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…

19 Serving the Lord. He reckoneth up first not only in what straits he was, but most of all his humility coupled with contempt of the world, and rebukes, and other afflictions: as if he should say, that he was not honourably received or with commendation: but he was conversant among them under the contemptible form of the cross. And this is no small trial, when we faint not, though we see our selves trodden under foot by the intolerable pride of the world.

19 Seruing the Lord. He reckoneth vp first not onely in what straites he was, but most of all his humilitie coupled with contēpt of the world, and rebukes, and other afflictions: as if he should say, that he was not honourably receiued or with commendation: but he was conuersaunt among them vnder the contemptible form of the crosse. And this is no smal trial, when we faint not, though we see our selues troden vnder foot by the intollerable pride of the world.

Notwithstanding we must note every thing more distinctly. To serve the Lord is taken in this place, not for to worship God in holiness and righteousness, which is common to all the godly. But it doth signify to execute a public function. Therefore Paul doeth not speak of some one private man: but as one made a minister of the Church. And so he doth testify that he fulfilled the Apostleship to him committed with humility and modesty: both because knowing his own infirmity, he did mistrust himself: and also because considering the excellency of his calling, he counted him self very unmeet: and lastly, because he did willingly submit him self to bear the reproach of the Cross. For this humility is set both against vain confidence, and also haughtiness. Secondly, he toucheth his tears, which strifes, divers assaults of Satan, the rage of wicked men, the inward diseases of the Church, and offences had made him shed: at length he addeth that he led a fearful life amiddest the layings in wait of the Jews: and he confesseth that he was tempted therewith, as he was not hardened though he did not faint. For he is not ashamed to confess his infirmity. His drift is, that those to whom he speaketh may not faint through like tribulations, and that being void of all ambition, they may do their duty carefully and reverently. And that they may not only with a patient mind suffer them selves to be despised of men, but that they may be cast down in them selves: because