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…

Now let us gather out of this place some things which are worth the noting. For as much as they are called master builders who have government of the Church, the name itself putteth them in mind of their duty. Therefore let them give themselves wholly to the building of the temple of God. And because all men do not their duty faithfully as they ought, let them see what is the best manner of building aright, to wit, let them retain Christ for the foundation: that done, let them not mix straw and stubble in this building, but let them make the whole building of pure doctrine:¹ as Paul teacheth in 1. Cor. 3. Whereas God is said to have extolled Christ, who was rejected of the builders, this ought to comfort us, when as we see even the Pastors of the church, or at least those which are in great honour, wickedly rebel against Christ, that they may banish him. For we may safely set light by those visors, which they object against us: so that we need not fear to give Christ that honour, which god doth give to him. But if he wink for a time, yet doeth he laugh at the boldness of his enemies from on high, whiles they rage & fret upon earth. Furthermore though their conspiracies be strong and guarded with all aides, yet must we always assure our selves of this, that Christ his honour shall remain safe and sound. And let the fruit of this confidence ensue also, that we be valiant and without fear in maintaining the kingdom of Christ, whereof God will be an invincible defender, as he himself affirmeth. We have already spoken of Peter his constancy, in that, one simple man, having such envious judges, and yet having but one partner in the present danger, showeth no token at all of fear, but doth freely confess in that raging and furious company, that thing which he knew would be received with most contrary minds. And whereas he sharply upbraideth unto them that wickedness which they had committed, we must fetch from hence a rule of speech, when we have to deal with the open enemies of the truth. For we must beware of two faults on this behalf, that we seem not to flatter by keeping silence or winking: for that were treacherous silence, whereby the truth should be betrayed. Again, that we be not puffed up with wantonness, or immoderate heat, as mens minds do oftentimes break out more then they ought, in contention.

Now let vs gather out of this place som things which are worth the noting. For as much as they are called master builders who haue gouernment of the Church, the name itself putteth them in mind of their dutie. Therefore let them giue themselues wholly to the building of the temple of God. And because al men do not their dutie faithfully as they ought, let them see what is the best maner of building aright, to wit, let them retaine Christ for the foundation: that done, let them not mixe straw and stubble in this building, but let them make the whole building of pure doctrine: