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…

16 For Paul purposed. It is not to be doubted but that he had great & weighty causes to make hast: not that he made so great account of the day, but because strangers did then use to come together to Jerusalem out of all quarters. Forasmuch as he did hope that he might do some good in such a great assembly, he would not foreslow the opportunity. Therefore let us know that the worship of the law was not the cause that he made so great hast: but he set before his eyes the edifying of the church: partly that he might show to the faithful that the kingdom of Christ was enlarged, partly that if there were any as yet strangers from Christ, he might gain them: partly that he might stop the mouths of the wicked. Notwithstanding we must note, that he did in the mean season provide for other churches. For in sending for the elders of Ephesus to Miletum, he showeth that he did not neglect Asia. And whereas they come together when they be called, it is not only a token of concord, but also of modesty. For they were many: yet doeth it not irk them to obey one Apostle of Christ, whom they knew to be endued with singular gifts. Moreover it appeareth more plainly by the text, that those are called elders, not which were grey headed, but such as were rulers of the Church. And it is an usual thing almost in all tongues, that those be called elders & fathers, who are appointed to govern others, though their age be not always according.

16 For Paul purposed. It is not to be douted but that he had great & weightie causes to make hast: not that he made so great account of the day, but because strangers did thē vse to come together to Ierusalē out of al quarters. Forasmuch as he did hope that he might doe som good in such a great assembly, he would not foreslow the opportunitie. Therfore let vs know that the worship of the law was not the cause that he made so great hast: but he set before his eyes the edifying of the church: partly that he might shew to the faithfull that the kingdome of Christ was enlarged, partly that if there were any as yet strangers from Christ, hee might gaine them: partly that he might stoppe the mouthes of the wicked. Notwithstāding we must note, that he did in the meane season prouide for other churches. For in sēding for the elders of Ephesus to Miletum, he sheweth that he did not neglect Asia. And whereas they come together when they be called, it is not only a token of concord, but also of modestie. For they were manie: yet doeth it not irke them to obeye one Apostle of Christe, whome they knewe to bee indued with singular giftes. Moreouer it appereth more plainely by the text, that those are called elders, not which were gray headed, but such as were rulers of the Church. And it is an vsual thing almost in all tongues, that those be called elders & fathers, who are appointed to gouern others, though their age be not alwaies according.