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…

19 Those therefore which were dispersed by reason of the tribulation which happened about Stephen, went into Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none, save only to the Jews. 20 And there were certain of them men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who entering into Antioch, spake with the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, Therefore a great number when they believed were turned unto the Lord. 22 And the tidings of them came unto the ears of the church which was at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas that he might go to Antioch. 23 Who when he was come and had seen the grace of god, he rejoiced, and did exhort all, that with purpose of heart they would continue cleaving to the Lord. 24 Because he was a good man, and full of the holy ghost and faith. And there was a great multitude added unto the Lord.

19 Those therfore which were dispersed by reason of the tribulation which happened about Steeuen, went into Phenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none, saue only to the Iewes. 20 And there were certain of them men of Cyprus and Cyrena, who entering into Antioch, spake with the Grecians, preaching the Lord Iesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, Therfore a great number when they beleeued were turned vnto the Lord. 22 And the tidings of them came vnto the eares of the church which was at Ierusalem, and they sent Barnabas that he might goe to Antioch. 23 Who when he was come and had seen the grace of god, he reioyced, and did exhort all, that with purpose of heart they would continue cleeuing to the Lord. 24 Because he was a good man, and full of the holy ghost and faith. And there was a great multitude added vnto the Lord.

19 Those which were scattered abroad. Luke returneth now unto the former history & unto that which followed in the same. For he had said before, that after that Stephen was slain, the cruelty of the wicked increased, & many fled hither & thither for fear: so that the Apostles were almost left alone at Jerusalem. whenas the church was thus torn in pieces, & fear did cause those which were fled to keep silence, or else contempt of strangers. He declareth that that event did follow which no man would have hoped for: for as the seed is sown that it may bring forth fruit: so it came to pass through their flight & scattering abroad, that the gospel was spread abroad in nations which were far of, which was included before within the walls of one city as in a barn. In like sort it came to pass that the name of Christ passing over mountains & seas, did flow even unto the farthest parts of the world. And by this means according to the prophecy of Isaiah, the consumption did abound in righteousness. If so many godly men had not been expelled out of Jerusalem, Cyprus had heard nothing, Phoenicia had heard nothing of Christ: yea Italy & Spain which were farther off had heard nothing. But the Lord brought to pass that of many torn members did arise mo bodies. For how came it to pass that there were churches gathered at Rome & at Puteolum save only because a few exiled men, & such as fled away had hrought the Gospel