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…

34 Yea, ye know. He doeth not in these words precisely set down a Law which all the ministers of the word must needs keep: for he did not behave himself so loftily and lordlike,¹ that he did take that away which the Lord had granted to his servants, but doth rather in many places maintain their right, which is, that they be maintained with that which is common. Whereunto belongeth that, that he suffered many Churches to minister unto him food and raiment. Neither did he only freely receive wages for the work which he did in any place, of those who were there: but when he was in necessity at Corinthus, he saith that he robbed other Churches to relieve his poverty. Therefore he doth not simply command Pastors to maintain their life with their handiwork: but immediately after he declareth how far forth he exhorteth them to follow his example. Those men of Corinthus did not deny him that which was due to him: but seeing that the false Apostles did boast that they did their work freely, and gate thereby praise among the people: Paul would not be behind them in this point, nor give them any occasion to accuse him falsely: as he himself affirmeth. 1. Cor. 9.² and 2. Cor. 11. Therefore he warneth that there be no stumbling block laid in the way of the weak, and that their faith be not overthrown. For to receive the weak importeth as much as somewhat to bear with their rudeness & simpleness, as it is Rom. 14.³

34 Yea, yee know. Hee doeth not in these words precisely set downe a Law which all the ministers of the worde must needs keepe: for he did not behaue himselfe so loftily and lordlike,¹ that hee did take that away which the Lord had granted to his seruants, but doth rather in manie places maintaine their right, which is, that they bee maintained with that which is common. Whereunto belongeth that, that hee suffered many Churches to minister vnto him food and raiment. Neither did he onely freely receiue wages for the worke which he did in any place, of those who were there: but when he was in necessitie at Corinthus, hee saith that he robbed other Churches to releeue his pouertie. Therefore he doth not simply command Pastours to maintain their life with their handywork: but immediatly after he declareth how far forth he exhorteth them to follow his example. Those men of Corinthus did not denie him that which was due to him: but seeing that the false Apostles did boast that they did their worke freely, and gate thereby prayse among the people: Paul would not be behind them in this point, nor giue them any occasion to accuse him falsly: as hee himselfe affirmeth.