing that Pauls province and charge was so wide, he had need of the singular direction of the Spirit. He was not made the Apostle of one particular place, or of a few Cities: but he had received commandment to preach the Gospel through Asia, and Europa: which was to sail in a most wide sea. Wherefore there is no cause why we should wonder that in that confused wideness God beckoned unto him as it were by reaching forth his hand, how far he would have him go, or whither.