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…

And it shall appear by the text that Stephen was diligent and ⟨p. 132⟩courageous in spreading abroad the doctrine of the Gospel: but Luke passeth over that, being content to have commended his faith; which could not be slothful and sluggish.

And it shall appeare by the text that Steephen was diligent and ⟨p. 132⟩couragious in spreading abroade the doctrine of the Gospel: but Luke passeth ouer that, being content to haue commended his faith; which could not be slothfull and sluggish.

And there arose certain. This was the beginning of persecution, because the wicked after that they have assayed in vain to set themselves against Christ by disputing, when they saw that that former attempt did take none effect, they fly unto slanders, cavilling, and tumults, and at length they break out into violence and murder. Therefore Luke meaneth by the word Rise, that those of whom he speaketh, did assault the Gospel with their tongue, and did not by and by bring Stephen before the judgement seat, but did first set upon him by disputing against him. Furthermore he signifieth that they were strangers, which lived in Judea, either that they might exercise merchandise, or else get learning. Therefore he saith that some of them were Cyrenians, some of Alexandria, some of Cilicia, some of Asia. He saith that they were all of the Synagogue of the Libertines. It is to be thought that the free men of the citizens of Rome had caused a synagogue to be builded of their own charges, that it might be proper to the Jews which came together out of the provinces. Therefore those which were brought thither by the grace of God, and ought to have embraced Christ so much the more willingly, assault him first, and inflame the fury of others as it were with a trumpet. Also Luke will in many other places afterward declare, that the Jews which were scattered abroad in the provinces, were most deadly enemies to sound doctrine, and most venomous in moving tumults. He reckoneth up many, to the end the victory of the truth may be the more famous, whiles that many gathered of diverse countries, depart being vanquished by one man, and it is not to be doubted but that they were enforced to hold their peace with shame. Stephen had already won great favour, and gotten great dignity by miracles. He answereth the disputers now in such sort, that he getteth the upper hand much. He putteth not that Wisdom and Spirit which he saith his adversaries could not gainestande, as diverse things. Therefore resolve these words thus: They could not resist the wisdom which the Spirit of God gave him. For Luke meant to express, that they fought not on both sides as men: but that the enemies of the Gospel were therefore discouraged & overcome, because they did strive against the spirit of God, which spake by the mouth of Stephen.