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…

Wherefore let us know that the Gospel springeth and issueth out to us out of the sole fountain of mere grace. And yet God doeth not want a just reason, why he offereth his Gospel to some, and passeth over othersome: But, I say, that that reason lieth hid in his secret counsel. In the mean season let the faithful know, that they were called freely, when other were set aside: least they take that to themselves which is due to the mercy of God alone. And in the rest whom God rejecteth for no manifest cause, let them learn to wonder at the deep depth of his judgement, which they may not seek out. And here the word Asia is taken for that part which is properly so called. When Luke sayeth that Paul and his companions assayed to come into Bithynia, until they were forbidden of the spirit: he showeth that they were not directed by Oracles, save only when need required, as the Lord useth to be present with his in doleful and uncertain matters.

Wherefore let vs knowe that the Gospel springeth and issueth out to vs out of the sole fountaine of meere grace. And yet God doeth not want a iust reason, why he offereth his Gospel to some, and passeth ouer othersome: But, I say, that that reason lieth hid in his secreat counsell. In the meane season let the faithfull know, that they were called freely, when other were set aside: least they take that to themselues which is due to the mercy of God alone. And in the rest whom God reiecteth for no manifest cause, let them learne to wonder at the deepe depth of his iudgement, which they may not seeke out. And here the word Asia is taken for that part which is properly so called. When Luke saieth that Paul and his companions assaied to come into Bithynia, vntil they were forbidden of the spirit: he sheweth that they were not directed by Oracles, saue onely when neede required, as the Lorde vseth to be present with his in dolefull and vncertaine matters.

9 A vision by night. The Lord would not that Paul should stay any longer in Asia: because he would draw him into Macedonia. And Luke expresseth the manner of the drawing, that a man of Macedonia appeared to him by night. Where we must note that the Lord did not always observe the same manner of revelation: because diverse kinds are more convenient for confirmation. And it is not said that this vision was offered in a dream: but only in the night season. For there be certain night visions, which men see when they be awake.