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…

18 And many of those which believed came, confessing and showing their works. 19 And many of those which used curious arts, bringing their books, burnt them before them all: and when they had cast the price of them, they found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So mightily grew the word of the Lord, and was confirmed. 21 And when these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in Spirit, having passed over Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After that I have bin there, I must also see Rome. ⟨p. 446⟩22 And when he had sent two of those which ministered to him into Macedonia, to wit, Timotheus and Erastus, he stayed for a time in Asia.

18 And many of those which beleeued came, confessing and shewing their works. 19 And many of those which vsed curious artes, bringing their bookes, burnt them before them all: and when they had cast the price of them, they found it fiftie thousand peeces of syluer. 20 So mightilie grew the word of the Lord, and was confirmed. 21 And when these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in Spirit, hauing passed ouer Macedonia and Achaia, to goe to Ierusalem, saying, After that I haue bin there, I must also see Rome. ⟨p. 446⟩22 And when he had sent two of those which ministred to him into Macedonia, to wit, Timotheus and Erastus, he staied for a time in Asia.

18 Many which believed. Luke bringeth forth one token of that fear whereof he spake. For they did in deed declare that they were thoroughly touched and moved with the fear of God, who of their own accord did confess the faults and offences of their former life, least through their dissimulation they should nourish the wrath of GOD within. We know what a hard matter it is to wring true confession out of those who have offended, for seeing men count nothing more precious then their estimation, they make more account of shame then of truth. Yea so much as in them lieth they seek to cover their shame. Therefore this voluntary confession, was a testimony of repentance & of fear. For no man unless he be throughly touched will make himself subject to the slanders & reproaches of men, & will willingly be judged upon earth, that he may be loosed and acquitted in heaven. When he saith, Many, by this we gather that they had not all one cause, for it may be that these men had corrupt consciences a long time: as many are oftentimes infected with hidden and inward vices. Wherefore Luke doth not prescribe all men a common Law: but he setteth before them an example which those must follow who need like medicine. For why did these men confess their facts, save only that they might give testimony of their repentance, and seek counsel and ease at Pauls hands? It was otherwise with those who came unto the Baptism of John, confessing their sins.