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…

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.

19 And Peter and Iohn answered them, & said, Whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken vnto you rather than to God, iudge yee. 20 For we cannot but speake those thinges which we haue seene 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 glorifie God, because of that which was done. 22 For the man was more then fortie yeares olde, on whom the signe of healing was shewed. 23 Furthermore when they were let goe, they came to their fellowes, and tolde them whatsoeuer thinges the Priestes and Elders had said.

19 Whether it be right. Let us remember to whom they make this answer. For this council did undoubtedly represent the Church: yet because they do abuse their authority, the Apostles say flatly that they are not to be obeyed. And (as men use to do in an evident matter) they refer over the judgement unto their adversaries, for a reproach unto them. Furthermore it is worth the noting, that they set the authority of God against their decrees. Which thing should be done out of season, unless they were the enemies of God, who notwithstanding were otherwise the ordinary Pastors of the Church. Moreover the Apostles express a farther thing also, to wit, that the obedience which men use toward evil and unfaithful Pastors, howsoever they hold the lawful government of the Church, is contrary to God. This question doth the Pope answer pleasantly, because he saith that all those things are divine oracles whatsoever it hath pleased him to blunder out unadvisedly. By this means the danger of contrariety is taken away. But the Bishops can challenge no more at this day, than God had given then to the order of the Priests. Therefore this is a toy too childish, That they can command nothing but that which is agreeable to the commandment of God. Yea rather the thing it self declareth evidently, that there shall be no conflict then, if they suffer their vain and unbridled lust to range freely, having vanquished and renounced the doctrine of Christ. Therefore by what title soever men be called, yet must we hear them only upon this condition, if they lead us not away from obeying God. So that we must examine all their traditions, by the rule of the word of God. We must obey princes and others which are in authority: yet so, that they rob not God (who is the chief king, Father, and Lord) of his right, and authority. If we must observe such modesty in politic government, it ought to be of far more force in the spiritual government of the Church. And least according to their wonted pride, they think that their authority is