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 Lord they know. By this speech Paul doeth testify that he was not beside himself or brought into perplexity, but that he did assuredly believe the Oracle. For without doubt he knew Christ whom he calleth Lord. And Paul objecteth, that it cannot almost be, but that when they see him so suddenly changed, such a spectacle will move them. Whence he gathereth that he shall not be unfruitful. He thought so in deed: but Christ answereth flatly that he hath appointed him another charge: and he taketh from him the hope which he had in vain conceived touching the Jews. The question is whether it were lawful for Paul, to object these reasons to Christ: for it is as much as if he did avouch that that is probable, which Christ said could not be. I answer, that God giveth his saints leave, familiarly to utter their affections before him: especially when they seek no other thing but the confirmation of their faith.

19 Lord they know. By this speech Paul doeth testifie that he was not beside himselfe or brought into perplexitie, but that hee did assuredlie beleeue the Oracle. For without doubt he knewe Christ whom he calleth Lord. And Paul obiecteth, that it cannot almost be, but that when they see him so sodainely chaunged, such a spectacle will mooue them. Whence he gathereth that hee shall not be vnfruitfull. Hee thought so in deede: but Christ answereth flatly that he hath appointed him another charge: and hee taketh from him the hope which hee had in vaine conceiued touching the Iewes. The question is whether it were lawfull for Paul, to obiect these reasons to Christ: for it is as much as if he did auouch that that is probable, which Christ saide coulde not be. I answere, that God giueth his saintes leaue, familiarly to vtter their affections before him: especially when they seeke no other thing but the confirmation of their faith.

If any man stand in his own conceit, or stubbornly refuse that which God commandeth, his arrogance shall be worthily condemned: but God vouchsafeth his faithful servants of a singular privilege, that they may modestly object those things which may call them back from the desire to obey: to the end that being free from lets, they may wholly addict themselves to serve God: as Paul, after that he was taught that it pleased the Lord that it should be so, he doth not gainsay nor contend any longer: but being content with that one exception, and making an end there, he maketh himself ready to take his journey, which he seemed to be loth to take. In the mean season whereas the Jews are not touched with so many miracles, their stubbornness and pride which can not be tamed, is discovered. Which upbraiding did undoubtedly cause them to rage.