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…

40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying: Be ye saved from this froward generation. 41 Those therefore which willingly embraced his word, were baptized: and there were added that day, about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued in the Apostles doctrine, and in fellowship, and breaking of bread, and prayers.

40 And with many other words did he testifie and exhort, saying: Bee yee saued from this froward generation. 41 Those therefore which willingly embraced his worde, were baptized: and there were added that day, about three thousand soules. 42 And they continued in the Apostles doctrine, and in fellowship, and breaking of bread, and prayers.

40 And with many. Although in these things which we have had hitherto, Luke did not recite the words of saint Peter, but did only ⟨p. 60⟩briefly touch the chief points: notwithstanding he telleth us again in this place, that Peter did not use doctrine only, but did add the pricks of exhortations. And he expresseth plainly that he stood much hereupon. Whereas he saith, that he did exhort and beseech, he noteth therein his earnestness. For it was not so easy a matter for them by and by to take their leave of those errors wherewith they were of late infected, and to shake off the government of the Priests whereunto they were accustomed. Therefore it stood him upon to pull them violently out of this mire. The sum was this, that they should beware of that froward generation. For they could not be Christs unless they would depart from his professed enemies. The Priests and Scribes were then in great authority, and for as much as they did cover themselves under the visor of the Church, they did deceive the simple. This did hinder and keep back a great many from coming to Christ. Also some might waver, & other some might fall away from the right faith. Therefore Peter plainly declareth that they are a froward generation, howsoever they make boast of the title of the Church. For which cause he commandeth his hearers to separate themselves from them, least they entangle themselves in their wicked and pestiferous fellowship. Whereas he saith Be ye saved, he signifieth unto them that they shall surely perish, if they couple themselves with such a plague. And surely experience doth teach us how miserably those men are tossed to and fro, who cannot discern the voice of their pastor from the voice of other men: and again what an hinderance softness and sluggishness is to a great many, whilst they desire to stand in a doubt. Therefore he commandeth them to depart from the wicked, if they will be saved. And this point of doctrine is not to be neglected. For it were not sufficient to have Christ set before us, unless we were also taught to fly those things which do lead us away from him. And it is the duty of a good shepherd to defend his sheep from the wolves.