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…

9 And Festus. Whether Festus knew somewhat of their laying await (which we may well conject,) or whether he were altogether ignorant thereof: he dealeth unjustly with Paul: and we see how soon those are drawn unto all corruption, which are not guided by the spirit of God. For Festus doeth not openly contemn or hate Paul: but ambition, and peradventure also desire of gain got the upper hand, so that for pleasing the other part, he doth unjustly bring him in danger of death: also it is ⟨p. 553⟩likely that he was enticed with the smell of some reward to hearken so courteously to the priests. Notwithstanding I marvel that he giveth Paul leave to choose, and doth not rather according to this authority command them to carry him whether he would or no. Surely we gather that he was kept back with fear, least he should infringe the privilege of the city of Rome, which was a very odious crime. Notwithstanding he studieth craftily to persuade Paul not to refuse to be judged at Jerusalem. For he was not ignorant of that which indeed came to pass, that a citizen of Rome might lawfully appeal, so that he could then go no farther. Nevertheless it was no thank to him that he was not delivered into the hands of murderers.

9 And Festus. Whether Festus knew somwhat of their laying awaite (which we may well coniect,) or whether hee were altogither ignorant thereof: he dealeth vniustly with Paul: and we see how soone those are drawne vnto all corruption, which are not guided by the spirite of God. For Festus doeth not openly contemne or hate Paul: but ambition, and peraduenture also desire of gain got the vpper hand, so that for pleasing the other part, he doth vniustly bring him in danger of death: also it is ⟨p. 553⟩likely that he was enticed with the smel of som reward to harkē so courteously to the priestes. Notwithstanding I maruell that he giueth Paul leaue to choose, and doth not rather according to this authoritie commaund them to carry him whether he would or no. Surely wee gather that he was kept backe with feare, least he should infringe the priuilege of the citie of Rome, which was a very odious crime. Notwithstanding he studieth craftilie to persuade Paul not to refuse to be iudged at Ierusalem. For he was not ignorant of that which indeed came to passe, that a citizen of Rome might lawfully appeale, so that he could then goe no farther. Neuerthelesse it was no thanke to him that hee was not deliuered into the hands of murtherers.