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…

23 When Felix. It appeareth that Felix (though he pronounced nothing concerning the matter) did perceive that Paul was burdened with no fault of his own, but with the malice of the Priests. For when Luke sayeth that the matter was deferred until the coming of Lysias, ⟨p. 547⟩he putteth in this in steed of a reason, that The ruler did perfectly know those things which did appertain unto the way: by which words I think is signified either that through long experience he had been acquainted with the conditions of the Priests, and knew full well how they were wont to behave themselves: or else that he saw by these things which had been spoken on both sides, how frivolous the accusation was: which is confirmed by the courteous and remiss usage of Paul: for he putteth a Centurion in trust with him, that he may have the more liberty. Others had rather read it in one text in the person of Felix: When Lysias, who doth better know the trueth of this matter is come, I will then give judgement. But they set and gather this racked sense from a reason which is scarce firm. They say that this word Way, is no where taken for the doctrine of the Law without some addition. But I do not interpret it of the Law, but of those sects whereof no strangers were ignorant. No man did doubt, but that the Pharisees did hold the immortality of the soul. Therefore seeing it was a thing so common, no marvel if Felix do acquit Paul. Furthermore it were hard to take Way, for the knowledge of the fact. And I see not how this can hang together that the Governor doth confess that Lysias was more expert in the Law than he. But his innocency is made more famous & evident by this, because a profane man did straightway give such a prejudice thereof, that he did suffer him to be visited and holpen by his friends, being as it were exempted from the order of prisoners. Also we gather by this that Paul his companions and the residue of the Church had not forsaken him. For to what end had it bin to grant liberty to his friends and acquaintance to have access unto him, unless they had bin present, had showed themselves to be careful for him, and had bin desirous to do their duty? Therefore let us learn by this example, that so long as we may and are able, we must not defraud the martyrs of Christ of any manner of comfort, whiles they labour for the Gospel.

23 When Felix. It appeareth that Felix (though hee pronounced nothing concerning the matter) did perceiue that Paul was burdened with no fault of his owne, but with the malice of the Priestes. For when Luke saieth that the matter was deferred vntill the comming of Lysias,