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…

11 And those were noble men among the Thessalonians, who had received the word with all readiness of mind, daily searching the scriptures whether these things were so. 12 And many of them believed, and honest women which were Grecians, and men not a few: 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica knew, that Paul did also preach the word of God at Berrhea, they came thither also moving the multitudes. 14 And then straightway the brethren sent forth Paul, that he might go as it were unto the sea: but Silas and Timotheus remained there. 15 Moreover those which guided Paul, brought him even unto Athens. And when they had received commandment to Silas and Timotheus, that they should come to him with speed, they departed.

11 And those were noble men among the Thessalonians, who had receiued the word with all readines of minde, daily searching the scriptures whether these things were so. 12 And manie of them beleeued, and honest women which were Grecians, and men not a few: 13 But when the Iewes of Thessalonica knewe, that Paul did also preach the word of God at Berrhea, they came thither also mouing the multitudes. 14 And then streightway the brethren sent forth Paul, that he might goe as it were vnto the sea: but Silas and Timotheus remained there. 15 Moreouer those which guided Paul, brought him euen vnto Athens. And when they had receiued commandement to Silas and Timotheus, that they should come to him with speed, they departed.

11 Did excel in nobility. Luke returneth again unto the men of Thessalonica. The remembrance of Christ might have bin thought to have bin buried by the departure of Paul, and surely it is a wonder that that small light which began to shine, was not quite put out, and that the seed of sound doctrine did not wither away, which had need continually to be watered that it might spring up. But after Pauls departure, it appeared how effectual and fruitful his preaching had been. For those who had only tasted of the first principles of godliness, do nevertheless profit and go forward though he be absent, and exercise themselves in the continual reading of the Scripture. And first Luke saith that they were of the chief families. For the nobility whereof he maketh mention, is referred not unto the mind, but unto the nation. Some think that the men of Berrhea are compared with the men of Thessalonica, because he sayeth eugenesterous, and not in the superlative degree eugenestatous. But I think that that manner of speech is usual and common among the Grecians, which the Latins could not so well digest. Moreover he had said a little before, that certain principal women believed at Thessalonica, and it is not to be thought that the men of Berrhea were preferred before those of this City. And there is a threefold reason why Luke maketh mention of their excellency of birth. We know how hardly men come down from their high degree, what a rare matter it is for those who are great in the world,