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…

17 In threatening let us threaten. Here may we see what a deadly evil power, void of the fear of God is. For when that religion and reverence which ought, doth not reign, the more holy the place is which a man doth possess, the more boldly doth he rage. For which cause we always take good heed that the wicked be not preferred unto the government of the Church. And those which are called to this function, must behave themselves reverently and modestly, least they seem to be armed to do hurt. But and if it so happen they abuse their honour, the ⟨p. 93⟩Spirit declareth there as in a glass, what small account we ought to make of their decrees and commandments. The authority of the Pastors hath certain bounds appointed, which they may not pass. And if they dare be so bold, we may lawfully refuse to obey them, for if we should, it were in us great wickedness: as it followeth now.

17 In threatning let vs threaten. Here may wee see what a deadly euill power, voide of the feare of God is. For when that religion and reuerence which ought, doth not reigne, the more holy the place is which a man doth possesse, the more boldly doth he rage. For which cause wee alwayes take good heed that the wicked bee not preferred vnto the gouernment of the Church. And those which are called to this function, must behaue themselues reuerently and modestly, least they seeme to be armed to do hurt. But and if it so happen they abuse their honor, the ⟨p. 93⟩Spirite declareth there as in a glasse, what small accompt wee ought to make of their decrees and commaundementes. The authoritie of the Pastors hath certaine bounds appointed, which they may not passe. And if they dare be so bolde, we may lawfully refuse to obey them, for if we should, it were in vs great wickednes: as it followeth now.

19 And Peter and John answered them, & said, Whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you rather than to God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak those things which we have seen and heard. 21 And when they had threatened them, they let them go finding nothing for which they might punish them, because of the people: for all men did glorify God, because of that which was done. 22 For the man was more then forty years old, on whom the sign of healing was showed. 23 Furthermore when they were let go, they came to their fellows, and told them whatsoever things the Priests and Elders had said.