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…

32 And we are his witnesses. After that they have declared that their doctrine came from god, they descend now unto the other part: that they speak as they were commanded by god, least they seem to attempt any thing unadvisedly. For this also was a necessary defence: as it is for all the ministers of the Gospel: to wit, that they make this openly known to all men, that they teach nothing but that which they have received of God. Secondly, that they are called hereunto, so that they cannot avoid the necessity of teaching unless they will resist God. Luke putteth words in this place in stead of things, according to the Hebrew phrase. Although if any man had rather understand it of the speech it self, I do not deny but that it may be so. The sum is, seeing they are brought forth by God to be witnesses, they may not give back, but they must publish that which he hath commanded.

32 And we are his witnesses. After that they haue declared that their doctrine came from god, they discend now vnto the other part: that they speake as they were commaunded by god, least they seeme to attempt any thing vnaduisedly. For this also was a necessarie defence: as it is for all the ministers of the Gospell: to wit, that they make this openly knowen to all men, that they teach nothing but that which they haue receiued of God. Secondly, that they are called hereunto, so that they cannot auoide the necessitie of teaching vnlesse they will resist God. Luke putteth wordes in this place in steede of things, according to the Hebrewe phrase. Although if any man had rather vnderstand it of the speech it self, I doe not denie but that it may be so. The summe is, seeing they are brought forth by God to be witnesses, they may not giue back, but they must publish that which he hath commaunded.

And also the spirit. They confirm their calling by the effect. For this was as a seal to approve their doctrine, seeing that God gave the holy Spirit to those which believed. For as much as it appeared manifestly by this that he allowed the faith of the Gospel, and it was acceptable to him. In that they say, to those which obey him, I refer it unto Christ: as if they should have said, Those which believe in Christ, are plentifully rewarded for their obedience. Therefore god will have Christ obeyed wherefore even our ministry doth please him in that thing. Yet here may a question be moved, seeing that we have faith by the revelation of the spirit how is it said in this place that the same is given after faith? I answer, that the gift of tongues, of prophecy, of interpretation, of healing, and such like, are spoken of in this place, wherewith god did beautify his Church. As Paul saith, where he asketh the Galatians, Whether they received the Spirit by the law or by the hearing of faith. Therefore the illumination of the spirit goeth before faith, because it is the cause thereof: