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 And the unbelieving Jews being moved with envy, and taking to them certain vagabonds, froward fellows, and having assembled the multitude, they made a tumult in the city: and besetting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them out unto the people. 6 And when they had not found them: the drew Jason and certain brethren unto the governors of the city, crying, Those who have troubled the whole world, are come hither also, 7 Whom Jason hath received privily: and all these do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. 8 And they troubled the multitude and the magistrates of the City when they heard these things: 9 And when they had received sufficient assurance of Jason and the rest, they let them go. 10 And forthwith the brethren sent forth Paul & Silas by night unto Berrhe•, who when they were come they went into the Synagogue of the Jews.

5 And the vnbeleeuing Iewes being moued with enuie, and taking to them certaine vacabonds, froward fellowes, and hauing assembled the multitude, they made a tumult in the citie: and besetting the house of Iason, they sought to bring them out vnto the people. 6 And when they had not found them: the drew Iason and certain brethren vnto the gouernours of the citie, crying, Those who haue troubled the whole world, are come hither also, 7 Whom Iason hath receiued privily: and all these doe contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Iesus. 8 And they troubled the multitude and the magistrates of the Citie when they heard these things: 9 And when they had receiued sufficient assurance of Iason and the rest, they let them goe. 10 And forthwith the brethren sent forth Paul & Silas by night vnto Berrhe•, who when they were come they went into the Synagogue of the Iewes.

5 And being moved with envy. We see how Paul could no where erect the kingdom of Christ without some conflict. For so soon as any fruit of doctrine appeared, there arose persecution therewithal. But because he knew that he was to war against Satan and the wickedness of the world, he was not only hardened against all assaults: but he was more encouraged more courageously to proceed. Therefore all the servants of Christ must be content with this one example of him, if they see that their labour doeth yield some fruit, they must recompense all manner persecutions with this reward. And this place teacheth that the zeal wherewith the unbelievers are carried headlong and set on fire, is nothing else but furious force: because it is not governed by the prudence of the spirit, neither yet with righteousness or equity. And though they do always pretend the name of GOD for an excuse of their disordered zeal: yet this history doth plainly declare that mere hypocrisy doth reign inwardly, and that all corners of their hearts are stuffed with poisoned malice. These enemies of Paul did boast that they were defenders of the Law of God: and that they did hate Paul, and contend with him only in defence thereof.