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…

46 Continuing in the Temple. We must note that they did frequent the Temple for this cause, because there was more opportunity and occasion offered there to further the Gospel. Neither were they drawn with the holiness of the place, seeing they knew that the shadows of the law were ceased: neither meant they to draw others by their example ⟨p. 65⟩to have the Temple in any such reverence: but because there was there great concourse of people, who having laid aside their private cares, wherewith they had been drawn away else where, did seek the Lord: they were continually in the Temple, that they might gain such unto Christ. There might be another reason which might induce them hereunto, that they might have a mutual conference and imparting of doctrine amongst themselves: which they could not have done so conveniently in a private house, especially seeing they were so many.

46 Continuing in the Temple. We must note that they did frequent the Temple for this cause, because there was more opportunitie and occasion offered there to further the Gospel. Neither were they drawne with the holinesse of the place, seeing they knewe that the shadowes of the law were ceased: neither meant they to draw others by their example ⟨p. 65⟩to haue the Temple in any such reuerence: but because there was there great concourse of people, who hauing laide aside their priuate cares, wherewith they had beene drawne away else where, did seeke the Lorde: they were continually in the Temple, that they might gaine such vnto Christ. There might be another reason which might induce them hereunto, that they might haue a mutuall conference and imparting of doctrine amongst themselues: which they could not haue done so conueniently in a priuate house, especially seeing they were so many.

Breaking bread from house to house. Luke signifieth unto us that they did not only show some token of true godliness, publicly, but that the course & tenor of their private life was all one in that respect. For whereas some do think that in this place, by breaking of bread is meant the holy supper, it seemeth to me that Luke meant no such thing. He signifieth therefore unto us that they used to eat together, and that thriftily. For those which make sumptuous banquets, do not eat their meat together so familiarly. Again Luke addeth, In singleness of heart. Which is also a token of temperance. In sum, his meaning is to declare that their manner of living, was brotherly and sober. Some do join simplicity & gladness with the praise of God: and both texts may well be allowed. But because there can be no singleness of heart in praising God, unless the same be also in all parts of the life, therefore it is certain that there is mention made thereof in this sense, that the faithful did always use the same in all places. And we must also note the circumstance of time, that being environed and beset with many dangers, they were merry & joyful. The knowledge of Gods love toward us, and the hope of his protection do bring us this goodness with them, that we praise God with quiet minds, whatsoever the world doth threaten. And as Luke spake a little before of the public estate of the Church, so he declareth now what form and manner of life the faithful did use: that we may learn by their example a thrifty fellowship in our manner of living, and in all our whole life to embrace singleness, to enjoy the spiritual joy, and to exercise our selves in the praises of God. Furthermore, the singleness of heart reacheth far: but if you join it in this place with breaking of bread, it shall signify as much as sincere love, where one man dealeth plainly with an other, neither doeth any man craftily hunt after his own profit. Yet had I rather set the same against that carefulness, wherewith worldly men do too too much torment themselves. For when as we do not cast our care upon the Lord, this reward hangeth over our heads, that we tremble and quake even when we take our rest.