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…

34 And a certain Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, precious to all the people, rising in the council, commanded the Apostles to be carried out a little space. 35 Then he said unto them, Men of Israel, take heed to your selves, what ye intend to do touching these men. 36 For before these days there arose one Theudas, saying that he was some great man, to whom consented a number of men about four hundred: who perished, & they were all scattered abroad which had obeyed him, and were brought to nought. 37 After him arose one Judas of Galilee, in the days of the tribute, and led away much people after him, and he likewise perished, and all which had obeyed him, were scattered abroad. 38 Now therefore I say unto you, Abstain from these men, and let them alone. For if this counsel or this work be of men, it shall come to nought. 39 But if it be of god, you cannot destroy it: least at any time ye be found to fight with God.

34 And a certaine Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the lawe, pretious to all the people, rising in the councell, commaunded the Apostles to be carried out a little space. 35 Then he said vnto them, Men of Israel, take heed to your selues, what yee intend to do touching these men. 36 For before these dayes there arose one Theudas, saying that he was som great man, to whom consented a number of men about foure hundreth: who perished, & they were all scattered abroad which hadde obeied him, and were brought to nought. 37 After him arose one Iudas of Galile, in the dayes of the tribute, and led away much people after him, and he likewise perished, and al which had obeyed him, were scattered abroad. 38 Now therfore I say vnto you, Abstain from these men, and let them alone. For if this counsell or this worke be of men, it shall come to nought. 39 But if it be of god, you cannot destroy it: least at any time ye be found to fight with God.

34 Luke showeth now after what manner God brought to nought that fury of the wicked. They were purposed to put the Apostles to death: Gamaliel standeth up amidst them, to break off that mad consultation. Furthermore, he noteth the circumstances, to the end we may know how it could be, that one man could prevail so much against so many. He sayeth he was a Pharisee, which sect was in great estimation as we know. He sayeth that he was in price or honoured amongest the people: And they feared the people. Hereby it cometh to pass that they are the more afraid to do any thing contrary to