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…

6 Having prayed they laid their hands upon them. Laying on of hands was a solemn sign of consecration under the Law. To this end do the Apostles now lay their hands upon the Deacons, that they may know that they are offered to God. Notwithstanding because this Ceremony should of it self be vain, they add thereunto prayer, wherein the faithful commend unto God, those ministers whom they offer unto him. This is referred unto the Apostles, for all the people did not lay their hands upon the Deacons: but when the Apostles did make prayer in the name of the Church, others also did add their petitions. Hence we gather that the laying on of hands is a rite agreeing unto order and comeliness, for as much as the Apostles did use the same: and yet that it hath of it self no force or power, but that the effect dependeth upon the Spirit of God alone. Which is generally to be thought of all Ceremonies.

6 Hauing prayed they laide their hands vpon them. Laying on of handes was a solemne signe of consecration vnder the Law. To this end do the Apostles now lay their hands vpon the Deacons, that they may knowe that they are offered to God. Notwithstanding because this Ceremonie should of it selfe bee vaine, they adde thereunto prayer, wherein the faithfull commende vnto God, those ministers whom they offer vnto him. This is referred vnto the Apostles, for all the people did not lay their hands vpon the Deacons: but when the Apostles did make prayer in the name of the Church, others also did adde their petitions. Hence we gather that the laying on of hands is a rite agreeing vnto order and comlinesse, for as much as the Apostles did vse the same: and yet that it hath of it selfe no force or power, but that the effect dependeth vpon the Spirite of God alone. Which is generally to bee thought of all Ceremonies.

7 Furthermore the word of God grew, and the number of the disciples increased greatly at Jerusalem, and a great company of the Priests obeyed the faith. 8 And Stephen full of faith and power, wrought wonders and great signs amongst the people. 9 But there arose certain of the Synagogue, which was called the Synagogue of the Libertines and Cyrenians, and of Alexandria, and of those which were of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10 And they could not resist the wisdom, and Spirit wherewith he spake.