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…

They said by the spirit. Namely with the approbation of speech, that Paul might know that they spake by the Spirit of prophecy. Surely this was no small temptation, to cause him not to finish the journey which he had taken in hand, seeing the holy ghost dist dissuade him from the same. ⟨p. 494⟩And this was a very fair colour to fly from the cross, if he had cared for his own safety, to be drawn back as it were with the hand of God. Notwithstanding he ceaseth not to hold on thither whither he knew he was called by the Lord. Notwithstanding here ariseth a question, how the brethren can dissuade him by the Spirit from doing that, which Paul did testify he doth by the secret motion of the same spirit? Is the Spirit contrary to himself, that he doth now loose Paul whom he held bound inwardly? I answer that there be divers gifts of the Spirit: so that it is no marvel if those who excel in the gift of prophecy be some times destitute of judgement or strength. The Lord showed to these brethren of whom Luke maketh mention, what should come to pass: yet nevertheless they know not what is expedient and what Paul his calling doth require, because the measure of their gift doth not reach so far. And the Lord would have his servant admonished of purpose, partly that through long meditation he might be better furnished and prepared to suffer whatsoever should come, partly that his constancy might more plainly appear, when as being certified by prophesies of the doleful event, he doth notwithstanding wittingly and willingly make hast to endure whatsoever things shall befall him.

They said by the spirit. Namely with the approbation of speeche, that Paul might know that they spake by the Spirite of prophesie. Surely this was no smal temptation, to cause him not to finish the iourney which he had taken in hand, seeing the holy ghost dist disuade him frō the same. ⟨p. 494⟩And this was a very faire colour to flie from the crosse, if hee had cared for his own safetie, to be drawen backe as it were with the hand of God. Notwithstanding he ceaseth not to hold on thither whither he knew he was called by the Lord. Notwithstanding heere ariseth a question, howe the brethren can disuade him by the Spirit from doing that, which Paul did testifie he doth by the secret motion of the same spirit? Is the Spirit contrary to himselfe, that he doth now loose Paul whom he held bound inwardly? I answere that there be diuers giftes of the Spirite: so that it is no maruell if those who excell in the gift of prophesie bee some times destitute of iudgement or strength. The Lord shewed to these brethren of whom Luke maketh mention, what should come to passe: yet neuerthelesse they know not what is expedient and what Paul his calling doth require, because the measure of their gift doth not reach so farre. And the Lorde woulde haue his seruaunt admonished of purpose, partly that through long meditation he might be better furnished and prepared to suffer whatsoeuer shoulde come, partly that his constancie might more plainely appeare, when as being certified by prophesies of the dolefull euent, he doth notwithstāding wittingly and willlingly make hast to endure whatsoeuer things shall befall him.