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…

8 They raised the multitude. We see how unjustly the holy men were handled, because they had no place granted them to defend themselves, it was an easy matter to oppress them, though they were guiltless. We see likewise that it is no new matter, for magistrates to be carried away with the rage of the people as with a tempest, especially when the injury toucheth those who are strangers and unknown, at whose hands they look for no reward: because they will not come in danger for nothing. For then they care not for reason or equity, neither do they hear the matter: but one driveth forward an other without any resistance, and all things are done out of order, as when they run unto some great fire. But it came to pass by the singular goodness of God, that so great heat was stayed by and by: for so soon as the magistrates profess that they will know farther of the matter, the multitude is appeased: assurance is taken: and at length the matter is ended.

8 They raised the multitude. We see howe vniustly the holy men were handled, because they had no place granted them to defend thēselues, it was an easie matter to oppresse them, though they were guiltlesse. We see likewise that it is no newe matter, for magistrates to be carried away with the rage of the people as with a tempest, especially when the iniurie toucheth those who are straungers and vnknowen, at whose hands they looke for no reward: because they will not come in daunger for nothing. For then they care not for reason or equitie, neither doe they heare the matter: but one driueth forwarde an other without any resistance, and all thinges are done out of order, as when they runne vnto some great fire. But it came to passe by the singular goodnesse of God, that so great heate was stayed by and by: for so soone as the magistrates professe that they will knowe farther of the matter, the multitude is appeased: assurance is taken: and at length the matter is ended.

10 They sent them out to Berrhea. Hereby it appeareth that Paul his labour brought forth fruit in a small time: for though the brethren send forth him & Silas: yet they adjoin themselves as voluntary companions to their danger and cross by this duty. But the constancy of Paul is uncredible, because having had such experience of their stubbornness and malice of his nation: he doeth never cease to try whether he can bring any to Christ: namely, seeing he knew that he was bound both to Jews and Gentiles, no injury of men could lead him away from his calling. So all the servants of Christ must so wrestle with the malice of the world, that they shake not off Christs yoke with what injuries soever they be provoked.