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…

Now for as much as Paul crieth that he is a Pharisee in this point of doctrine, he doeth flatly condemn all brainsick fellows ⟨p. 530⟩who at this day are in the same error. For there be certain profane & unlearned men who dream that Angels and Devils are nothing else but good and evil inspirations: and least they want some colour, they say that all that came from the Heathen, which the scripture hath concerning good and evil angels: whereas that opinion which was common in the world had his beginning from the heavenly doctrine. But the Heathen did with their lies pollute that doctrine which they had from the fathers. As touching mens souls, because even at this day, certain miscreants do feign that the souls do vanish away in death until the day of the resurrection, their madness is likewise refuted by the testimony of Luke.

Nowe for as much as Paul crieth that hee is a Pharisee in this point of doctrine, hee doeth flatly condemne all brainsicke fellowes ⟨p. 530⟩who at this day are in the same error. For there be certaine profane & vnlearned men who dreame that Angelles and Diuels are nothing els but good and euil inspirations: and least they want som colour, they say that all that came from the Heathen, which the scripture hath concerning good and euill angels: whereas that opinion which was common in the world had his beginning from the heauenly doctrine. But the Heathen did with their lyes pollute that doctrine which they had from the fathers. As touching mens soules, because euen at this day, certain miscreants doe feigne that the soules do vanish away in death vntill the day of the resurrection, their madnesse is likewise refuted by the testimony of Luke.

9 There was a great cry. That sedition whereof Luke spake a little before, is more plainly expressed in this place: to wit, that they were not only of divers opinions, but did strive clamorously with outcries. Wherefore stasis doth signify somewhat more then dissension. Furthermore this place doth teach what mischief disagreements bring with them. For because they take their beginning for the most part of ambition, men proceed thence unto contention, and straightway stubbornness breaketh out. When they be come thither: because there is no place left either for judgement or moderation, they can no longer judge of the cause. Those who did detest Paul, begin at a sudden to defend him. It was well done, if they had done it with judgement. But because they inveigh against the Sadducees, they are so inflamed with hatred against them, that they be blind in Paul his matter. For which cause we must beware of heat of contention, which disturbeth all things.