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 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.

5 And beeyng mooued with enuie. Wee see howe Paule coulde no where erect the kingdome of Chtiste without some conflicte. For so soone as anye fruite of doctrine appeared, there arose persecution therewithall. But because hee knewe that hee was to warre agaynst Sathan and the wickednesse of the worlde, hee was not onelye hardened against all assaultes: but hee was more incouraged more couragiously to proceede. Therefore all the seruauntes of Christe must bee content with this one example of him, if they see that their labour doeth yeelde some fruite, they must recompence all manner persecutions with this rewarde. And this place teacheth that the zeale wherewith the vnbeleeuers are carried headlong and set on fire, is nothing else but furious force: because it is not gouerned by the prudence of the spirite, neyther yet with righteousnesse or equitie. And though they doe alwayes pretende the name of GOD for an excuse of their disordered zeale: yet this historie doth plainly declare that meere hypocrisie doth reigne inwardly, and that all corners of their hearts are stuffed with poisoned malice. These enimies of Paul did boast that they were defenders of the Lawe of God: and that they did hate Paule, and contend with him onely in defence thereof.