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…

13 And when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and considered that they were men unlearned and ignorant, they wondered, and they knew them that they had been with Jesus. 14 And when they saw the man that had been healed standing with them, they could not say against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to depart out of the council, they consulted among themselves, 16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? For a manifest sign is done by them, and it is openly known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, neither can we deny it. 17 But least it be noised any farther among the people, in threatening let us threaten them, that they speak not hence forth to any man in this name. 18 And then when they had called them, they charged them that they should not speak at all, or teach in the name of Jesus.

13 And when they saw the boldnesse of Peter and Iohn, and considered that they were men vnlearned and ignorant, they wondered, and they knewe them that they had beene with Iesus. 14 And when they saw the man that had beene healed standing with them, they could not say against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to depart out of the councell, they consulted among themselues, 16 Saying, What shal we do to these men? For a manifest signe is done by them, and it is openlie knowne to all the inhabitants of Ierusalem, neither can wee denie it. 17 But least it bee noised any farther among the people, in threatning let vs threaten them, that they speake not hence foorth to any man in this name. 18 And then when they had called them, they charged them that they should not speake at all, or teach in the name of Iesus.

13 Here may we see an evil conscience: for being destitute of right & reason, they break out into open tyranny, the hatred whereof they had assayed to escape. Therefore he doth first declare that they were convict, that it may appear that they did war against God wittingly & willingly like Giants. For they see a manifest work of his in the man which was healed, and yet do they wickedly set themselves against him. In as much as they know that Peter and John were men unlearned and ignorant, they acknowledge that there was somewhat more than belongeth to man, in their boldness: therefore they are enforced to wonder whether they will or no. Yet they break out into such impudency, that they fear not to seek some tyrannous means to oppress the truth. When as they confess that it is a manifest sign, they condemn themselves therein of an evil conscience. When they say that it is known to all men, they declare that passing over God, they have respect unto men only. For they bewray their want of shame thereby, that they would not have doubted to turn their back, if there had been any colour of denial. And when they ask what they shall do, they make their obstinate wickedness known unto all men. For they would have submitted them selves unto God, unless devilish fury had carried them away to some other purpose. This is the Spirit of giddiness and madness, wherewith God doeth make his enemies drunk. So when they hope shortly after that they can by threatenings bring it about, that the fame shall go no farther, what can be more foolish? For after they have put two simple men to silence, shall the arm of God be broken?