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…

31 And when they had prayed. Luke declareth now that God did not only hear this prayer, but did also testify the same by a visible sign from heaven. For the shaking of the place should of it self have done them small good: but it tendeth to another end, that the faithful may know that God is present with them. Finally it is nothing else but a token of the presence of God. But the fruit followeth, for they are all filled with the holy ghost, and endowed with greater boldness. We ought rather to stand upon this second member. For whereas God did declare his power then by shaking the place, it was a rare and extraordinary thing: and whereas it appeared by the effect, that the Apostles did obtain that which they desired, this is a perpetual profit of prayer, which is also set before us for an example.

31 And when they had prayed. Luke declareth nowe that God did not onely heare this prayer, but did also testifie the same by a visible signe from heauen. For the shaking of the place shoulde of it selfe haue done them small good: but it tendeth to another ende, that the faithfull may knowe that God is present with them. Finallie it is nothing else but a token of the presence of God. But the fruite followeth, for they are all filled with the holy ghost, and endowed with greater boldnesse. Wee ought rather to stande vppon this seconde member. For whereas God did declare his power then by shaking the place, it was a rare and extraordinarie thing: and whereas it appeared by the effect, that the Apostles did obtaine that which they desired, this is a perpetuall profite of prayer, which is also set before vs for an example.

32 And the multitude which believed had one heart and one soul: and no man did say that any of those things which he possessed was his own: but they had all things common. 33 And the Apostles did bear witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ with great power, and great grace was upon them all. 34 For there was none among them that lacked. For so many as possessed lands or houses, selling them, they brought the price of those things which were sold. 35 And they laid it at the feet of the Apostles. And it was distributed to every man according as he had need. 36 And Joses which was surnamed of the Apostles Barnabas (which is the son of comfort) a Levite, of the country of Cyprus, 37 Whereas he had land, he sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the Apostles feet.