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…

2 A Jew called Aquila. This was no small trial in that Paul findeth none at Corinthus to lodge him, save Aquila who had bin twice exiled. For being borne in Pontus, he forsook his country and sailed over the sea that he might dwell at Rome. He was compelled to depart thence again by the commandment of Claudius Caesar. Though the commodiousness of the City was such, the plenty so great, the situation so pleasant, and there were also so many Jews there: yet Paul found no more fit host than a man that had bin banished out of his own country and also out of another soil. If we compare the great fruit which ensued immediately upon his preaching, with such a base entrance, the power of the Spirit of God shall plainly appear. Also we may see how the Lord by his singular counsel turneth those things to his glory and the salvation of the godly, which seem contrary to the flesh, and unhappy. Nothing is more miserable than exile according to the sense of the flesh. But it was far better for Aquila to be Paul his companion, than to be in the highest office either at Rome or in his country. Therefore this happy calamity of Aquila doth teach us, that the Lord doeth often better provide for us, when he doeth sharply punish us, than if he should most gently entreat us: and when he tosseth us to and fro in most extreme exile, that he may bring us unto the heavenly rest.

2 A Iew called Aquila. This was no small triall in that Paule findeth none at Corinthus to lodge him, saue Aquila who had bin twise exiled. For being borne in Pontus, he forsooke his countrie and sailed ouer the sea that he might dwell at Rome. Hee was compelled to depart thence againe by the commandement of Claudius Caesar. Though the commodiousnes of the Citie was such, the plentie so great, the situation so pleasant, and there were also so many Iewes there: yet Paul founde no more fit hoast than a man that had bin banished out of his owne countrie and also out of another soile. If we compare the great fruite which ensued immediatly vpon his preaching, with such a base entrance, the power of the Spirit of God shall plainly appeare. Also we may see howe the Lord by his singular counsell turneth those things to his glorie and the saluation of the godly, which seeme contrary to the flesh, and vnhappie. Nothing is more miserable than exile according to the sense of the flesh. But it was farre better for Aquila to be Paul his companion, than to be in the highest office either at Rome or in his countrie. Therfore this happie calamitie of Aquila doth teach vs, that the Lord doeth often better prouide for vs, when he doeth sharply punish vs, than if he should most gently intreat vs: and when he tosseth vs to and fro in most extreme exile, that he may bring vs vnto the heauenly rest.