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…

1 This history is worthy to be remembered even for this one cause, because it containeth the first beginning of the Church of Corinthus, which, as it was famous for good causes, both because of the multitude of men, & also because of the excellent gifts bestowed upon them, so there were in it gross and shameful vices. Furthermore Luke showeth in this place with what great labour, and how hardly Paul did win the same to Christ. It is well known what a rich City Corinthus was by reason of the noble mart, how populous, how greatly given to pleasure. And the old proverb doth testify that it was sumptuous and full of riot: All men cannot go to Corinthus. When Paul entereth the same, what hope I pray you can he conceive? He is a simple man unknown, having no eloquence or pomp, showing no wealth or power. In that that huge gulf doth not swallow up his confidence and desire which he had to spread abroad the Gospel, by this we gather that he was furnished with wonderful power of the Spirit of God: and also that God wrought by his hand after a heavenly manner and not after any humane manner. Wherefore he boasteth not without cause that the Corinthians are the seal of his Apostleship. For they be twice blind,¹ who do not acknowledge that the glory of God did more plainly appear in such a simple & base kind of dealing: and he himself showed no small token of invincible constancy, when being vexed with the mocks of all men (as the proud did contemn him) he did notwithstanding stay himself upon Gods help alone. But it is worth the labour to note all the circumstances, as Luke setteth down the same in order.

1 This historie is worthy to bee remembred euen for this one cause, because it containeth the first beginning of the Church of Corinthus, which, as it was famous for good causes, both bicause of the multitude of men, & also because of the excellent gifts bestowed vpon them, so there were in it grosse and shamefull vices. Furthermore Luke sheweth in this place with what great labor, and how hardly Paul did winne the same to Christ. It is well knowne what a rich Cittie Corinthus was by reason of the noble mart, how populous, how greatly giuen to pleasure. And the old prouerbe doth testifie that it was sumptuous and ful of riot: All men cannot goe to Corinthus. When Paul entreth the same, what hope I pray you can he conceiue? He is a simple man vnknowne, hauing no eloquence or pomp, shewing no wealth or power. In that that huge gulph doth not swallow vp his confidence and desire which he had to spreade abroad the Gospel, by this we gather that hee was furnished with wonderfull power of the Spirite of God: and also that God wrought by his hand after a heauenly maner and not after any humane maner. Wherefore he boasteth not without cause that the Corinthians are the seale of his Apostleship. For they be twise blind,