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…

26 Whereas some accuse Paul of subtlety, as if he did play the Hypocrite, I have before refuted this. Yet I do not deny but that he granted to do thus much at the request of the brethren, being thereunto in a manner enforced. Therefore it hath more colour, and is (as they say) more disputable, that he was too easily entreated; and too ready to obey: and yet I do not admit that which some men say, that it went not well with Paul, because taking upon him a new and unwonted person, he did not so constantly as he was wont maintain the liberty purchased by Christ. I confess indeed that God doth oftentimes punish foolish purposes with unhappy success: but I see not why this should be applied ⟨p. 504⟩to Paul, who through voluntary subjection sought to win the favour of the rude & such as were not throughly instructed, that he might do them good: being about to do that, not willingly, but because he had rather yield to the brethren, than stick to his own judgement Furthermore, when he was once admitted, he might fitly have passed over to moderate that zeal. His courtesy doth rather deserve great praise, in that he doth not only gently abase himself for the unskilful peoples sake: but doth also obey their foolishness, who did unworthily, & against reason suspect him. He might well have reproved them, because they had bin so ready to believe reports contrary to his estimation. In that he abstaineth, he showeth great patience: in that he winneth their favour so carefully, it is singular modesty. Moreover, he might have been more rough and round with James & his fellows in office, because they had not bin more diligent to root out errors from among the people. For though it be certain that they taught faithfully: yet it may be that the sight of the temple, & the very fear of the law did hinder them in defending the use of liberty. But Paul whether he went from his right of his own accord, or whether he think that they see better what is expedient, then he, doth follow their counsel. And whereas false Nicodemites following this exam ple of Paul, go about to colour their treacherous dissimulation, whiles they pollute themselves with all filthiness of popery, it needeth no long refutation. They boast that they do this to win the weak brethren, or that they follow their vein thus far, as if Paul did yield to them in all things without choice.

26 Whereas some accuse Paule of subtletie, as if hee did playe the Hypocrite, I haue before refuted this. Yet I doe not denie but that he graunted to do thus much at the request of the brethren, being thervnto in a manner enforced. Therfore it hath more colour, and is (as they say) more disputable, that he was too easily intreated; and too ready to obey: and yet I doe not admit that which some men say, that it went not wel with Paul, because taking vpon him a new and vnwonted person, he did not so constantly as he was woont mainteine the liberty purchased by Christe. I confesse indeede that God doth oftentimes punish foolish purposes with vnhappy successe: but I see not why this should be applied