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…

2 Seeing we live in great peace. Tertullus useth a preface nothing appertinent to the matter, because he commendeth Felix his wisdom and virtues, that he may purchase favour. Therefore it is a filthy and flattering Exordium not that I am of their mind who reprehend Tertullus for speaking the judge fair, and for seeking to win his favour. ⟨p. 539⟩For it is not always disagreeing with the right and lawful form of pleading, to commend the judge: and there may reasons be brought on both sides (as they say) touching this matter. But I mislike nothing but this which is altogether corrupt. For the Rhetorician doth insinuate himself under false praises, that he may darken the matter which is called in question. For to what end doeth he speak of peace and a well ordered state, save only that Felix may think that the safety of Judea consisteth in condemning Paul, and that he may examine the matter no further? Moreover it appeareth by Josephus how covetously, cruelly, and voluptuously Felix behaved himself in that province. The unworthy and tragical murdering of the highest Priest Jonathan, because he set himself against his dissolute tyranny, was already past: and finally almost at the very same time Claudius Caesar was enforced with the complaints of the whole nation, to put Festus in his place, and to call him to answer for himself.

2 Seeing wee liue in great peace. Tertullus vseth a preface nothing appertinent to the matter, because hee commendeth Felix his wisedome and vertues, that hee may purchase fauour. Therefore it is a filthie and flattering Exordium not that I am of their minde who reprehende Tertullus for speaking the iudge faire, and for seeking to winne his fauour. ⟨p. 539⟩For it is not alwayes disagreeing with the right and lawfull forme of pleading, to commende the iudge: and there may reasons be brought on both sides (as they say) touching this matter. But I mislike nothing but this which is altogither corrupt. For the Rhetorician doth insinuate himselfe vnder false praises, that hee may darken the matter which is called in question. For to what ende doeth he speake of peace and a wel ordered state, saue onely that Felix may think that the safetie of Iudea consisteth in condemning Paul, and that he may examine the matter no further? Moreouer it appeareth by Iosephus how couetously, cruelly, and voluptuously Felix behaued himselfe in that prouince. The vnworthy and tragicall murthering of the highest Priest Ionathas, because he set himselfe against his dissolute tyranny, was alreadie past: and finally almost at the very same time Claudius Caesar was enforced with the complaints of the whole nation, to put Festus in his place, and to call him to answere for himselfe.