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…

The first of those which. There were some other whose resurrection went before Christs in time: namely if we admit that the saints of whom the Evangelists speak, did come out of their graves before Christ:¹ which may likewise be said of the taking up of Enoch & Elijah. But he calleth him in this place the First, as in another place the first fruits of those which rise again. Therefore this word doth rather note out the cause, than the order of time: because when Christ did rise again, he became the conqueror of death & Lord of life, that he might reign for ever, & make those who are his, partakers of blessed immortality. Under this word light, he comprehendeth whatsoever doeth pertain unto perfect felicity, as by darkness is meant death and all manner of misery. And I do not doubt but that Paul alluded unto the sayings of the Prophets,² The people which walked in darkness saw great light. And again, Behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall be seen upon thee. Again, Behold those which are in darkness shall see light. Again, I have made thee a light of the Gentiles.³ And it appeareth by many oracles that the light of life should come out of Judea and should be spread abroad among the Gentiles.

The first of those which. There were some other whose resurrection went before Christs in time: namely if we admit that the saints of whom the Euangelists speake, did come out of their graues before Christ:¹ which may likwise be said of the taking vp of Enoch & Elias. But he calleth him in this place the First, as in another place the first fruits of those which rise again. Therefore this word doth rather note out the cause, than the order of time: because whē Christ did rise again, he became the conqueror of death & Lord of life, that he might reigne for euer, & make those who are his, partakers of blessed immortalitie. Vnder this word light, he comprehendeth whatsoeuer doeth pertaine vnto perfite felicitie, as by darknesse is meant death and all manner of miserie. And I do not doubt but that Paul alluded vnto the sayings of the Prophetes,²