A17642:488
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…
The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated out of Latin into English for the great profit of our country-men, by Christopher Fetherstone student in divinityThe commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated out of Latine into English for the great profite of our countrie-men, by Christopher Fetherstone student in diuinitie
Londini: printed by Thomas Dawson, 1585
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
yet there sprang up more churches by and by of those lame members, which were dispersed here and there, and so the body of Christ was spread abroad far and wide, whereas it was before shut up within the ⟨p. 183⟩walls of Jerusalem.
yet there sprang vp more churches by and by of those lame members, which were dispersed heere and there, and so the body of Christe was spread abroad farre and wide, whereas it was before shut vp within the ⟨p. 183⟩walles of Ierusalem.
They were all scattered abroad. It is certain that they were not all scattered abroad, but the scripture useth an universal note, for that which we say, Every where, or abroad. The sum is this, that not only a few were in danger: because the cruelty of the enemies raged throughout the whole church. Many do oftentimes take themselves to their feet, through faintness of heart, even when they hear any light rumour, but these are in another case. For they fled not unadvisedly being discouraged, but because they saw no other means to pacify the fury of the adversaries. And he saith that they were scattered not only through divers places of Judea, but that they cam even unto Samaria: so that the middle wall began to be pulled down,1 which made division between the Jews and the Gentiles. For the conversion of Samaria, was as it were the first fruits of the calling of the Gentiles. For although they had circumcision as had the people of God, yet we know that there was great dissension, and that not without great cause, forasmuch as they had in Samaria only a forged worship of god, as Christ affirmeth, because it was only an unsavoury emulation. Therefore God set open the gate for the gospel then, that the sceptre of Christ sent out of Jerusalem, might come unto the Gentiles. He exempteth the Apostles out of this number, not that they were free from the common danger: but because it is the duty of a good pastor, to set him self against the invasions of wolves, for the safety of his flock. But here may a question be asked, forasmuch as they were commanded to preach the Gospel throughout the whole world, why they stayed at Jerusalem,