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…

Even until that day. Therefore the ascension of Christ is the end of the history of the Gospel. For he hath ascended, saith Paul, that he might fulfil all things.¹ Our faith gathereth other fruit thereby: but it shall be sufficient to note in this place, that our redemption was fully complete and finished then, when Christ did ascend unto his Father: and therefore that Luke did fully perform his duty in this narration, as touching the doctrine and works of Christ. And he is said to be taken up, that we may know that he is truly departed out of this world, least we should consent unto their dotings, who think, that in his ascension there was no alteration of place made.

Euen vntill that day. Therefore the ascention of Christ is the ende of the historie of the Gospel. For hee hath ascended, saith Paul, that hee might fulfill all things.¹ Our faith gathereth other fruite thereby: but it shall be sufficient to note in this place, that our redemption was fullie complete and finished then, when Christ did ascend vnto his Father: and therefore that Luke did fully performe his duetie in this narration, as touching the doctrine and workes of Christ. And he is said to be taken vp, that wee may know that he is truly departed out of this worlde, least we should consent vnto their dotings, who think, that in his ascension there was no alteration of place made.

1. 1Ephes. 4.10

Commandment by the holy Ghost. Luke showeth in these words, that Christ did not so depart out of the world, that he did no longer care for us: for in that he hath ordained a perpetual government in his Church, he thereby declareth that he had a care to provide for our salvation:¹ yea he hath promised that he will be present with his, to the end, like as in deed he is always present by his ministers. Luke therefore doth show unto us, that Christ did no sooner depart hence, but straight way he provided for the government of his Church: whence we may gather, that he is careful for our salvation: and this his providence hath Paul plainly noted in the place lately cited, when he saith, that he hath fulfilled all things, making some Apostles, some Evangelists, some pastors, &c. But these commandments which the Evangelist saith, Christ gave unto his disciples; do I interpret of the preaching of the Gospel: like as ambassadors use to be instructed with certain precepts, before they go of their embassy, least they should rashly attempt any thing contrary to his will and mind that sendeth them. And all this is spoken in commendation of that doctrine which the Apostles taught. The which that it may appear more manifestly, every thing is to be marked in order as it lieth. First of all he saith, they were elect & chosen of Christ, that we may be certain of their calling unto that function. Neither doth he in this place set Gods election against mans merits, but only affirmeth that they were raised up by God, & that they did not rashly take upon them this function. That is true in deed, that they were freely chosen: but now have we to inquire what is Lukes drift in this place. I say that he hath respect unto nothing else, but that we may be certain of the calling of the Apostles, that we may learn not to have respect unto men, but unto the son of God, the author thereof, because this must always be a maxim in the Church, that No man usurp any honour. Secondly, he saith, that they were instructed of Christ what they should do. As if he should say, that they uttered not their own inventions, but they delivered that sincerely and faithfully, which was enjoined them by their heavenly Master. And to the end that that which Christ taught them might be the more reverenced, he addeth this, that this was done by the direction of the holy Ghost.