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…

seeing that he doth testify that those who are well grounded in the faith of the gospel, are not in danger to be seduced by men: seeing that Peter calleth the scripture a light shining in a dark place: seeing that courteous exhortation or inviting of Christ can never deceive us: Seek & ye shall find: knock and it shall be opened to you: let Satan do what he can, and let the false prophets seek to darken the truth so much as they are able, we need not be afraid least the spirit of wisdom and discretion forsake us, who ruleth Satan at his pleasure, and maketh us triumph over him by the faith of his word.

seeing that he doth testifie that those who are welgrounded in the faith of the gospel, are not in danger to be seduced by men: seeing that Peter calleth the scripture a light shining in a darke place: seeing that courteous exhortatiō or inuiting of Christ can neuer deceiue vs: Seek & ye shall find: knock and it shall be opened to you: let Satan do what he can, and let the false prophetes seeke to darken the truth so much as they are able, wee need not be afraide least the spirit of wisdome and discretion forsake vs, who ruleth Satan at his pleasure, and maketh vs triumph ouer him by the faith of his word.

18. Paul took it grievously. It may be that at the first Paul neglected and did not greatly regard the crying of the maid, because he hoped ⟨p. 397⟩that there would be no account made thereof, and had rather that it should vanish away of it self. But the continual repetition doth at length make him weary: because if he had any longer dissembled, Satan would have waxed more & more insolent through his silence and patience. Secondly, he ought not to have broken out into this prohibition rashly, until he knew for a certainty that he was furnished with the power of God. For Paul his commandment had bin foolish & vain, without the commandment of God. And this must be noted, least any man condemn Paul of too great hastiness, because he encountered so valiantly with the unclean spirit. For he did not conceive any grief or indignation save only because he saw that the subtlety of Satan would increase, unless he did betimes prevent it: neither did he attempt any thing without the motion of the spirit: neither did he enter the conflict until he was armed with power from heaven. Notwithstanding he seemeth to be contrary to himself, seeing that he saith elsewhere that he rejoiceth upon what occasion soever he see the gospel preached, even by wicked men, and such as did study of set purpose to bring him in contempt.