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 All the Elders were present. We may gather that out of this place, which we had already in the fifteenth chapter. So often as any weighty business was to be handled, the Elders were wont to come together, to the end the consultation might be more quiet without the multitude. We shall see anon, that the people were likewise admitted in their order: yet after that the elders had had their secret consultation among themselves.

18 All the Elders were present. We may gather that out of this place, which we had already in the fifteenth chapter. So often as any weighty busines was to be handeled, the Elders were wont to come togither, to the end the cōsultatiō might be more quiet without the multitude. We shal see anon, that the people were likewise admitted in their order: yet after that the elders had had their secret cōsultation among thēselues.

19 And now Paul showeth his modesty when he doth not make him self the Author of those things which he had done: but giving the praise to God, doth call himself only the minister, whose industry God had used. As we must grant, that whatsoever thing is excellent and worthy praise, it is not done by our own power, but for as much as GOD doth work in us: & especially touching the edifying of the church. Again, it appeareth how far off the elders were from envy, when they glorify God for the joyful success. But because mention is made of no other Apostle besides James, we may conject that they were gone into divers places to spread abroad and preach the Gospel, as their calling did require. For the Lord had not appointed them to stay still at Jerusalem: but after they had made a beginning there, he commandeth them to go into Judea and other parts of the world. Moreover, the error of those men, who think that James was one of the disciples whom Paul numbereth among the three pillars of the church, is refuted before in the fifteenth chapter. And though the same commandment was given to him which was given to the rest of his fellows in office: yet I do not doubt but that they did so divide them selves, that James stood still at Jerusalem, whither many strangers were wont daily to resort. For that was all one as if he had preached the Gospel far and wide in strange places.