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…

12 Men of Israel. He beginneth his sermon with a reproving of the people. And yet doth he not simply reprove them because they wonder: ⟨p. 72⟩for that was altogether profitable and worthy praise: but because they do wickedly ascribe unto men that praise which is due to the work of God. As if he should say, Ye do amiss, in that you stay in us, and stand gassing upon us, whereas you ought rather to look upon God and Christ. Therefore this is to be amazed evilly, when as our minds do stay in men. And we must note that he condemneth the respect of men. As if, sayeth he, we by our own power and virtue had done this. Therefore there is an error and corruption in this, if we attribute that unto the godliness and power of men, which is proper to God and Christ. And as concerning power, no man will deny that it cometh of God: yet when they have confessed this in one word, they do not cease to take from God his right, to the end they may adorn the creatures with that which they take from him. As we see the Papists place the power of God, in the Saints: yea they include his power in a stone or stock of wood, so soon as the image is consecrated to Barbara or Chrysogonus. But notwithstanding let us suppose that they do not offend in that former member. Yet do they foolishly think that they have done their duty toward God, when as they leave him the power: and assign the miracles unto the godliness of Saints. For why do they run unto them, when they will obtain either rain or fair weather, or be delivered from diseases, unless they do imagine that they have by their godliness deserved, that God should grant them this right and privilege? This is therefore but a childish starting hole, when they confess that God is the author of the power: but they thank the godliness of Saints for those benefits which they have received. Howsoever they colour the matter, we must always know this, that Peter doeth generally condemn those which do so look unto men in miracles, that they think that their holiness is the cause thereof. This is the first part of the sermon, wherein he reproveth superstition. And we must note this manner and order of teaching. For because men are inclined to nothing more, than to fall from God unto the Creatures, it is very expedient to prevent this vice in time.

12 Men of Israel. He beginneth his sermon with a reprouing of the people. And yet doth he not simplie reprooue them because they wonder: ⟨p. 72⟩